Dental Theraputic & Med Emergencies- Ch 30- Key terms/COMPLETED

absorption

the process by which the body takes in or receives a drug

distribution

action by which a drug is released throughout the body

dosage

amount of drug to be administered in a specific time, often according to body weight

dose

a specified quantity of a drug or medicine

drug

a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease

ethical drug

a drug that requires perscription

excretion

action by which a drug leaves the body

generic

a drug sold without a brand name or trademark

inscription

the name or quantity of a drug listed on the prescription

metabolism

physical and chemical processes that occur within a living cell or organism and are necessary for the maintenance of life.

patent medicine

a drug that can be obtained without a prescription; also called an over-the-counter medication.

pharmacology

a branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and actions of drugs

Prescription

A written order for a specific drug

Prophylaxis

Administration of drugs to prevent disease or protect a patient

Rx

A symbol for the Latin word “recipe”

Signature

Instructions on a prescription explaining how to take a specific medicine

Subscription

Directions to the pharmacist for mixing the medication; this is rarely (seldom) completed by the pharmacist anymore

Superscription

The patients name, address, date, and Rx symbol on the prescription

Systemic

Referring to a drug that affects a specific system (or multiple systems) of the body