Vocabulary Flashcards
AGONIST- a medication that produces a desired response
ANTAGONIST- a medication that blocks or reverses the action of another
CAPLET- a tablet in the shape of a capsule, making it easier to swallow
CAPSULE- a small gelatinous case for holding a dose of medicine
DOSAGE- a single amount of a medication administered to achieve a therapeutic effect
ENTERIC-COATED- tablets covered with a substance that prevents their digestion in the
stomach
BRAND NAME-copyrighted name assigned by a company that makes a medication
also
called trade name
GENERIC NAME- name assigned by a drug’s first manufacturer
may be called the brand for
proprietary name
OFFICIAL NAME- a medication’s name as identified in the United Staes Pharmacopeia and
the National Formulary
TRADE NAME- the copyrighted brand name of a medication assigned by its manufactured
a medication with the same generic/chemical name can have several trade or proprietary
names
INHALANT- medications that are inhaled or breathed in
INJECTABLE- medications that are administered via a needle into the subcutaneous
tissues, muscles, or blood vessels
INTERACTION-when a drug reacts with either another drug or food
can cause an increased
or decreased absorption of the medication or various reactions
MEDICATION- substance other than food used to prevent disease, to aid in diagnosis and
treatment of disease, and to restore or maintain functions in body tissues
also called drug
ORAL- administered by mouth
OVER-THE-COUNTER- medications that may be purchased without a prescription
PARADOXICAL EFFECT- opposite reaction to that expected, usually in relationship to the
effects of a medication
PHARMACOKINETICS-actions of drugs
PHARMACOLOGY - the study of chemicals (drugs, medications) and their effects
POTENTATION- enhancement of one agent by another
so that the combined action is
greater than the sum of the two
PRESCRIPTION- written formula for preparing and administering medication
SUBLINGUAL- under the tongue; nitroglycerin is administered sublingually
SYNERGISTIC-potentiation
TABLET- a compressed
spherical form of a medication
TOPICAL- medications that are applied directly to the skin
TRANSDERMAL-through the skin
a substance absorbed into the body after being placed
on the skin
as transdermal administration of medication by ointment or patch
TRANSLINGUAL-on the tongue
medication administered to be absorbed via tongue
TRANSMUCOSAL- tablet or gel is placed between the cheek and gum and absorbed
through the oral mucosa
TROCHE- a medicated tablet that absolves in the mouth
DEA- Drug Enforcement Agency which enforces “Controlled Substances Act” (1970) and
regulates the manufacture
prescription
including narcotics
depressants
DR- Delayed release medications like enteric coated tablets that is designed to protect the
medication from being released in the stomach
and instead reaches small intestine. E.g.
are Prilosec
and enteric coated medications
SR- sustained release designed to release the active ingredient gradually over time after
ingestion and to maintain steady blood levels of the drug
ER or XR-extended release medications are designed to release the active ingredient
slowly and consistently over an extended period of time so dose 1x or fewer e.g.
oxycodone
morphine
FDA- U.S. Food and Drug administration which operates under the enforcement of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services that ensures medications are safe and
effective for public use before they are available.
IR- immediate release mediations are designed to release their active ingredients as soon
as they are ingested e.g. acetaminophen (pain reliever)
antibiotics
MDI-metered dose inhalers; handheld devices that deliver a specific dose of topical
medication to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system
ODT-orally disintegrating tablets; excellent choice for non-compliant clients and small
children; placed on tongue
OTC-over the counter drugs; no need for prescription
PDR- Physician’s Desk Reference is published annually in the United States with free
updates that has extensive information of medications
PHARM D-A doctor of pharmacy who licensed to prepare and dispense medications on the
order of a licensed medical provider.
RPH-Registered Pharmacist is a healthcare professional licensed to prepare and dispense
medications
TD- administering medications through the skin
where drug is absorbed directly into the
bloodstream
often through transdermal patch
TORB-telephone order
read back to ensure an order is verified and is documented as
intended
USP-NF - United States Pharmacopeial/National formulary is a book containing mnational
standards for drugs
chemicals
recognized in 37 countries and ensures that drugs and medical products meet consistent
standards
VORB-verbal order read back
