Chapter 1 Basic Pharmacology Flashcards
adverse effect
Are undesired potentially harmful side effects of drugs; include, nausea, vomiting, drug toxicity, hypersensitivity, and idiosyncratic (unusual reactions). Page 19
absorption
Is the process by which a drug is taken into the body and moves from the site of administration into the blood. Page 14
agonist
Are drugs that bind to or have an affinity (attraction) for a receptor and cause particular response. This can be compared to the analogy of a key opening a lock. Page 17
antagonist
Drugs that bind to a receptor and prevent a response. Also called receptor blockers. Can be thought of a key that fits the lock but can not open it (cause a response). Pg. 17
bioavailability
Indicates the degree to which the drug molecule reaches the site of action to exert its effects. Several factors affect a drug’s bioavailability… See page 15 for more information.
biotechnology
Is used to refer to the concepts of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology. Pg. 14
biotransformation
In the liver, the chemical composition of a drug is changed by a process called metabolism. The goal is to change lipid-soluble drug molecules into water-soluble molecules that can be easily excreted. Pg. 14
bolus
Drugs given all at once. Pg. 13
contraindiction
Reasons against giving a particular drug. Pg. 18
distribution
Drug molecules eventually diffuse out of the blood-stream to the site of action.
duration
Time between onset an disappearance of drug effects. Pg. 18
emulsion
Type of liquid medication, which is contained in a mixture of water and oil bound together with an emulsifier. Can be either water in oil or oil in water, depending on medication’s solubility.
enteral
Indicates that the medication is taken into the gastrointestinal tract, primarily by mouth (orally).
excretion
Medications taken into the body are eliminated by this process.
hypersensitivity
Is an adverse effect resulting from previous exposure to the drug or a similar drug.
Idiosyncratic effect
Another type of adverse effect. These effects are rare am unpredictable adverse reactions to drugs.
local effect
Some medications are available in topical preparations, which are intended for application to the skin or mucous membrane-lined cavity. Some topical agents work at the site of application.
onset
The time between administration of a drug and the first appearance of its effects.
parenteral
Indicates any route other than the digestive tract, the most common of which are subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous.
pharmacodynamics
Examines how the action of the drug affects the body.
pharmacokinetics
Focuses on how the body processes drugs. Studies a medication from administration through four basic physiologic processes- absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion.
plasma protein binding
Some drug molecules bind to protein (albumins and globulins) contained in the plasma.
reconstituted
To form a solution that can be administered by injection.
side effect
Is a predictable but unintended effect of a drug.
solubility
Its ability to be dissolved
solution
Is a mixture of drug particles (called solute) fully dissolved in a liquid medium ( called the solvent such as water or saline).
tolerance
A phenomenon in which the body has decreased responsiveness to a medication through repeated exposure to the agent.
tachyphylaxsis
Unique situation in which tolerance may occur after only one or two doses. Can develop very quickly, cannot be reproduced, even with a larger dose.
drug dependence
A physiological and psychological compulsion to take a drug periodically or continuously, despite its negative or dangerous effects.
H&P
History and physical
suspension
Form in which solid undissolved particles float (are suspended) in a liquid.
synergist
Drug that enhances the effect of another drug
systemic effect
Topical medications that exert throughout the entire body.
topical
Medications applies to the ski. Surface or mucous membrane-lined cavity
