Chapter 13 Principles of Pharmacology: Vital Vocabulary Flashcards
The early phase of cardiac repolarization, wherein the heart muscle cannot be stimulated to depolarize; also known as the effective refractory period.
absolute refractory period
The process by which the molecules of a substance are moved from the site of entry or administration into systemic circulation.
absorption
An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine
acetylcholinerase
A medication that has undergone biotransformation and is able to alter a cellular process or body function
active metabolite
The process of molecules binding with carrier proteins when energy is used to move the molecules against a concentration gradient
active transport
Abnormal or harmful effect to an organism caused by exposure to a chemical. It is indicated by some result such as death, a change in food or water consumption, altered body and organ weights, altered enzyme levels, or visible illness
adverse effect
The ability of a medication to bind with a particular receptor site
affinity
The group of medications that initiates or alters a cellular activity by attaching to receptor sites, prompting a cellular response
agonist medications
The state of being insensible to pain while still conscious
analgesia
An extreme systemic form of an allergic reaction involving two or more body systems
anaphylaxis
A medication that causes the inability to feel sensation
anesthetic
The group of medications that prevent endogenous or exogenous agonist chemicals from reaching cell receptor sites and initiating or altering a particular cellular activity
antagonist medications
The medications used to fight infection by killing the microorganisms or preventing their multiplication to allow the body’s immune system to overcome them
antibiotics
The medications used to treat fungal infections
antifungals
The medications used to kill or suppress the growth of microorganisms
antimicrobials
A state in which cardiac cells are at rest, waiting for the generation of a spontaneous impulse from within
automaticity
The percentage of the unchanged medication that reaches systemic circulation
bioavailability
A process with four possible effects on a medication absorbed into the body: (1) An inactive substance can become active, capable of producing desired or unwanted clinical effects. (2) An active medication can be changed into another active medication. (3) An active medication may be completely or partially inactivated. (4) A medication is transformed into a substance (active or inactive) that is easier for the body to eliminate.
biotransformation
Narrowing of the bronchial tubes
bronchoconstriction
Widening of the bronchial tubes
bronchodilation
Medications that bind with heavy metals in the body and create a compound that can be eliminated; used in cases of ingestion or poisoning
chelating agents
A term used to describe the fibers in the parasympathetic nervous system that release a chemical called acetylcholine
cholinergic
The grouping to which a medication belongs. Medications are grouped according to their characteristics, traits, or primary components
class
Medications that temporarily bind with cellular receptor sites, displacing agonist chemicals.
competitive depolarizing
Any condition, especially any condition of disease, that renders some particular line of treatment improper or undesirable.
contraindication
A process in which repeated exposure to a medication within a particular class causes a tolerance that may be “transferred” to other medications in the same clas
cross-tolerance
Several smaller doses of a particular medication capable of producing the same clinical effects as a single larger dose of that same medication
cumulative action
A hemoprotein involved in the detoxification of many drugs
cytochrome P-450 system
The physical, behavioral, or emotional need for a medication or chemical to maintain “normal” physiologic function
dependence
The process of discharging resting cardiac muscle fibers by an electric impulse that causes them to contract
dopolarization
A chemical or medication that decreases the performance of the central nervous system or sympathetic nervous system
depressant
A drug used in the treatment of heart failure and certain atrial dysrhythmias
digitalis preparation
The movement and transportation of a medication throughout the bloodstream to tissues and cells and, ultimately, to its target receptor
distribution
A chemical that increases urinary output
diuretic
A graphic illustration of the response of a drug according to the dose administered
dose-response curve
The specified amount of a medication to be given at specific intervals
dosing
The process in which a mechanism reducing available cell receptors for a particular medication results in tolerance
down-regulation
A substance that has some therapeutic effect (such as reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, or producing euphoria) when given in the appropriate circumstances and in the appropriate dose.
drug
In a pharmacologic context, the time a medication concentration can e expected to remain above the minimum level needed to provide the intended action
duration (of action)
Pertaining to voluntary muscle movements that are distorted or impaired because of abnormal muscle tone
dystonic