What is the effect called when a drug targets a specific part of the body only?

The effect when a drug targets a specific part of the body is referred to as a localized effect. This means that the pharmacological action of the drug is confined to a particular area, as opposed to impacting the entire body or multiple systems. Localized effects are desirable in many clinical situations because they can minimize systemic side effects and provide targeted therapy.

For example, when you apply a topical ointment for a skin condition, the therapeutic ingredients act primarily on the affected area without significant absorption into the bloodstream. This targeted approach can enhance effectiveness while reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions that might occur if a systemic effect were involved.

In contrast, other terms like systematic effect imply that the drug has a widespread impact on the whole body, while general effect encompasses broad actions not confined to a specific area. Side effects refer to unintended consequences that may occur regardless of whether the drug is localized or systemic. These distinctions highlight why localized effect is the correct terminology in this context.