medication terms

adverse drug reactions (ADR)

unwanted and non-therapeutic effects of the medication. they can range from mild to severe

allergic reaction

a reaction resulting from a hypersensitivity to an antigen or foreign substance, such as a medication

anaphylaxis

an acute allergic reaction to an antigen that may result in life-threatening shock, producing vasodilation, bronchospasm, and laryngeal edema

dissolution

medication must be dissolved in solution before absorption takes place. the dissolution of a medication is dependent upon its initial state and route of administration. dissolution: process where a gaseous, liquid, or solid phase dissolves in a solvent to form a solution

dosage

a prescribed quantity of a medication consisting of the dose and the frequency

intradermal

medication administered via the dermal layers of the skin

lipohypertrophy

the formation of small lumps beneath the skin due to irritated fatty tissue

ophthalmic

pertaining to the eyes

pharmacokinetics

study of the absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of drugs in the human body

prescription

a medication order written by the provider that includes the name of drug, amount to be given, the route and frequency of administration. the order needs to have the client’s name, the date and time the order was written, and the provider’s name and title

rectal route

administered via the rectum or anus

teratogenic

medications that can cause fetal defects, pregnancy loss, prematurity or developmental disabilities

therapeutic effects

the desired effects of a medication

toxicity

an adverse effect in which the body is unable to metabolize or excrete a medication; it can cause irreversible damage to organs