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What is a drug?
An exogenous substance which acts and produces an effect on the body.
Define pharmacology.
The action of drugs and their effects on living organisms.
What does psychopharmacology study?
The actions of drugs and their effects on the nervous system and resultant behavior.
Fill in the blank: The site of action is the location where molecules of a specific drug interact with __________ of specific cells.
molecules
What is biotransformation?
The metabolism of drugs via enzymes into its metabolites, primarily occurring in the liver.
Define drug affinity.
The readiness of which two molecules join together, indicating the attractiveness between a molecule and a receptor.
What is the therapeutic index?
A measurement of a drug’s margin of safety; the ratio between the dose that produces the desired effect and the dose that produces toxic effects.
What is sensitization in drug use?
An increase in the effectiveness of a drug that is administered repeatedly.
Fill in the blank: Tolerance refers to a decrease in the __________ of a drug that is administered repeatedly.
effectiveness
What is the effect of the homeostatic set point?
It refers to the desired physiological level that the body attempts to keep constant despite internal and external changes.
What is pharmacokinetics?
The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.
What do you mean by drug half-life?
The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half.
What is drug abuse?
The intentional use of a drug for non-medical purposes, often to achieve a desirable effect.
What is the role of enzymes in drug metabolism?
Enzymes facilitate the chemical transformation of drugs into metabolites for excretion.
What is polypharmacy?
The concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, often seen in older adults.
What does the term 'addiction' refer to?
A chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking, despite harmful consequences.
What are side effects?
Unintended and often adverse effects of a medication that occur in addition to the drug's intended effects.
What is medication adherence?
The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
What is meant by the term 'agonist' in pharmacology?
A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.
What is antagonism in the context of drug interactions?
A condition where one drug reduces or blocks the effect of another drug.
What are the main routes of drug administration?
Oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, inhalation, and topical.
What is a placebo?
An inactive substance or treatment used as a control in experiments.
What does the term 'bioavailability' refer to?
The fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation.
What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier in pharmacology?
It is a selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances but can also limit drug delivery.
What is the difference between a generic drug and a brand-name drug?
Generic drugs are chemically identical to brand-name drugs but are typically sold at lower prices.
What factors can influence drug absorption?
Solubility, formulation, route of administration, and presence of food.
What is the liver's role in drug metabolism?
The liver metabolizes drugs, transforming them into metabolites for excretion.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to medication?
Rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
What is pharmacodynamics?
The study of how drugs affect the body and the mechanism of their action.
What does 'therapeutic drug monitoring' involve?
Measuring drug levels in the bloodstream to ensure effective and safe dosing.
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