Which term refers to the actual medication that delivers the intended effects?

The term that refers to the actual medication delivering the intended effects is "active ingredient." This component is responsible for the pharmacological action of the medication, making it effective in treating a specific condition or symptom. Active ingredients are the substances that interact with the body's biological systems to produce therapeutic results.

In contrast, adverse ingredients may lead to harmful side effects but do not represent the intended benefits of a medication. Inactive ingredients serve various purposes such as binding, preserving, or stabilizing the formulation but do not contribute to the therapeutic effect. Similarly, secondary ingredients, if applicable, may further describe components of a medication that are not essential for the main therapeutic action.

Understanding the role of active ingredients is crucial in medication administration, as they determine the efficacy of the treatment being provided to patients.