What does "onset of action" describe?

The term "onset of action" specifically refers to the time it takes for a drug to begin demonstrating its therapeutic effect after it has been administered. This concept is critical in pharmacology as it helps healthcare providers determine how quickly a patient might expect relief from symptoms or intervention from a medication.

Understanding the onset of action is especially relevant when managing acute conditions where immediate effects are desired, such as in pain management or in cases of anaphylaxis where quick responses can be life-saving. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what "onset of action" means in the context of pharmacological therapy.