Pharmacology Exam 1 Outline and Key Terms

Bioavailability

Fraction of active form of drug that reaches plasma.

Intravenous (IV)

Administration method that has 100% bioavailability because the drug is delivered directly into the bloodstream.

Oral drugs

Bioavailability is usually less than 100% due to incomplete absorption and first-pass metabolism in the liver.

First-pass metabolism

The process where the drug is partially broken down before reaching systemic circulation.

Dosage determination

A drug with low oral bioavailability may need a higher dose or different route.

Ac

Abbreviation for 'Before meals'.

Po

Abbreviation for 'By mouth'.

Cap

Abbreviation for 'Capsule'.

G

Abbreviation for 'Gram'.

Gtt

Abbreviation for 'Drop'.

H

Abbreviation for 'Hour'.

Hs

Abbreviation for 'Bedtime'.

IM

Abbreviation for 'Intramuscular'.

IV

Abbreviation for 'Intravenous'.

Mg

Abbreviation for 'Milligram'.

SC, SQ

Abbreviation for 'Subcutaneous'.

Pc

Abbreviation for 'After meals'.

Prn

Abbreviation for 'As needed'.

Q

Abbreviation for 'Every'.

QAM, OM

Abbreviation for 'Every morning'.

QHS

Abbreviation for 'Every night at bedtime'.

QID

Abbreviation for 'Four times a day'.

Stat

Abbreviation for 'At once'.

Sup, sup

Abbreviation for 'Suppository'.

OD

Abbreviation for 'Right eye'.

Susp

Abbreviation for 'Suspension'.

OS, OL

Abbreviation for 'Left eye'.

Tab

Abbreviation for 'Tablet'.

OTC

Abbreviation for 'Over-the-counter'.

Tid

Abbreviation for 'Three times a day'.

OU

Abbreviation for 'Both eyes'.