Pharmacology Basics: Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts in pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, medication administration, and drug classifications.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how the body handles a drug, involving absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption

The entry of the drug into the bloodstream, influenced by factors like route of administration and drug solubility.

Distribution

The process by which medication is dispersed throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Metabolism

The process by which drugs are broken down in the body, primarily occurring in the liver.

Excretion

The final stage of medication removal from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

First-Pass Effect

The reduction in bioavailability of a drug due to metabolism in the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.

Agonistic Effect

The effect produced when a drug binds tightly to a receptor, mimicking natural substances.

Antagonistic Effect

The effect produced when a drug binds to a receptor without activating it, blocking other substances from activating the receptor.

Therapeutic Window

The range between a minimally effective dose and a toxic dose of a drug.

Half-Life

The amount of time it takes for 50% of the drug to be eliminated from the body.

Selectivity

The extent to which a drug targets specific cells to produce intended therapeutic effects.

Side Effect

Unexpected effects of a drug other than the intended therapeutic effect.

Adverse Effect

Severe, unanticipated effects that can endanger the patient and may require discontinuation of the drug.