Pharmacology Basics: Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to pharmacology basics, specifically pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including definitions and important concepts.

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 route of administration and drug characteristics.

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 via the kidneys.

Agonistic Effect

A drug effect that occurs when a drug binds tightly to a receptor and produces a desired effect.

Antagonistic Effect

A drug effect that occurs when a drug binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking other substances.

First-Pass Effect

The reduction in bioavailability of a drug when it is metabolized in the liver before reaching systemic circulation.

Half-Life

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

Therapeutic Window

The range between a minimally effective dose and a toxic dose that represents the safest and most effective treatment range.

Side Effect vs. Adverse Effect

Side effect is an expected secondary effect of a drug; adverse effect is an unexpected and potentially dangerous outcome.

Selectivity

How readily a drug targets specific cells to produce an intended therapeutic effect.