AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

What is the action of antagonist drugs?

1. Enhance the effects of another drug

2. Counteract the action of another drug

3. Increase absorption of another drug

4. Stimulate the effects of another drug

The correct answer is: Counteract the action of another drug

Antagonist drugs are designed to counteract the effects of another drug. They bind to specific receptors in the body and block or inhibit an action, effectively opposing the effects of the substance with which they are interacting. For instance, if a patient is administered an agonist (a substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response), an antagonist would prevent that response by occupying the same receptor site without activating it. This mechanism is crucial in medical settings; for example, in cases of overdose or when a physician wants to negate the side effects of a particular medication. The other actions listed do not align with the definition of antagonist drugs. Enhancing the effects of another drug describes the role of agonists, while increasing absorption pertains to drug bioavailability rather than blocking action. Stimulating the effects is also not relevant, as it implies activation rather than opposition. Thus, the correct understanding of antagonist drugs revolves specifically around their role in blocking or countering the actions of other substances.