Introduction to Pharmacology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental pharmacology terms and concepts introduced in the lecture.

Pharmacology

The study of drugs, including their actions and effects on the body.

Drug (WHO definition)

Any substance used or intended to modify physiological systems or pathological states for patient benefit.

Pharmacokinetics

The bodily processes that influence drug levels: absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination (what the body does to the drug).

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanisms by which a drug exerts its effects on the body (what the drug does to the body).

Pharmacotherapy

The use of drugs to treat or prevent disease.

Therapeutic Effect

The intended, beneficial effect of a drug given at an appropriate dose.

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)

An undesirable, harmful effect that occurs at a normal medication dose.

Side Effect

An unintended effect that occurs because the drug acts on receptors in additional tissues; usually predictable and less harmful than an ADR.

Idiosyncratic Reaction

An abnormal, unpredictable drug response related to an individual’s genetics.

Allergic Reaction / Drug Allergy

An immune-mediated harmful response to a drug, ranging from rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Medication Toxicity

Predictable adverse effects that occur when drug concentration exceeds the therapeutic range.

Therapeutic Index

The ratio between the toxic (or lethal) dose and the therapeutic dose; indicates drug safety margin.

Drug Interaction

An effect on a drug’s metabolism or response caused by another drug, which may increase or decrease effectiveness.

Drug Intolerance

Increased sensitivity to a drug’s pharmacologic action, causing exaggerated effects at low doses.

Drug Tolerance

Decreased response to a drug after repeated use, necessitating higher doses for the same effect.

Drug Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to cause fetal abnormalities when taken during pregnancy.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Preparation

A medicine available without prescription, often obtained from pharmacies, supermarkets, or health-food stores.

Chemical Name

The long, precise scientific name describing a drug’s chemical structure (rarely used clinically).

Generic Name

The official, simplified name of a drug’s active ingredient, used by all manufacturers (e.g., diazepam).

Brand (Trade) Name

The proprietary name chosen by a pharmaceutical company for marketing a drug (e.g., Valium).

Bioequivalence

The expectation that different brands containing the same generic drug have identical absorption and clinical effect.

Drug Classification – Therapeutic Use

Grouping drugs by the condition they treat (e.g., antidepressants).

Drug Classification – Mode of Action

Grouping drugs by their mechanism (e.g., monoamine oxidase inhibitors).

Drug Classification – Chemical Structure

Grouping drugs by similar molecular frameworks (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants).

Class Suffix (e.g., –statin)

A common ending in generic names that signals a drug class and typical action (e.g., ‘statins’ lower cholesterol).