Exam 4 terms Pharm

Anaphylaxis

Life-threatening allergic response that can result in death.

Antipyretics

Drugs that lower body temperature.

Cyclooxygenase (COX)

Key enzyme in biosynthesis of prostaglandins.

Histamine

Chemical released by mast cells in response to an antigen; causes dilation of blood vessels, bronchoconstriction, tissue swelling, and itching.

Inflammation

Nonspecific body defense that occurs in response to an injury or antigen.

Prostaglandins

Class of local hormones that promote local inflammation and pain when released by cells in the body.

Salicylates

Aspirin-like substance.

Salicylism

Poisoning due to aspirin and aspirin-like drugs.

Acquired resistance

Capacity of a microbe to no longer be affected by drug following anti-infective pharmacotherapy.

Aerobic

Pertaining to an oxygen environment.

Anaerobic

Pertaining to an environment without oxygen.

Antibiotic

Substance produced by microorganisms that inhibits or kills other microorganisms.

Anti-infective

General term for any medication that is effective against pathogens.

Bactericidal

Substance that kills bacteria.

Bacteriostatic

Substance that inhibits (slows) the growth of bacteria.

Beta-lactamase

Enzyme present in certain bacteria that is able to inactivate many penicillins and some cephalosporins.

Beta-lactam ring

Chemical structure found in most penicillins and some cephalosporins.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic

Anti-infective that is effective against many different gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

Culture and sensitivity testing (C&S)

Laboratory exam used to identify bacteria and determine which antibiotic is most effective.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain purple stain because they have an outer envelope.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that stain purple because they have no outer envelope.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired by exposure to microbes in healthcare settings.

Host flora

Normal microorganisms found in or on a patient.

Invasiveness

Ability of a microbe to grow rapidly and cause direct damage to host tissues.

Mutations

Permanent, inheritable changes to DNA.

Narrow-spectrum antibiotic

Anti-infective that is effective against only one or a small number of organisms.

Pathogenicity

Ability of an organism to cause disease in humans.

Pathogens

Organisms capable of causing disease.

Penicillinase

Enzyme present in certain bacteria that is able to inactivate many penicillins and some cephalosporins.

Penicillin-binding protein

Enzyme used by bacteria to build cell walls.

Red man syndrome

Rash in the upper body.

Superinfections

New infection caused by an organism different from the one causing the initial infection; usually a side effect of anti-infective therapy.

Urinary antiseptics

Drugs used to treat bladder infections; they sterilize the urine.

Virulence

Severity of disease that a pathogen is able to cause.

Aerosol

Suspension of minute liquid droplets or fine solid particles in a gas.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by airway obstruction.

Bronchospasm

Rapid constriction of the airway.

Chronic bronchitis

Recurrent disease of the lungs characterized by excess mucus production, inflammation, and coughing.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Describes several pulmonary conditions characterized by cough, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange.

Dry powder inhaler (DPI)

Device used to convert solid drug to a fine powder for the purpose of inhalation.

Emphysema

Terminal lung disease characterized by permanent dilation of the alveoli.

Leukotrienes

Chemical mediators of inflammation stored and released by mast cells; effects are similar to those of histamine.

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)

Most common type of device used to deliver a precise amount of drug to the respiratory system.

Methylxanthines

Chemical derivative of caffeine.

Nebulizer

Device used to convert liquid drugs into a fine mist for the purpose of inhalation.

Perfusion

Blood flow through the lungs.

Status asthmaticus

Rapid, repeated asthma attacks that are life-threatening.

Ventilation

Process of moving air into and out of lungs.