Intro to Pharmacology - NMNC 3230 Pharmacology

Flashcards for key pharmacology terms and definitions.

Pharmacology

The study of drugs and their effects on the body.

Mechanism of Action

The specific biochemical interaction through which a drug substance produces its pharmacological effect.

Indication

The use of a drug for treating a particular disease.

ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction)

An unwanted or harmful reaction experienced following the administration of a drug or combination of drugs under normal conditions of use.

Tolerance

The body's decreased response to a drug received over a period of time.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can harm an organism.

Precautions

Measures taken to prevent undesirable effects or interactions when administering a medication.

Contraindications

A condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient.

OTC Drugs

Medications that can be purchased without a prescription.

RX ONLY Drugs

Medications that require a prescription from a licensed prescriber.

Pharmaceutics

The science of preparing and dispensing drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of what happens to the drug as it moves through the body (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

Pharmacodynamics

The study of what the drug does to the body.

Bioavailability

The extent of absorption of a drug into the systemic circulation.

Half-Life

The time it takes for the excretion process to reduce the peak blood concentration by one half.

Onset

Time elapsed between administration and when therapeutic effects begin.

Peak

When the drug is at its full therapeutic effect.

Duration

The length of time that therapeutic effects last after a single administration of drug.

Peak Level

Highest plasma concentration of a drug.

Trough Level

Lowest plasma concentration of a drug before next dose.

Agonist

A drug that binds to receptors to create an effect.

Antagonist

A drug that binds to a receptor to block a response/effect.

Therapeutic Index

The range of doses at which a medication is effective without unacceptable adverse events.