Pharmaceutical Terms Flashcards
addiction
a compulsive need to experience a pleasurable drug reaction; ranges from a mild desire to an overwhelming need
adverse reaction
an unwanted or potentially harmful effect resulting from drug administration
allergic reaction
a hypersensitivity reaction to a drug or other agent resulting from prior exposure
anaphylaxis
severe allergic reaction to an allergen; can be life-threatening
antacid
GI drug; neutralizes stomach acid
antiarrhythmic
cardiovascular drug; helps restore heart rhythm to a regular cycle
antibiotic
a drug that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
anticoagulant
a drug that prevents the formation of clots in blood vessels
anticonvulsant
a drug used to prevent convulsions
antidiarrheal
a drug used to prevent and control diarrhea
antidote
counteracts unwanted or toxic effects of a drug
antiemetic
a drug that relieves nausea and vomiting
antihistamine
a drug that blocks the action of histamine; helps to prevent allergic symptoms
cardiotonic
a drug which promotes the heart’s muscle tone (contractility)
cathartic
a drug which relieves constipation
classification
organization of drugs according to set characteristics (usually their drug action)
contraindication
reasons against the use of a particular drug or treatment
depressant
reduces functional activity
diuretic
a drug that promotes production and excretion of urine
drug action
pharmacological effects produced when a drug reaches a target tissue
drug interaction
factors that increase or decrease the intended effect of a drug
emetic
promotes vomiting
enteric coated
coating on a tablet that causes the pill to dissolve in the intestine (instead of stomach)
Hospital Formulary
Hospital’s reference listing of drugs & appropriate clinical usage
idiosyncrasy
rare adverse effects; unusual reaction in a sensitive individual
indications
reason(s) why the drug may be prescribed for use
laxative
chemical substance which loosens and promotes evacuation of bowels
metabolism
combined chemical and physical processes that take place in the body
narcotic
potentially habit-forming drug that relieves pain
overdose
excessive dose above recommended use of medication; sometimes results in toxicity
over-the-counter (OTC)
medications that do not require a prescription
parenteral administration
alternate method of drug administration not through the GI tract
pharmaceutical
pertaining to pharmacy or drugs
pharmacodynamics
study of how drugs achieve their effects in living organisms
pharmacokinetics
study of drug movement in the body
pharmacology
study of drugs
pharmacy
practice of compounding and dispensing medicinal preparations
physical dependence
altered physiologic state resulting from prolonged drug use; regular drug usage is necessary to avoid withdrawal
placebo
inactive substance usually given under the guise of effective treatment
precaution
cautious action to be taken in use of a drug for its potential unwanted effects in certain situations
prescription
a written directive for compounding or dispensing and administration of drugs
side effect
unwanted effect that routinely results from drug use
tolerance
resistance to the action of a drug as treatment progressed
toxic
harmful effects of a drug to the degree of being poisonous
