Drug A produces its maximum therapeutic effect at a dose of 10 mg. Drug B requires 100 mg to produce the same maximum effect. Which statement is correct?

• A Drug A is more efficacious than Drug B
• B Drug A has a longer elimination half-life than Drug B
• C Drug A has a higher therapeutic index than Drug B
• D Drug A is more potent than Drug B ✓

Explanation

Potency refers to the dose required to produce a given effect; Drug A is more potent because it achieves the same effect at a lower dose. Efficacy (Emax) is identical since both produce the same maximum response. Therapeutic index and half-life cannot be determined from dose information alone. Potency differences are clinically relevant for dosing but not for maximum achievable effect.

Reference: Rang and Dale's Pharmacology, 9th ed.

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