Principles of Pharmacology

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Principles of Pharmacology.

Pharmacology

The study of properties, actions, and uses of drugs.

Drug

A chemical substance used to cure, treat, prevent, or diagnose disease.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body.

Absorption

The movement of a drug from the site of administration to the bloodstream.

Distribution

The movement of absorbed drug from the blood to body tissues.

Metabolism

The series of chemical processes whereby enzymes change drugs in the body.

Excretion

The movement of metabolites out of the body.

Drug Action

The effects a drug has on cells; may include depressing, stimulating, destroying, or replacing substances.

Age

An influencing factor on drug action related to the patient's stage of life.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of how genetic factors influence a person's metabolic response to medication.

Therapeutic Effects

The intended action(s) of a medication.

Adverse Reactions

Unwanted side effects that occur as a result of taking a medication.

Controlled Substance Act (CSA)

Legislation that regulates the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances.

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Legislation enforced by the FDA to monitor and ensure the safety of products released to market.

Drug Names

A single drug may have multiple names: chemical, generic, official, and brand name.

Drug Reference Information

Resources that provide necessary information about drugs including dosage, indications, and adverse reactions.

Drug Classification

Grouping of drugs based on their pharmacological effects or therapeutic use.

Solid Medication Forms

Types of medications that include tablets, capsules, and powders.

Liquid Medication Forms

Types of medications that include solutions and suspensions.

Medication Order

Directions given by a provider for the administration of a specific medication to a patient.

Routine Order

Medication that is given at regular intervals until canceled or expired.

Standing Order

A type of order that applies to all patients who meet specific criteria.

PRN Order

Medication that is administered as needed.

Single Order

A medication that is administered one time.

Stat Order

A one-time order that requires immediate administration of medication.

Prescription

A written order by a provider to the pharmacist for dispensing medication.

Superscription

The part of a prescription that includes the patient's information and the date.

Incription

The part of a prescription that specifies the medication name and dosage.

Signature

The part of a prescription that includes the provider's signature authorizing the prescription.

Subscription

The part of a prescription that includes directions for compounding the medication.

DEA Number

A unique number that must be used on all controlled substance prescriptions.

Patient Coaching

The process of teaching patients about their medications and health management.

Legal and Ethical Issues

Concerns regarding the prescribing and management of controlled substances.

Patient-Centered Care

Approach that encourages patients to maintain an updated list of their medications.

Natural Sources of Drugs

Drugs derived from plants, animals, minerals, and microbiologic substances.

Synthetic Drugs

Medications created in a laboratory using synthetic methods.

Therapeutic Range

The concentration of a drug in the body that achieves the desired effect without toxicity.

Boxed Warning

A warning that indicates serious or life-threatening risks associated with a medication.

Biologic Half-Life

The time it takes for half of the drug to be metabolized or eliminated from the body.

Onset

The time it takes for a drug to begin producing a response.

Peak

The time it takes for a drug to reach its maximum effective concentration in the blood.

Duration

The time during which a drug remains active in the body.

Fluid Extract

A liquid preparation made by extracting active ingredients from plant materials.

Elixir

A clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic liquid used for medicinal purposes.

Suspension

A mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid.

Emulsion

A mixture of two immiscible liquids, usually oil and water.

Medication Safety

Practices to ensure that medications are prescribed, dispensed, and administered safely.

Cumulative Effect

An increased effect of a drug due to increased levels in the body over time.

Idiosyncrasy

An unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that occurs in a small number of individuals.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, often life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly.

Drugs of Abuse

Substances that have a high potential for dependency and misuse.

Drug Interactions

The effects that occur when one drug affects the activity of another drug.

Tolerance

A condition in which the body becomes accustomed to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Drug Dependence

A condition in which a person relies on a drug for psychological or physical well-being.