L1. Definition of Basic Terms

Question 1

DRUG

Answer 1

a chemical or substance that causes changes in the STRUCTURE or FUNCTION of living organisms

Question 2

MEDICINE

Answer 2

a VEHICLE for administration of the drug (active ingredient) to the human or animal e.g. tablet, capsule, injection, ointment, inhaler, suppository etc.

Question 3

PHARMAKON

Answer 3

Greek word for drug which describes both a MEDICINE & a POISON

Question 4

Generic name - otherwise known as

Answer 4

International Non-proprietary name (INN)
standardised internationally recognised name for a drug e.g. metoprolol, omeprazole, ibuprofen - some exceptions in U.S e.g. paracetemol = acetaminophen

Question 5

Trade or Brand name

Answer 5

name given by the ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER e.g. Losec (omeprazole), Viagra (sildenafil), Ventolin (salbutamol)

Question 6

PHARMACOLOGY

Answer 6

the science of drug actions and uses

Question 7

PHARMACODYNAMICS

Answer 7

focus on MECHANISMS of drug action

e.g. what the drug does to the body

Question 8

PHARMACOKINETICS

Answer 8

the MOVEMENT of the drugs within the body

e.g. what the body does to the drug

Question 9

TOXICOLOGY

Answer 9

manifestations of the harmful effects of the drug after exposure to high levels - intoxication or poisoning

Question 10

THERAPEUTICS

Answer 10

use of drugs for intended clinical benefits

e.g. cure of a disease, relief of symptoms…

Question 11

PHARMACOGENETICS

Answer 11

study of the genetic variations that give rise to differing responses to drugs
(how individual groups respond to drugs)

Question 12

MECHANISM OF ACTION OF DRUGS

Answer 12

specific molecular processes by which drugs work

e.g. inhibition of an enzyme or stimulation of a receptor sub-type

Question 13

MODE OF ACTION OF DRUGS

Answer 13

general description of the type of action

e.g. hypertensives, analgesics, antidepressants

Question 14

SITE OF ACTION OF DRUGS

Answer 14

specific organs, tissues or cells affected by the drug

e.g. sensory neurons, myocardium, bronchi…

Question 15

LIGANDS

Answer 15

SIGNALING MOLECULES released by transmitting cells in intercellular signaling

Question 16

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

e.g.

Answer 16

signaling molecules released at nerve endings

e.g. noradrenaline, dopamine

Question 17

AUTOCOIDS

e.g.

Answer 17

signaling molecules released from cells & act as local hormones causing local effects
e.g. histamine, prostaglandins

Question 18

CYTOKINES

e.g.

Answer 18

signaling molecules / chemical messengers in the immune system
e.g. interferons, interleukins

Question 19

HORMONES

e.g.

Answer 19

released from glands into bloodstream

e.g. thyroxine, insulin

Question 20

SSRIs

e.g.

Answer 20

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

e.g. paroxetine, citalopram

Question 21

SNRIs

e.g.

Answer 21

Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors

e.g. venlafaxine