What does the "cumulative effect" of drugs refer to?

The "cumulative effect" of drugs refers to the increased intensity of action over time due to the accumulation of the drug in the body. This phenomenon occurs when a drug is administered repeatedly or continuously, leading to higher concentrations in the bloodstream. As the body does not fully eliminate the drug between doses, the therapeutic effects can become stronger and more prolonged. This effect is particularly important in medications with a long half-life or when taken in frequent doses, as it can result in enhanced efficacy or potential toxicity if not monitored effectively.

In this context, understanding cumulative effects is crucial for safe medication management, especially for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index where the difference between effective and harmful doses is small.