Potentiator

Examples of potentiators include albumin, LISS (low ionic-strength saline) and PEG (polyethylene glycol).

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a LISS solution removes water from the system and thus concentrates the antibodies present.

False-positive results may occur more frequently with the use of polyethylene glycol due to its strong agglutination capabilities.

For example, hydroxyzine or dextromethorphan is used to get more pain relief and anxiolysis out of an equal dose of an opioid medication.

The potentiation can take place at any part of the liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of the drug.