Pharmacology

Question 1

The study of the discovery, properties, and uses of drugs.

Answer 1

pharmacology

Question 2

The study of new drug synthesis and the relationship between chemical structure and biologic effects.

Answer 2

medicinal chemistry

Question 3

The study of a drug’s effect on its target in the body.

Answer 3

pharmacodynamics

Question 4

The study of a drug’s absorption, distribution into body compartments, metabolism, and excretion over a period of time.

Answer 4

pharmacokinetics

Question 5

Involves the interaction of drugs and subcellular entities, such as DNA, RNA, and enzymes.

Answer 5

molecular pharmacology

Question 6

The study of drugs that destroy microorganisms, parasites, or malignant cells within the body. Includes treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.

Answer 6

chemotherapy

Question 7

The study of the harmful effects of drugs and chemicals on the body. Also concerned with finding proper antidotes to any harmful effects of drugs.

Answer 7

toxicology

Question 8

Substances that prevent or reverse the unwanted effects of drugs.

Answer 8

antidotes

Question 9

Specifies the exact chemical makeup of the drug. Often long and complicated.

Answer 9

chemical name

Question 10

Identifies the drug legally and scientifically. Typically shorter and less complicated.

Answer 10

generic name

Question 11

The private property of the individual drug manufacturer, and no competitor may use it. Also called trade name.

Answer 11

brand name

Question 12

Entity with the legal responsibility for deciding whether a drug may be distributed and sold. Has strict standards for efficacy, safety, and purity.

Answer 12

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Question 13

Independent committee of physicians, pharmacologists, pharmacists, and manufacturers which reviews the available commercial drugs and continually reappraises their effectiveness in specific medical conditions.

Answer 13

United States Pharmacopeia (USP)

Question 14

Large reference listing of drugs which gives information about the characteristics of drugs and their clinical usage as approved by that particular hospital.

Answer 14

hospital formulary

Question 15

Large reference listing of drugs published by a private firm, and drug manufacturers pay to have their products listed.

Answer 15

Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)

Question 16

Specific target of a drug interaction.

Answer 16

receptor

Question 17

Amount of drug administered, usually measured in milligrams or grams.

Answer 17

dose

Question 18

Exact timing and frequency of drug administration.

Answer 18

schedule

Question 19

If the combination of two drugs is equal to the sum of the effects of each.

Answer 19

additive action

Question 20

If two drugs give less than an additive effect.

Answer 20

antagonistic

Question 21

If a combination of two drugs causes an effect greater than the sum of the individual effects of the drugs when given alone.

Answer 21

synergism

Question 22

A desired and beneficial effect of a drug.

Answer 22

response

Question 23

If the effects of a given dose diminish as treatment continues. A feature of addiction.

Answer 23

tolerance

Question 24

The physical and psychological dependence on and craving for a drug. Involves the presence of clearly unpleasant effects when that drug or other agent such as a narcotic is stopped.

Answer 24

addiction

Question 25

Drugs such as opioids or narcotics that produce dependence and have potential for abuse or addiction.

Answer 25

controlled substances

Question 26

Any unexpected and uncommon side effect that develops after administration of a drug.

Answer 26

idiosyncracy

Question 27

Produced by treatment.

Answer 27

iatrogenic

Question 28

Unpleasant effects that routinely result from the use of a drug. Often occur with the usual therapeutic dosage of a drug and generally are tolerable and receive when the drug is discontinued.

Answer 28

side effects

Question 29

Factors in a patient’s condition that make the use of a particular drug dangerous and ill-advised.

Answer 29

contraindications

Question 30

The loss of effectiveness of a drug. It is seen when drugs are unable to control the disease process in a particular patient. Results from an important mutation in the disease being treated.

Answer 30

drug resistance

Question 31

Drugs given by mouth and slowly dissolved and then absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach or intestinal wall. Slow and depends on the drug’s ability to pass through the internal wall.

Answer 31

oral administration

Question 32

Drugs placed under the tongue to dissolve in the saliva. Some drugs may be absorbed rapidly this way.

Answer 32

sublingual administration

Question 33

Suppositories and aqueous solutions are inserted into the rectum. Useful when oral administration presents difficulties (such as vomiting).

Answer 33

rectal administration

Question 34

Injection of drug from a syringe through a hollow needle. Several types.

Answer 34

parenteral administration

Question 35

Injection made into a body cavity.

Answer 35

intracavitary instillation

Question 36

Shallow injection made into the upper lateral is the skin and used curly in skin testing for allergic reactions.

Answer 36

intradermal injection

Question 37

Small hypodermic needle is introduced into the subcutaneous tissue under the skin, usually on the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.

Answer 37

subcutaneous (hypodermic) injection (subQ)

Question 38

The buttock or upper arm is the usual site for this infection into muscle. Gives rapid absorption of single doses of drugs, but is inconvenient for continuous drug dosing.

Answer 38

intramuscular injection (IM)

Question 39

Instillation into the space under the membranes (meninges) surrounding the spinal cord and brain.

Answer 39

intrathecal instillation

Question 40

Injection given directly into a vein. Used when an immediate effect is desired or when there is poor absorption into the bloodstream after oral administration.

Answer 40

intravenous injection (IV)

Question 41

Vapors taken into the nose or mouth are absorbed into the bloodstream through the thin walls of air sacs in the lungs.

Answer 41

inhalation

Question 42

Drugs are applied locally in the skin or mucous membranes of the body.

Answer 42

topical application