Penn Foster Veterinary Pharmacology Notes – Key Terms (Nervous System, Respiratory, Endocrine, GI, CV, etc.)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key pharmacology terms and concepts from the notes (nervous system, respiratory, endocrine, GI, CV, and related regulatory/clinical topics).

Agonist

A drug that has affinity for a receptor and stimulates the receptor into action.

Antagonist

A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks its action.

Receptor

A group of specialized molecules on or in a cell that bind with a drug to produce an effect.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical substance released by a nerve ending at the synapse; it acts on the adjacent neuron to stimulate, inhibit, or change its activity.

Efficacy

The degree to which a drug produces its desired response.

Therapeutic Index

The relationship between a drug's therapeutic and harmful effects.

Withdrawal Time

Time that must elapse between the end of drug therapy and elimination of that drug from patients’ tissues or products.

Veterinary-client-patient relationship

Relationship that must exist between the vet, the patient, and the owner before prescription drugs can be dispensed.

Extralabel

Using a drug in a way not specified by the label.

Pharmacokinetics

The complex sequence of events after a drug is administered (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

Parenteral

Administered by injections.

Six rights of drug administration

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time and frequency, and right documentation.

Drug label

Label includes generic and trade names, concentration, quantity, manufacturer name/address, control/lot number, and expiration date.

Trade/Proprietary Name

The drug name chosen by the manufacturer and is the exclusive property of that company.

Generic Name

The nonproprietary, standard name of a drug (not the brand name).

Animal product (drug source)

A drug derived from animal sources.

Plant material (drug source)

A drug derived from plants.

Minerals (drug source)

A drug derived from minerals.

Synthetic products (drug source)

A drug produced by chemical synthesis.

Dose

The amount of drug given at one time.

Route

The path by which a drug is administered (oral, subcutaneous, intravenous, etc.).

Frequency

How often a drug is administered.

Duration

How long the drug is administered.

Indication

A reason to use a particular drug.

Metabolite

A product formed when the body biotransforms a drug.

FARAD

Provides resources concerning the avoidance of drug residues in animals.

AMDUCA

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act.

Compounding

Diluting or combining existing drugs.

Ethical Product

A product sold through veterinarians as a policy of the manufacturer rather than by FDA requirement.

Over-the-counter drug

A drug that may be purchased without prescription from a veterinarian.

Prescription Drug

A drug that must be used under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Doxapram (Dopram)

Drug used to stimulate respiration, especially in newborns or in respiratory depression.

Expectorant

A drug that facilitates the removal of mucus by increasing bronchial secretions.

Mucolytic

A drug that decreases mucus viscosity by breaking disulfide bonds.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic administered by nebulization for pulmonary uses.

Antitussive

A drug that depresses the cough center in the brain.

Bronchodilator

A drug that dilates bronchioles; often beta2-adrenergic agonists.

Epinephrine

Primary neurotransmitter for adrenergic receptors; also a drug used in emergencies.

Norepinephrine

A primary neurotransmitter for adrenergic receptors.

Beta-adrenergic agonist

A drug that stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol).

Methylxanthines

Drugs that inhibit phosphodiesterase, leading to bronchodilation.

Antihistamines

Drugs used to treat allergic reactions (e.g., insect bites and hives in horses).

-amine suffix

Suffix found at the end of many antihistamine names.

Benzodiazepines

A class of anti-anxiety medications; examples include diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam; not all benzodiazepines are identical (yohimbine is not one).

Fluorescein

A dye used to detect corneal epithelial defects.

Opthaine

A local anesthetic used to provide local anesthesia to the eye.

Mydriatic

An agent that dilates the pupil.

Miotic

An agent that constricts the pupil.

Prostaglandins

Group of fatty acids used in estrus synchronization, induction of abortion, and induction of estrus.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

Hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary to release gonadotropic hormones.