A drug will produce different dose response curves for each of its effects. Curves are generally unique to each individual. A group drug response curve plots the percentage of several individuals showing the desired effect at various dosage levels. The slope of the curve is an important aspect of the dose-response curve. It indicates the rate of increase of the drug effect as the dosage increases.
Steep slopes indicate that a small change in dose has a large change in effect.
Maximum efficacy refers to the dosage at which the response curve plateaus. This is the dose that produces the largest effect. Potency describes the strength of effects of drugs. The smaller the dose to produce the effects, the more potent the drug. Side effects usually increase as dosage increases.