Basics of Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics

the study of drug movement throughout the body

therapeutic window

range of min dose of therapeutic effect to min dose of toxic effect

enteral

referring to a route of medication administration that uses the gastrointestinal tract, such as swallowing a pill

parenteral route

dispensation of medications via a needle into the skin layers

Diffusion

the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

active transport

the movement of materials through a cell membrane using energy

pinocytosis and phagocytosis

___ is the endocytosis of liquids and small particles, whereas ___ is the endocytosis of large particles.

Bioavailability

the rate at and the extent to which a nutrient is absorbed and used

Distribution of drugs

the transport of drugs from the plasma to the tissues

Half-life of a medication

the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated. Liver and kidney disease, aging, absence of food, and slowed metabolic rate prolong half-life because of their effects on metabolism and excretion.

Pharmacodynamics

The process by which a medication works on the body.

adverse drug reaction

any unexpected, unintended, undesired, or excessive response to a medication given at therapeutic dosages (as opposed to overdose)

Type A adverse reaction

Predictable reactions & drug-to-drug interactions (ex. Incorrect dose)

Type B adverse reaction

Unpredictable, not related to dose & pharmacologic effect (ex. Hypersensitivity)