pharmacology unit 16

immunizing agents

-vaccine

-toxoid

-immune globulin

-specific immune globulin

-antitoxin

adenovirus

one of a group of closely related viruses that can cause infections of the upper respiratory tract

antibody

a protein substance that is developed in response to an antigen

antigen

substances such as bacteria, toxins, or certain allergens that induce the formation of antibodies that specifically interact with the antigen

candida

a genus of yeast-like fungi. it is a part of the normal flora in the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina. candida is one of the most common causes of vaginitis in women during the reproductive years. formerly called monilia

cryptococcosis

a systemic fungus infection that may involve any organ of the body, especially the lungs, the skin, the brain and its meninges

cytomegalovirus

one of a group of species-specific herpes viruses.

epidemiology

the study of the science concerned with defining and explaining the interrelationship of factors that determine the frequency and distribution of disease.

histoplasmosis

a systemic, fungal respiratory disease.

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

the appropriate name for the retrovirus that has been implied as the causative agent of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

immunocompetence

being capable of developing an antibody to stimulation by an antigen

immunodeficiency

a decreased ability or inability to respond to antigenic stimuli, this suppressing or altering the body's natural immune response.

phagocytosis

the process whereby white blood cells ingest or engulf other cells, bacteria and/or foreign particles.

varicella

a benign, highly contagious disease caused by varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus. chickenpox

volar

refers to the palm of the hand or the palmar surface

antifungal agents

systemic, skin, and mucous membrane infections

-histoplasmosis

-candida

-cryptococcosis

-athletes foot

-tinea

antifungal agents (special considerations)

-wear gloves when applying topical medication

-do not contaminate medication container

-refrain from sexual intercourse while being treated for vaginal fungal infections

-keep area clean and dry

antifungal agents (contraindications)

-hypersensitivity

-bone marrow depression

-impaired renal function

-cautious use during pregnancy or lactation

OTC antifungals

FDA guidelines

-may contain only one active ingredient, limited to a specific list

-must have label warning against use on scalp or nails, or in children younger than 2 years of age

-may not contain certain specific ingredients due to ineffectiveness

antiviral agents

*synthetic drugs

*developed to combat specific viral diseases

-HSV

-Influenza

-Herpes zoster

drugs for herpes simplex or herpes zoster

These drugs

-do not cure herpes

-dosage varies with drug

-type of herpes treated varies with drug

*acyclovir

*trifluridine

*famciclovir

*penciclovir

special considerations

-always wear gloves when applying topical or ophthalmic medications

-care should be taken to not touch eye with applicator of ophthalmic medications