Which of the following is NOT considered a primary effect of medication?

The side effect is the correct answer as it is not considered a primary effect of medication. Primary effects of a medication refer to the intended or desired outcomes for which the medication is prescribed. The desired effect and therapeutic effect are synonymous terms that describe the beneficial change that the medication is expected to produce in the patient’s condition.

In contrast, a side effect is an unintended and sometimes undesirable effect that occurs in addition to the therapeutic effect. While side effects can be mild or severe, they are not the primary goal of treatment and often vary based on individual patient responses. Similarly, adverse effects are severe reactions that result from medication use but, like side effects, they are not intended therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, recognizing that side effects fall outside the category of primary effects helps clinicians monitor and manage medications effectively, ensuring that the desired therapeutic outcomes are achieved while minimizing unwanted complications.