11. Pharmacology Flashcards
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.
absorption
The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.
action
An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses.
activated charcoal
The process of binding or sticking to a surface.
adsorption
A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.
agonist
A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.
antagonist
A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).
aspirin
Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient.
contraindications
The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.
dose
Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.
EMT-administered medication
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.
enteral medications
A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone on the bronchiole tree.
epinephrine
A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.
gel
The original chemical name of a medication; name is not capitalized.
generic name
An abnormally low blood glucose level.
hypoglycemia
The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.
indications
Breathing into lungs; a medication delivery route.
inhalations
An injection into the muscle
intramuscular injections
A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.
intranasal
An injection into the bone
intraosseus injections
An injection directly into a vein.
intravenous injections
A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.
medications
A miniture spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled.
metered dose inhaler
A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and pushed into the naris.
mucosal atomizer device
A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer the medication.
nitroglycerin
By mouth
oral
A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream.
oral glucose
Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.
over the counter medications
A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without oxygen.
oxygen
Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membrane.
parenteral medications
When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.
patient-assisted medications
When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner.
peer-assisted medications
Through the mouth
per os (PO)
Through the rectum
per rectum (PR)
The process by which a medication works on the body.
pharmacodynamics
The study of the properties and effects of medications
pharmacology
The use of multiple medications on a regular basis
polypharmacy
Medications that are distributed to patients only
by pharmacists according to the physician order.
prescription medications
Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones.
side effects
A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand.
solution
Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.
subcutaneous injections
Administration of a medication under the tongue.
sublingual
A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but does not dissolve.
suspension
The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body.
therapeutic effect
Lotions, creams, and ointments applied to the surface of the skin and affect only the area; a medication delivery route.
topical medications
The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.
trade name
Through the skin
transcutaneous (transdermal)
Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.
unintended effects
Actions that can be harmful to the patient.
untoward effects
