Drug Interactions Lecture

Flashcards created for review on drug interactions, focusing on definitions and critical concepts.

Drug Interaction

Modification of response to one drug by another when administered simultaneously or in quick succession.

Pharmaceutical Interactions

Physicochemical interactions occurring when drugs are mixed, resulting in precipitation or inactivation.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Interactions that alter ADME properties (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) of drugs.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Interactions affecting the pharmacological activity of drugs, can be synergistic or antagonistic.

Narrow Therapeutic Index

Drugs with a low safety margin; small changes in dosage lead to significant therapeutic effects or toxicity.

Synergism

When two drugs together produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects, e.g., 1 + 1 > 2.

Potentiation

When an inactive drug enhances the action of an active drug, e.g., ethanol with opioids.

Enzyme Induction

Increase in the metabolic activity of a drug due to the induction of enzymes, may take weeks for maximal effect.

Enzyme Inhibition

Decrease in drug metabolism due to competition for enzyme binding sites, leading to increased drug concentrations.

Drug-Food Interaction

Interaction where food affects drug absorption or action, such as grapefruit juice with certain medications.