Pharmacological Definitions

Question 1

Agonist

Answer 1

A drug that activates certain receptors in the brain.

Question 2

Antagonist

Answer 2

A drug that blocks certain receptors in the brain.

Question 3

Chemical name

Answer 3

The chemical name of a drug reflects its chemical composition and molecular structure.

Question 4

Generic name

Answer 4

The generic name of a drug is a shortened, simplified version of the chemical name (eg. paracetamol)

Question 5

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 5

Pharmacodynamics is the action of drugs on the body

Question 6

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 6

Pharmacokinetics is the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs.

Question 7

Pharmacology

Answer 7

A science that deals with the properties, characteristics, actions and effects of drugs

Question 8

Pharmacotherapeutics

Answer 8

The study of the therapeutic uses and effects of drugs in patients

Question 9

Receptor

Answer 9

An organ or cell able to respond to light, heat, or other external stimulus and transmit a signal to a sensory nerve.

Question 10

Trade name

Answer 10

The trade name of a drug is the brand name and registered trade mar used by the manufacturer. (ie panadol)

Question 11

Transmitter

Answer 11

A chemical which a neuron uses to influence the activity of an adjacent cell body, such as a hair cell.