What type of drug interaction occurs when two drugs work together to enhance the effect of one another?

The correct choice is synergism, which refers to the phenomenon where two drugs interact in such a way that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as one drug enhancing the absorption or efficacy of another, or they may target different pathways that collectively contribute to a more significant therapeutic outcome.

For example, in the context of antibiotics, one drug may inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, while another can inhibit protein synthesis, leading to a more effective killing of the bacteria than either drug could achieve alone. This synergistic interaction is particularly valuable in clinical treatments, as it can lead to improved efficacy while potentially allowing for lower doses of each drug, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.

The other choices describe different types of interactions that do not align with the definition of enhancing effects. Antagonism occurs when one drug interferes with or counteracts the effect of another, while inhibition typically involves decreasing the activity of an enzyme or a metabolic pathway rather than enhancing it. Competition often refers to drugs vying for the same receptor or metabolic pathway, which can lead to reduced effectiveness rather than increased efficacy.