Pharmacology Made Easy 5.0: Introduction to Pharmacology

Generic Medications

Medications with an official name not capitalized, developed by a pharmaceutical company.

Brand/Trade Name Medications

Commercial or proprietary names of medications, capitalized, which may vary by manufacturer.

Prescription Medications

Medications that require a prescription due to potential harm without supervision.

Nonprescription Medications

Medications available over-the-counter, deemed safe for use without supervision.

Pharmaceutics

The study of how medication forms affect dissolution, absorption, and onset of action.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

Pharmacodynamics

The biochemical changes in the body resulting from medication use, including therapeutic and adverse effects.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)

Nontherapeutic, unintended effects of a medication that can range from mild to life-threatening.

Tolerance

The body's decreased response to a medication over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect.

Toxicity

Negative physiological effects resulting from excessive medication dosages or impaired excretion.

Medication Precautions

Guidelines to prevent adverse drug reactions in specific populations or combinations with other medications.

Contraindications

Situations where a medication should not be prescribed due to potential serious adverse effects.

Medication Interactions

Changes in the action of a medication due to the presence of another medication or food.

Half-Life

The time it takes for a medication's concentration in the body to decrease by half.

Onset of Action

The time required for a medication to begin demonstrating a therapeutic response.

Peak Effect

The time it takes for a medication to reach its maximum therapeutic effect.

Duration of Action

The length of time a medication's therapeutic effect lasts without additional doses.

Peak Level

The highest concentration of a medication in the body.

Trough Level

The lowest concentration of a medication in the body.

Client Education

The process of informing clients about their medications, including purpose, administration, and potential effects.