What does "potency" indicate in relation to drugs?

Potency refers to the strength of a drug in terms of the amount required to produce a given effect. A drug with high potency will yield significant therapeutic effects at lower doses compared to a drug with lower potency, which might require higher doses to achieve the same effect. This concept is crucial in pharmacology, as it helps healthcare professionals determine appropriate dosing strategies and understand the relative effectiveness of different medications.

While the other options touch on important aspects of pharmacology, they do not accurately define potency. Duration of action pertains to how long a drug's effects last, side effects refer to unwanted effects that can occur due to a drug's action, and the safety margin is a measure of a drug's risk versus its benefits, focusing on the toxic and effective dose range. Thus, potency is distinctly about the strength and efficacy at specific doses.