Pharmacology Flashcards
The study of the discovery, properties, and uses of drugs.
pharmacology
The study of new drug synthesis and the relationship between chemical structure and biologic effects.
medicinal chemistry
The study of a drug’s effect on its target in the body.
pharmacodynamics
The study of a drug’s absorption, distribution into body compartments, metabolism, and excretion over a period of time.
pharmacokinetics
Involves the interaction of drugs and subcellular entities, such as DNA, RNA, and enzymes.
molecular pharmacology
The study of drugs that destroy microorganisms, parasites, or malignant cells within the body. Includes treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.
chemotherapy
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.
toxicology
Substances that prevent or reverse the unwanted effects of drugs.
antidotes
Specifies the exact chemical makeup of the drug. Often long and complicated.
chemical name
Identifies the drug legally and scientifically. Typically shorter and less complicated.
generic name
The private property of the individual drug manufacturer, and no competitor may use it. Also called trade name.
brand name
Entity with the legal responsibility for deciding whether a drug may be distributed and sold. Has strict standards for efficacy, safety, and purity.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Independent committee of physicians, pharmacologists, pharmacists, and manufacturers which reviews the available commercial drugs and continually reappraises their effectiveness in specific medical conditions.
United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
Large reference listing of drugs which gives information about the characteristics of drugs and their clinical usage as approved by that particular hospital.
hospital formulary
Large reference listing of drugs published by a private firm, and drug manufacturers pay to have their products listed.
Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)
Specific target of a drug interaction.
receptor
Amount of drug administered, usually measured in milligrams or grams.
dose
Exact timing and frequency of drug administration.
schedule
If the combination of two drugs is equal to the sum of the effects of each.
additive action
If two drugs give less than an additive effect.
antagonistic
If a combination of two drugs causes an effect greater than the sum of the individual effects of the drugs when given alone.
synergism
A desired and beneficial effect of a drug.
response
If the effects of a given dose diminish as treatment continues. A feature of addiction.
tolerance
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.
addiction
Drugs such as opioids or narcotics that produce dependence and have potential for abuse or addiction.
controlled substances
Any unexpected and uncommon side effect that develops after administration of a drug.
idiosyncracy
Produced by treatment.
iatrogenic
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.
side effects
Factors in a patient’s condition that make the use of a particular drug dangerous and ill-advised.
contraindications
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.
drug resistance
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.
oral administration
Drugs placed under the tongue to dissolve in the saliva. Some drugs may be absorbed rapidly this way.
sublingual administration
Suppositories and aqueous solutions are inserted into the rectum. Useful when oral administration presents difficulties (such as vomiting).
rectal administration
Injection of drug from a syringe through a hollow needle. Several types.
parenteral administration
Injection made into a body cavity.
intracavitary instillation
Shallow injection made into the upper lateral is the skin and used curly in skin testing for allergic reactions.
intradermal injection
Small hypodermic needle is introduced into the subcutaneous tissue under the skin, usually on the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
subcutaneous (hypodermic) injection (subQ)
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.
intramuscular injection (IM)
Instillation into the space under the membranes (meninges) surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
intrathecal instillation
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.
intravenous injection (IV)
Vapors taken into the nose or mouth are absorbed into the bloodstream through the thin walls of air sacs in the lungs.
inhalation
Drugs are applied locally in the skin or mucous membranes of the body.
topical application
