Basic Terms & Definitions Flashcards
Define Pharmacodynamics?
The term ‘pharmacodynamics’ refers to the study of the biochemical, physiologic and molecular effects/actions of drugs on the body.
In simple terms, pharmacodynamics describes the action of a drug on an organism
Define ‘Pharmacokinetics’
The study of how the body interacts with administered substances for the entire duration of exposure/ the study of a drug’s concentration profile against time
In other words… pharmacokinetics describes the effect that the body has on a drug
In the context of pharmacology what does the term ‘Therapeutics’ describe?
Therapeutics is a branch of medical science concerned with the treatment of disease. In pharmacology this term refers to the use of pharmacological agents to alleviate symptoms (e.g GTN spray for angina or paracetamol for pain) and/or improve prognosis - by preventing or delaying end-stage consequences of a condition (e.g anti-hypertensive and statin medications in cardiovascular disease or levodopa in Parkinson’s), by replacing deficiencies (e.g levothyroxine in hypothyroidism) or curing a disease (e.g antibiotics, chemotherapy)
Define the term ‘Half-Life’?
A drug’s half-life is the length of time required for the concentration of the drug’s active substance to decrease by half
What is a drug’s ’chemical name’?
The scientific name given to a drug, based on it’s molecular structure following the rules of chemical nomenclature laid down by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)
They are often long and complex e.g “1-(isopropylamino)-3-(1-naphthyloxy) propan-2-ol” aka Propranolol
What is a drug’s ’generic name’?
The universal, non-proprietary name set by a national or international committee that is often a shorthand version of the drug’s chemical name. Certain classes of drug with similar mechanisms of action will have similar names to help identify them e.g ACE inhibitors (Ramapril, Enalapril, Lisinopril), ß-Adrenoreceptor antagonists (Atenolol, Nadolol Acebutolol), Calcium channel blockers (Amlodipine, nifedipine)
What is a drug’s ’Brand name’?
The commercial name for a medication given by it’s manufacturer. The same drug can be manufactured by many different organisations and as such can be advertised under many different brand names e.g the active ingredient in Panadol and Calpol is paracetamol
What is bioavailability?
Bioavailability is defined as the rate and extent at which a drug reaches the systemic circulation from an administered dose.
