Pharmacology Exam Preparation

A set of flashcards covering essential pharmacological terms and concepts for exam preparation.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks the action of a neurotransmitter at its receptors.

Noncompetitive Antagonist

A drug that occupies receptors without activating them.

Pharmacological antagonist

A substance that blocks the physiological action of another substance.

Bioavailability

The extent and rate at which the active ingredient or active moiety is absorbed and becomes available at the site of action.

Half-life (t 1/2)

The time it takes for the blood concentration of a drug to reduce to half its initial value.

Microsomal enzyme induction

A process that increases the enzyme activity responsible for drug metabolism, potentially altering how drugs are processed in the body.

Metabolism

The chemical process by which the body breaks down drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Phase II Metabolic transformation

Processes such as glucuronidation and sulfate conjugation that modify drugs to facilitate excretion.

P-glycoprotein

A protein that acts as a drug efflux transporter located in the cell membranes, protecting the brain from certain drugs.

Therapeutic dose

The amount of a drug needed to produce the desired therapeutic effect in most patients.

Side effect

An unintended effect of a drug that occurs at therapeutic doses.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of the effects of drugs on the body and the mechanism of action.

Bioavailability assessment

Evaluation of the extent of drug absorption and hepatic first-pass effect.

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist

A drug that blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, often having effects in other physiological systems.

Mydriatic effect

The dilation of the pupil caused by the use of certain drugs.

Skeletal muscle relaxants

Drugs that relieve muscle tension and spasms.

Choline esterase inhibitor

A type of drug that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to prolonged neurotransmitter action.

Hemicholinium

A drug that inhibits the synthesis of acetylcholine.

Epinephrine action

The physiological effects produced by the binding of epinephrine to its receptors.

Local anesthetics

Drugs that temporarily block sensation in a specific area.

Phentolamine

A non-selective antagonist of adrenergic receptors, commonly used to counteract hypertension.

Inhibition of catecholamine release

The prevention of the secretion of hormones like epinephrine or norepinephrine.

Abuse drug

A drug that is commonly misused or used recreationally, often leading to dependence.

Sympathomimetic drug

Drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Propranolol

A non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist used to treat hypertension and anxiety.

Toxicity indicators

Signs that indicate an adverse reaction to a drug.

Local decongestant

A drug that reduces swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.

Miosis

Constriction of the pupil, often induced by certain drugs.

Glucuronidation

A metabolic process that involves the addition of glucuronic acid to a substance for detoxification.

Potentiation

The increased effect of a drug as a result of interaction with another substance.

GABA agonist

A substance that activates GABA receptors, leading to inhibitory effects in the nervous system.

In vivo bioavailability

The degree and rate at which a drug is absorbed and becomes available at the site of action within a living organism.

Skeletal muscle relaxant effects

The effects that result from the use of drugs that relax muscles.

Drug kinetics

The study of how drugs move through the body.

Urinary acidification

The process of making urine more acidic to hasten the excretion of certain drugs.