In ecology, commensalism is a class of relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits without affecting the other. It compares with mutualism, in which both organisms benefit, amensalism, where one is harmed while the other is unaffected, and parasitism, where one benefits while the other is harmed.n ecology, commensalism is a class of relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits without affecting the other. It compares with mutualism, in which both organisms benefit, amensalism, where one is harmed while the other is unaffected, and parasitism, where one benefits while the other is harmed.
Drug interactions also may occur when two drugs that have similar (additive) effects or opposite (canceling) effects on the body are administered together. For example, there may be major sedation when two drugs that have sedation as side effects are given, for example, narcotics and antihistamines.
Drugs act in very different ways, and sometimes these different mechanisms can result in one drug interfering with another drug in some way. In addition, the bodyâs method of eliminating one drug can affect another medication by changing its rate of elimination from the body. 1  Two drugs might have an additive effect, where the result produced is more than expected. This could be beneficial, but it could also be harmful.