Intro to Pharmacology Flashcards
Pharmacodynamics
Drug-induced responses of physiologic and biochemical systems
Pharmacokinetics
Drug amounts at different sites after administration
Toxicology
Study of the body’s response to drugs, harmful effects, mechanics of actions, systems, treatment and identification
Contraindications
Circumstances under which the drug usually should not have been taken
Idiosyncratic (paradoxic) reactions
Unexpected reactions/unusual responses such as being more alert after taking a sedative, or stimulants used to calm patients with ADHD and promote concentration
Iatrogenic
Negative effect on the body caused by a medication error, drug overdose, or unusual response
Teratogenic
Harmful effects on a fetus; it is recommended to avoid all medications when pregnant
Synergism
Combination of two drugs increases effects of both
Antagonism
Combination of two or more drugs decreases effects
Potentiation
One drug enhances the effect of a second drug, but both are not enhanced
Dose
Refers to the amount of a drug given at a single time
Dosage
Refers to the total amount of the drug given over a period of time
Loading dose
Larger initial dose to achieve effects quickly, followed by lesser doses
Local administration
Topical application to the skin, mucous membranes, orally, inhalation, for selected respiratory conditions, and iontophorectically (the introduction of an ionized substance (such as a drug) through intact skin by the application of a direct electric current)
Oral
Taken by mouth (antidepressant tablets or capsules)
Sublingual
Under the tongue (nitroglycerin)
Subcutaneous injection
Into the fat layer (insulin)
Intramuscular injection
Into the muscle layer (penicillin)
Intravenous injection
Directly into the veins (saline for rehydration; morphine, etc.)
Inhalation
Into the respiratory tract (albuterol)
Intraperitoneal pump
Implantable delivery system (insulin)
Parenteral
injection
Suppository
Into the rectum (laxative)
Generic name
Non-brand name
Trade/Proprietary name
Brand name
Chemical name
Complex listing of chemicals
Homeopathy
A toxin is identified and following dilution by several thousand-fold, the toxin is administered to treat the problem
Naturopathy
Natural foods, herbal medicines, home remedies rather than traditional medicines to treat disease and promote health
