General Pharmacology and Medication Administration

Practice flashcards covering general pharmacology terminology, medication administration routes, and specific EMS medications based on Chapter 14.

Medication

A drug or other substance that is used as a remedy for illness.

Acute medications

Medications that are used for a short specific period of time to treat a new illness or a worsening old illness.

Pharmacology

The study of drugs.

Generic name

One of the four names by which every drug is known; example: Epinephrine.

Trade name

Also known as the brand name, these are names like Alupent, Ventolin, Proventil, ProAir, AccuNeb, and VoSpire.

Official name

The name given to drugs meeting the requirements of the U.S. Pharmacopeia or National Formulary.

Indications

The most common uses of a drug in treating a specific condition; the therapeutic effects that a drug will have.

Side effects

Drug actions that are not desired and that occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effects.

Contraindication

A situation in which the drug should not be administered because of the potential harm that could be caused to the patient.

Suspension

A medication form consisting of a thick slurry, such as activated charcoal.

Sublingual

A route of administration where medications are dissolved under the tongue.

Physiological effects

The specific effects medications have on the cells, organs, or body systems.

Activated charcoal

A suspension used to treat a poisoning or an overdose emergency.

Oral

The route of administration for medications that may be given to patients who can swallow.

Actions

The therapeutic effects that a drug will have.

Dose

The specific amount of a drug that should be given to the patient.

Epinephrine

A medication for anaphylaxis that may be administered by the EMT through the intramuscular injection route.

Route

How a medication is given to or taken by a patient.

Autoinjector

A device (such as an epinephrine autoinjector) that may be prescribed for patients with a history of severe allergic reactions.

Chemical name

One of the four types of names by which every drug is known, based on its chemical structure.

Inhalation

The route of administration used for prescribed inhalers or supplemental oxygen.

Pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM)

One of the twelve medications an EMT may be permitted to administer or help a patient self-administer.

Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)

A common source from which to gather information about specific medications.