Chapter 2: Basics of Pharmacology Flashcards
Absorption
passage of a substance through some surface of the body into body fluids and tissues
Adverse reaction
undesired side effects or toxicity caused by a treatment
Agonist
drug that binds to the receptor and stimulates the receptor’s function
Antagonist
that which counteracts the action of something else, such as a muscle or drug
Biotransformation
chemical alteration that a substance undergoes in the body
Distribution
dividing and spreading of a medication to a target organ
Excretion
elimination of waste products from the body
Half-life
the length of time required for the concentration of a drug to decrease by one-half in the plasma
Idiosyncratic
relating to idiosyncrasy; how a person differs from another
Pharmacokinetics
study of metabolism and action of drugs with particular emphasis on the time required for absorption, duration of action, distribution in the body, and method of excretion
Side Effects
any action or effect other than that intended
Synergism
action of two or more agents or organs working with each other
Teratogenic
literally, creating a monster; anything that adversely affects normal cellular development in the embryo or fetus
Toxic
pertaining to, resembling, or caused by poison
Metabolism
breaking down into its constituents
How does each of the following affect absorption?
Acidity of drugs
Tattoo on the skin
Drug concentration
Acidity of drug: Can interact with stomach acid, thus changing the normal breakdown of the drug by the stomach acid.
Tattoo on the skin: May have decreased circulation because of scar tissue and tattoo ink, which will prevent absorption.
Drug concentration: Greater concentration leads to greater absorption.
Why do drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier tend to have strong negative effects?
These drugs ten to have strong effects because they cross other barriers, including the blood-testicular barrier and blood-placental barrier. Any drug that affects the brain also affects the central nervous system.
Why should a woman actively trying to get pregnant consult her physician before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medication?
Even an OTC medication can cross the blood-placental barrier and potentially harm the fetus. She needs to consult her physician, who should know if a substance is teratogenic (dangerous to the fetus).
David has liver damage. How might that damage affect the way his body metabolizes drugs?
An impaired liver may not break down the drug, and it might accumulate, which could lead to toxic levels of the drug building up in the body.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of comprehensive books such as the PDR?
Comprehensive guides tend to be large and heavy and may not have the information readily available to administer the medications. They are very useful in identifying medications that are not in the original container. Clinical guides are usually small enough to put in a drawer or pocket. They provide useful information about how to administer a medication, including contraindications and side effects. Unfortunately they do not have nay way of identifying medications.