Intro to Pharm

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to a drug- absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME)

Absorption

Movement of medication from the site of administration to the systemic circulation

Distribution

Distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream

Metabolism

Breakdown of a drug molecule

Excretion

Body eliminates waste through urine

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to the body

Agonist

Binds to a receptor and activates it to produce an effect

Antagonist

Drug that binds to a receptor and prevents an effect

Efficacy

The maximum effect a drug can produce

Dose-response

As the dose increases, the response increases

Pharmacogenetics

Study of how people’s genes affect their response to medicines

Affinity

Strength of binding between drug and receptor

Peak

The highest concentration of the drug in the blood after it is given

Trough

Lowest concentration of a medication in the blood

Potency

How much of a drug is needed to produce an effect.

Bioavailability

Amount of drug that reaches the bloodstream

Mechanisms of Action

How the drug functions within the body

Onset

When the medication first begins to take effect

Half-life

Time it takes for half of a medication to leave the body

Selectivity

A drug’s ability to act mainly on its intended target rather than affecting other parts of the body, producing more focused effects and fewer side effects.

General Pharmacology Concept

No medication has only one action; medications can affect multiple body functions

Clinical Judgment

Ability to make decisions about patients that affect their clinical status

Brand Name

Name given to a medication by the pharmaceutical company

Generic Name

Name of drug’s active ingredient

Side effect

Generally expected, usually mild, and does not significantly interfere with the intended effect of the drug.

Adverse effect

An unwanted, harmful effect of a drug that can cause injury, interfere with treatment, or require medical intervention.

Pharmacological classification

Describes how the drug works

Therapeutic classification

Describes what the drug treats

Medication Reconciliation

Comparing a patient’s medication orders with what the patient is taking, has been prescribed, and what’s listed in their medical record to identify and resolve discrepancies during transitions in care

Food and Drug Administration

Protects public health by ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of drugs, biological products, medical devices, food, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products

FDA Approval

FDA has reviewed data on a drug and determined that its benefits outweigh its known and potential risks for the intended population

Black Box Warning

A warning for medications that have serious or life-threatening risks