Basics of Pharmacology - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key pharmacology concepts from the lecture notes.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug moves through the body: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination; what the body does to the drug.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of the effects and mechanisms of drugs on living systems; what the drug does to the body.

Pharmaceutics

The science of formulating drugs for administration, including dosage forms.

Dosage forms

The physical form a drug product takes for delivery (tablets, capsules, solutions, suspensions, etc.).

Absorption

Movement of drug molecules from the site of administration into the bloodstream.

Distribution

Dispersion of absorbed drug into body tissues and fluids.

Metabolism

Biotransformation of drugs, mainly in the liver via enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450).

Elimination

Removal of drugs from the body, through kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.

Levels of drug activity

A hierarchical framework from body systems to molecular level where drug effects are produced.

Beta-blockers

Drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and contractility.

Negative chronotropy

Decrease in heart rate.

Receptor

A protein that binds ligands (agonists or antagonists) to produce a cellular response.

Agonist

A molecule that binds and activates a receptor to produce a response.

Full agonist

An agonist capable of producing the maximal biological effect (intrinsic activity = 1).

Partial agonist

An agonist that produces a submaximal effect even at full receptor occupancy (intrinsic activity < 1).

Antagonist

A molecule that binds a receptor but does not activate it, preventing receptor activation by agonists.

Competitive antagonism

Antagonist binds at the same receptor site as the agonist; can be reversible or irreversible.

Noncompetitive antagonism

Antagonist binds to an allosteric site, changing receptor shape and preventing activation by the agonist.

Allosteric site

A receptor site other than the primary active site where other molecules can bind to modify receptor activity.

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel

A receptor that opens an ion channel when a ligand binds (e.g., acetylcholine receptor).

Enzyme

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells.

Routes of administration

Categories of drug delivery: Enteral, Parenteral, and Topical.

Enteral administration

Delivery through the GI tract paths such as mouth, stomach, small intestine, and rectum.

Parenteral administration

Non-enteral routes such as injections (IV, IM, SQ); often used for poor absorption or rapid action.

Topical administration

Administration to skin or mucous membranes for local or systemic effect.

Oral dosage forms

Dosage forms intended for oral administration (tablets, capsules, liquids, etc.).

Disintegration

Breaking a dosage form into smaller particles.

Dissolution

Process of the drug going into solution from its solid form.

Enteric coating

Protective coating that prevents dissolution in the stomach and dissolves in the intestine.

Sustained-release

Formulation designed to release the drug over an extended period.

Absorption surface

Biological surface where absorption occurs (e.g., intestinal epithelium, skin).

Surface area

The extent of absorbing surface; the small intestine has a larger surface area than the stomach.

Blood flow

The rate of blood supply to the administration site, influencing absorption.

pH at absorption site

Environmental acidity/basicity affecting drug ionization and absorption.

Biotransformation

Metabolic conversion of drugs, mainly in the liver, via oxidation, reduction, and conjugation (cytochrome P450).

Excretion

Elimination of drugs from the body through kidneys, lungs, sweat, saliva, etc.

Time-Concentration Curve

Graph showing how drug concentration in the blood changes over time.

Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC)

The lowest drug concentration that produces a therapeutic effect.

Tolerance

Decreased response to a drug requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Placebo effect

Clinical improvement driven by patient expectation rather than the drug itself.

Genetics (pharmacogenetics)

Genetic differences that affect drug metabolism and response.

Comorbid conditions

Other diseases that can alter pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic processes.

Onset of action

Time from administration to the start of a pharmacologic effect.

Duration of action

Length of time a drug produces its effect.

Therapeutic range

Concentration range where the drug is effective without unacceptable toxicity.

Elixir

A sweetened hydroalcoholic solution in which the drug is dissolved.

Suspension

A liquid where solid drug particles are dispersed.

Capsule

Gelatin shell enclosing drug, usually powder or pellets.

Tablet

Compressed solid dosage form.

Coated tablet

Tablet with a coating to improve taste, swallowability, or stability.