Principles of Pharmacology Flashcards
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.
Absorption
The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.
Action
An oral medication that minds and absorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. Charcoal is ground into a very fine powder that provides the greatest possible surface area for binding medications that have been taken by mouth; it is carried on the EMS unit.
Activated Charcoal
The process of binding or sticking to a surface.
Adsorption
A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.
Agonist
A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.
Antagonist
A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)
Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient
Contraindications
The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.
Dose
Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.
EMT-administered medication
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.
Enteral Medications
A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree.
Epinephrine
A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.
Gel
The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its proprietary or “trade” names); the name is not capitalized.
Generic Name
The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.
Indications
An abnormally low blood glucose level.
Hypoglycemia
Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route.
Inhalation
A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.
Intranasal (IN)
An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route.
Intraosseous (IO) Injection
An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route
Intramuscular (IM) Injection
An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.
Intravenous (IV) Injection
A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.
Medication
Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.
Medication Error
A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled.
Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.
Mucosal Atomizer Device (MAD)
A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer the medication.
Nitroglycerin
Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient with-out a prescription.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.
Oral Glucose
By mouth; a medication delivery route.
Oral
Oxygen
Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.
Parenteral Medications
When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.
Patient-Assisted Medication
When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner
Peer-Assisted Medication
Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral.
Per os (PO)
Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.
Per Rectum (PR)
Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order.
Prescription Medications
The process by which a medication works on the body.
Pharmacodynamics
The study of properties and effects of medications.
Pharmacology
A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand
Solution
Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones
Side Effects
A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.
Suspension
Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.
Subcutaneous (SC) Injection
The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body.
Therapeutic Effect
Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route
Topical Medications
Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.
Sublingual (SL)
The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized
Trade Name
Through the skin; a medication delivery route.
Transcutaneous (Transdermal)
Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.
Unintended Effects
Actions that can be harmful to the patient.
Untoward Effects
