Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary terms related to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to the drug

Pharmacodynamics

What the drugs do to the body

Absorption

The movement of a drug from its site of administration into the blood.

Distribution

The movement of the drug from the bloodstream into the tissues and organs.

Metabolism

The chemical modification of a drug, mainly in the liver.

Excretion

The removal of the drug and its metabolites from the body via the kidneys (urine) or liver (bile).

Passive Transport

Movement of ions and molecules across the cell membrane without energy.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules across the membrane from lower to higher concentration, requiring energy.

Rate of Dissolution

Depends on the formulation of the drug and where it will be absorbed.

Routes of Administration

Affects bioavailability of a drug (PO, IV, IM, SubQ).

Surface Area

larger surface area, faster the absorption

Lipid Solubility

High lipid soluble drugs can easily move across the cell membrane.

pH Partitioning

Absorption is enhanced when the difference between the pH of plasma and the site of administration is such that drug molecules will have a greater tendency to be ionized in the plasma.

First-Pass Effect

The drug is metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation, reducing effectiveness.

Intravenous (IV) Route

Injecting the drug directly into the bloodstream for immediate effects and 100% bioavailability.

Intramuscular (IM) Route

Drugs injected into the muscle tissue, faster than subcutaneous.

Subcutaneous (SC) Route

Drugs are injected into the fat layer under the skin for slower, sustained release.

Inhalation Route

Enters the lungs and is absorbed through alveoli into the bloodstream.

Topical Route

Applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes for local effects.

Transdermal Route

Applying medication via patches on the skin for slow, sustained systemic absorption, bypassing the digestive system and liver.

Intrathecal Route

Administration delivers drugs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid via the spinal canal.

Enteric-Coated Tablets

Resist stomach acid and dissolve in the intestine.

Chewable Tablets

Designed to be chewed, suitable for children.

Effervescent Tablets

Dissolve in water before use, releasing gas.

Sublingual Tablets

Placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

Hard Gelatin Capsules

Filled with dry powders.

Soft Gelatin Capsules

Contain oils or liquids.

Lozenges

Dissolve slowly (cough drops).

Solutions

Clear liquids where the drug is completely dissolved.

Suspensions

Liquids with solid particles suspended; shake before use.

Emulsions

Mixture of two immiscible liquids (water and oil), often stabilized by emulsifiers.

Syrups

Concentrated sugar solutions containing drugs.

Elixirs

Sweetened, hydroalcoholic solutions used for drugs that are soluble in water and alcohol.

Drops

Concentrated liquids administered in small drops.

SR/ER Preparations

Designed to release the drug slowly over time to maintain a steady drug level.

CR Preparations

Constant release rate of the drug over an extended period.

Delayed-Release

Releases the drug at a time other than immediately after administration.

Distribution

Movement of drugs from the blood to the interstitial space of tissues and then into cells

Kidneys

Drugs are filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

Liver

Drugs are excreted via feces.

Lungs

Gaseous substances are excreted through the lungs via exhalation.

Sweat, Saliva, and Milk

Drugs can be excreted through sweating, salivary glands, and breast milk.

Threshold Dose

The smallest dose of a drug that produces a noticeable effect.

Effective Dose (ED)

The dose of a drug that produces a therapeutic effect.

Maximum Effect (Emax)

The maximum effect that can be achieved with a drug, regardless of further increases in dosage.

Potency

The amount of drug needed to produce a given effect.

Efficacy

The maximum effect a drug can produce, regardless of dose.

Agonist

Mimics natural ligands and activates receptors.

Antagonist

Blocks natural ligands and prevents activation of receptors.