Introduction to Pharmacology Flashcards
Define Pharmacokinetics
A term that describes the four stages of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs or medication.
How many stages are there for a medication to through the human body?
4
Name the four stages for a medication to go through within the body.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.
Define Absorption.
Occurs after medications enter the body and travel from the site of administration into the body’s circulation.
Define Distribution.
The process by which medication is distributed throughout the body.
Define Metabolism.
The breakdown of a drug molecule.
Define Excretion.
The process by which the body eliminates waste.
Define Pharmacodynamics.
The study of the biochemical physiologic and molecular effects of drugs on the body.
Describe an Analgesic Drug.
Drug that relieves pain. Two main types are non-narcotic for mild pain and narcotic analgesics for severe pain.
Describe an Antianxiety Drug.
Drug that suppress anxiety and relax muscles.
Another name for anxiolytics, sedatives and minor tranquilizers are?
Antianxiety Drugs.
Define an Antiarrhythmics Drug.
Drugs used to control irregularities of heartbeat.
Define antibiotics.
Drugs made from naturally occurring and synthetic substances that combat bacterial infection.
Define anticoagulants and thrombolytics.
Anticoagulants prevent blood from clotting. Thrombolytics help dissolve and disperse blood clots.
Define anticonvulsants.
Drugs that prevent epileptic seizures.
Define antidepressants.
Three main types: tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Define antifungals.
Drugs used to treat fungal infections.
Define antihistamines.
Drugs used primarily to counteract the effects of histamine (chemicals involved in allergic reactions).
Define antihypertensives.
Drugs that lower blood pressure.
Define anti-inflammatories.
Drugs used to reduce inflammation, redness, heat, swelling or increased blood flow found in infections.
Define antipsychotics.
Drugs used to treat symptoms of severe psychiatric disorders.
Define antipyretics.
Drugs that reduce fever.
Define antivirals.
Drugs that treat viral infections such as influenza.
Define beta-blockers.
Beta-allergic blocking agents reduce the oxygen needing of the heart by reducing heart rate.
Define bronchodilators.
Drugs that open up the bronchial tubes within the lungs when the tubes have become narrowed by muscle spasm.
Define corticosteroids.
Primarily used as anti-inflammatories in arthritis or asthma.
Define hypoglycemics.
Drugs that lower the level of glucose in the blood.
What are the types of drug schedules?
Schedule I, II, III, IV, V
Define schedule I drugs.
Drugs, substances or chemicals with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential of abuse or addiction.
Define schedule II drugs.
Drugs with high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Considered highly dangerous.
Define schedule III drugs.
Drugs with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.
Define schedule IV drugs.
Drugs with low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.
Define schedule V drugs.
Drugs with lower potential for abuse than schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics.
List 5 forms of medications.
Tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, injectables, powders, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, lotions, creams, ointments, effervescent granules, aerosols, gasses, suppositories.
List 5 routes of medications.
Oral, inhalation, topical, instillation, transdermal, vaginal, rectal
What are the three types of injection routes?
Subcutaneous (SQ), intramuscular (IM), intradermal (ID).
What are subcutaneous injections?
Medication injected into the subcutaneous fat.
What route of injection is insulin given?
Subcutaneous (SQ)
What are intramuscular injections?
Medication injected into the muscle belly itself.
What route of injection is corticosteroid given?
Intramuscular (IM).
What are intradermal injections?
Medication injected very superficially into the dermis, or second layer of the skin.
What rout of injection is PPD given?
Intradermal (ID).
Medication errors occur in approximately ___ in every ___ doses given in hospitals.
1, 5
How many errors occur per patient per day?
1
Approximately how many injuries and deaths occur every year from medication-related errors?
1.3 million injuries, 7,000 deaths
Drug-related morbidity and morality are estimated to cost $____ in the U.S.
$177 billion
List parts of a prescription.
Patients name and another identifier, like DOB. Medication strength, amount of doses and route by which it is to be taken. Amount to be given by pharmacy and refills. Signature and physician identifiers like NPI or DEA numbers.
Define pharmacology.
The study of drugs and their origins, properties, preparation, usage and effects on the body.
Define what a drug is.
A chemical used in the treatment and prevention or diagnosis of a disease or condition to maintain health.
Are most drugs synthetically produced?
Yes
Are medical assistants typically involved with the medication process?
Yes
Which are the 5 rules of medication administration?
Right medication, form, dose, route, time.
How long should a patient be held for to assess patient reaction to medications?
20 to 30 minutes after medication administration.
