Ch. 12: Pharmacology

Absorption

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.

Action

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Adverse Effects

Any unwanted clinical results of a medication.

Agonist

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Antagonist

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.

Antibiotic

A medication used to treat infections caused by a bacterium.

Anticoagulant

A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.

Antifungal

A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus.

Antiplatelet

A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.

Antipyretics

Medications that treat or reduce a fever.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).

Contraindications

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient.

Dose

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.

Duration

The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last.

Elimination

The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body.

EMT-administered medication

Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.

Enteric Medications

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Epinephrine

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree.

Gel

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.

Generic Name

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its proprietary or trade names); the name is not capitalized.

Hypoglycemia

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Indications

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Inhalation

The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route.

Intramuscular (IM) injection

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Intranasal (IN)

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.

Intraosseous (IO) injection

An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Intravenous (IV) injection

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Medication

A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.

Medication Error

Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)

A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs.

Mucosal Atomizer Device (MAD)

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.

Nitroglycerin

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer this medication.

Onset of Action

The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects.

Oral

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Oral Glucose

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.

Parenteral Medications

Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.

Patient-Assisted Medication

When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.

Peak

The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved.

Pharmacokinetics

The processes that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated.

Subcutaneous Injection

Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.

Sublingual (SL)

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Suspension

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

Topical Medications

Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route.

Transcutaneous (Transdermal)

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Untoward Effects

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.