The desired beneficial effect of a medication is referred to as what?

The desired beneficial effect of a medication is referred to as the therapeutic effect. This term describes the primary impact that a drug is intended to have on the body, which is usually measured in terms of its effectiveness in treating a specific condition or improving health outcomes. When a medication is prescribed, it is because the therapeutic effect it provides is expected to alleviate symptoms or aid in the treatment of a disease.

While other terms like "side effect" and "adverse reaction" describe unwanted or negative effects, they do not pertain to the primary purpose of the medication. "Intended effect" could be interpreted as a synonym, but it is less commonly used in clinical settings compared to "therapeutic effect." The clarity and specificity of the term "therapeutic effect" make it the most appropriate choice for describing the beneficial outcome sought from a medication.