Chap Drugs Key Terms Flashcards
anaphylaxis
an-ah-fih-LAK-sis
An extreme allergic reaction that can lead to respiratory distress, circulatory collapse, and death
antagonist
an-TAG-o-nist
A substance that interferes with or opposes the action of a drug
brand name
The trade or proprietary name of a drug, a registered trademark of the manufacturer; written with an initial capital letter
contraindication
kon-trah-in-dih-KA-shun
A factor that makes the use of a drug undesirable or dangerous
efficacy
EF-ih-kah-se
The power to produce a specific result; effectiveness
generic name
jeh-NER-ik
The nonproprietary name of a drug; that is, a name that is not privately owned or trademarked; usually a simplified version of the chemical name; not capitalized
phytomedicine
fi-to-MED-ih-sin
Another name for herbal medicine (root phyt/o meaning “plant”)
potentiation
po-ten-she-A-shun
Increased potency created by two drugs acting together
prescription (Rx)
pre-SKRIP-shun
Written and signed order for a drug with directions for its administration
side effect
A result of drug therapy or other therapy that is unrelated to or an extension of its intended effect; usually applies to an undesirable effect of treatment
substance dependence
A condition that may result from chronic use of a drug, in which a person has a chronic or compulsive need for a drug regardless of its adverse effects; dependence may be psychological or physical
synergy
SIN-er-je
Combined action of two or more drugs working together to produce an effect greater than any of the drugs could produce when acting alone; also called synergism (SIN-er-jizm); adjective: synergistic (sin-er-JIS-tik)
tolerance
A condition in which chronic use of a drug results in loss of effectiveness and the dose must be increased to produce the original response
withdrawal
A condition that results from abrupt cessation or reduction of a drug that has been used regularly
