PHARM EXAM 1

Emax

The maximum effect a drug can produce regardless of dose.

Potency

The amount of drug needed to produce a desired effect.

TD50/ED50

TD50: dose at which 50% of the population shows a toxic effect; ED50: dose at which 50% show a therapeutic effect.

Therapeutic Index

The ratio of the toxic dose to the effective dose, indicating the safety of a drug.

Schedule I drugs

Drugs with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Schedule IV drugs

Drugs with a lower potential for abuse and accepted medical uses.

First pass effect

Metabolism of a drug before it reaches systemic circulation.

Kinetics

The study of how drugs move through the body.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks a receptor and prevents a biological response.

Aspirin

An NSAID used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.

Acetaminophen

An analgesic and antipyretic that does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects.

H1 blockers

Antihistamines that treat allergic reactions by blocking H1 receptors.

H2 blockers

Medications that reduce stomach acid by blocking H2 receptors.

Mineralocorticoids

Hormones that regulate sodium and potassium balance, such as aldosterone.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones that regulate metabolism and immune response, such as cortisol.

Corticosteroids

Steroids that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Tapering regime

Gradually reducing the dose of a medication to prevent withdrawal or rebound effects.

SNS

Sympathetic nervous system, responsible for 'fight or flight' responses.

PNS

Parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for 'rest and digest' activities.

Cholinergic receptors

Receptors that are activated by acetylcholine.

Alpha receptors

Adrenergic receptors that mediate vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure.

Beta receptors

Adrenergic receptors that mediate relaxation of smooth muscle and increased heart rate.

Antimuscarinic poisoning

Intoxication due to excessive muscarinic receptor antagonists, presenting with symptoms like dry mouth and dilated pupils.

Myasthenia Gravis medications

Drugs that improve neuromuscular transmission by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.

Heart receptors

Receptors in the heart that respond to neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.

Lung receptors

Receptors in the lungs that respond to adrenergic stimulation affecting airflow.

Alpha 2 receptors

Receptors that inhibit norepinephrine release and have a calming effect.

Diuretics

Medications that increase urine production to lower blood volume and blood pressure.

Mechanism of diuretics

Inhibit renal reabsorption of sodium and water, leading to increased urine output.

Antiarrhythmic drugs

Medications used to treat irregular heartbeats; side effects can include dysrhythmia.

Digoxin mechanism of action

Inhibits Na/K ATPase, increasing intracellular calcium and contractility.

Spironolactone

A potassium-sparing diuretic that acts as an aldosterone antagonist.

Heparin

An anticoagulant that acts quickly to prevent blood clots.

Warfarin

An oral anticoagulant that acts as a vitamin K antagonist with a slow onset.

Streptokinase

A thrombolytic agent that dissolves blood clots.

Alteplase

A tissue plasminogen activator used to break down clots in emergency situations.

Vasodilators

Drugs that relax blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB)

A selective barrier that limits the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the