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Pharmacology

The study of drugs, focusing on their chemical properties, biological effects, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses. This knowledge is essential for ensuring safe, effective medication for treating diseases.

Generic Name

( lower case ) The universal, non-trademarked name of a drug derived from its chemical structure, used to identify the drug globally, such as 'acetaminophen' instead of the brand name 'Tylenol'.

Brand Name

( upper case )The trademarked name given by companies to distinguish their product, helping consumers identify it among other similar medications; for example, 'Advil' is the brand name for ibuprofen.

Drug Cycle

The sequence of processes a drug undergoes in the body: Absorption (how it's taken into the bloodstream), Distribution (how it spreads through the body), Metabolism (how it's broken down), and Excretion (how it's eliminated). Understanding this cycle helps improve drug effectiveness.

Therapeutic Level

The optimal concentration of a drug in the bloodstream needed to achieve the desired effect while minimizing the risk of adverse effects; monitoring this is crucial for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.

Potency

The strength of a drug in producing its desired therapeutic effect; more potent drugs can achieve effects at lower doses compared to less potent ones, like morphine versus codeine for pain relief.

Drug Interaction

A situation where the effects of one drug are changed by another substance, such as another drug or food, which can either enhance or reduce the effectiveness of the drugs involved.

Side Effect

An unintended and often mild reaction experienced alongside the primary effects of a drug, such as drowsiness triggered by antihistamines.

Adverse Reaction

A harmful and unintended response to a drug, which can range from minor to severe, potentially requiring medical attention, like anaphylaxis from certain antibiotics.

Curative Drug

Medications designed to cure diseases by eliminating their underlying causes or pathogens, as seen with antibiotics that eradicate bacterial infections.

Prophylactic Drug

Medications intended to prevent diseases or complications, for example, vaccines that protect against infectious ailments like the flu.

Diagnostic Drug

Drugs employed in medical diagnostics to enhance the visibility of specific body areas during tests; for example, barium used in X-rays.

Palliative Drug

Medications focused on alleviating symptoms without curing the condition, such as opioids used to manage cancer-related pain.

Replacement Drug

Drugs that supply or replace substances that are deficient or absent in the body, like insulin for diabetes management.

Destructive Drug

Medications aimed at destroying abnormal cells or tissues, prominently used in cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin.

MedWatch

The FDA program that monitors drug safety, allowing healthcare professionals and the public to report adverse effects to enhance user safety.

Chemical Name

The scientific name detailing a drug's precise chemical structure and composition, offering in-depth understanding of its function.

Absorption

The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration, crucial for its effectiveness, influenced by factors like drug formulation and delivery method.

Enteral Absorption

The absorption of drugs through the gastrointestinal tract via oral or rectal routes, which can be affected by factors like food consumption and gut health.

Parenteral Absorption

Absorption of drugs through non-digestive routes, such as intravenous or intramuscular methods, facilitating faster onset of effects, especially in emergencies.

Factors Affecting Absorption

Various elements influencing drug absorption, including lipid solubility, pH, age, food presence, and how long the drug contacts the absorption site.

Distribution

The process by which drugs are dispersed throughout body fluids and tissues, impacted by blood flow, tissue barriers, and protein binding.

Metabolism

The chemical transformation of a drug in the body into active or inactive forms, predominantly in the liver, affecting its duration and strength of action.

First-pass Effect

The phenomenon where a drug's concentration decreases due to liver metabolism before entering systemic circulation, significantly influencing oral medication dosages.

Excretion

The elimination of drugs and their metabolites from the body, occurring primarily through urine but also via sweat and breath, essential for preventing toxicity.

What is an Agonist?

Drugs that bind to and activate receptors, mimicking natural substances; an example is morphine, which activates opioid receptors to relieve pain.

Antagonist

Drugs that bind to receptors without activating them, blocking the action of agonists; for instance, naloxone reverses opioid overdoses.

Therapeutic Uses

The specific health conditions or symptoms that a drug is prescribed to address, such as antidepressants for treating depression.

Adverse Reactions

Severe unintended effects from medication that may necessitate treatment adjustments or discontinuation, like organ damage from long-term use of NSAIDs.

Therapeutic Index

A measure expressing drug safety, calculated by the ratio of toxic dose to effective dose; a higher ratio indicates a safer drug profile.

Synergism

The enhanced effect resulting from the combined administration of two or more drugs, surpassing their individual effects and potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.

Half-life

The duration it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half, crucial for determining dosing schedules.

Client Education

Informing patients about their medications, including correct usage, potential side effects, and interactions to promote safe and effective treatment practices.

Teach-Back Method

An educational strategy where patients repeat back information provided by healthcare providers to confirm understanding, ensuring effective communication.

Calcium (Ca)

An essential mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as necessary for blood clotting and muscle function.

Phosphorus (P)

A key mineral crucial for the formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP, playing an important role in cellular energy production.

Iron (Fe)

An essential mineral needed for hemoglobin formation, which carries oxygen in the blood; its deficiency can lead to fatigue and anemia.

Zinc (Zn)

A trace mineral that supports immune health, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, vital for combating infections.

Sodium (Na)

An essential mineral necessary for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure, and for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Botox (Botulinum toxin)

A potent neurotoxin used in medical and cosmetic treatments, temporarily paralyzing muscles to reduce facial wrinkles.

Drug Naming

The systematic approach to naming drugs, including chemical names based on structure, generic names for universal use, and brand names for marketing.

FDA Approval

The stringent process by which the FDA evaluates a drug's safety, efficacy, and quality before it can be sold, ensuring it provides therapeutic value.

Inactive Ingredients

Substances in drug formulations that do not have therapeutic effects, such as fillers and binders used for product stability.

Drug Packaging

The techniques and materials used for packaging drugs, ensuring safety and integrity while providing necessary information to consumers.

Drug Standardization

The procedures ensuring consistent quality and performance of drugs through standard testing, crucial for their safe utilization.

Lipid Solubility

A drug's capacity to dissolve in fats, influencing its absorption and distribution; drugs that are lipid-soluble tend to enter cells more easily.

Age Factors in Drug Response

Variations in drug responses across different age groups, as metabolic and pharmacodynamics differ between pediatric and geriatric patients.

Blood Perfusion

The circulation of blood to organs and tissues, essential for effective drug distribution, as sufficient blood flow ensures that medications reach their targets.

Plasma Protein Binding

The attachment of drugs to proteins in the blood, affecting their distribution; drugs that bind strongly may have diminished availability and efficacy.