UNIT 1: PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW (NRSG 1060)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key pharmacology concepts from Unit 1 (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, patient populations, and safety).

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug moves through the body (ADME: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

Absorption

Movement of a drug from the site of administration into the bloodstream; influenced by route, bioavailability, blood flow, pH, formulation, and food.

Distribution

The movement of a drug from the bloodstream to body tissues; affected by tissue perfusion, protein binding, and barriers like the blood–brain barrier.

Protein binding

Binding of drugs to plasma proteins (e.g., albumin, lipoproteins, AGP); highly bound (>90%) vs weakly bound (<10%); affects free drug concentration and distribution.

Blood-brain barrier

A selective barrier that restricts passage of substances from blood into the CNS, influencing CNS drug effects.

Metabolism

Body’s chemical alteration of drugs, primarily in the liver, producing metabolites for excretion.

Enzyme

Biological catalysts that metabolize drugs; many drugs share metabolic pathways.

Half-life

Time required for the drug concentration to decline by 50%; guides dosing intervals and duration.

Loading dose

An initial higher dose to rapidly reach therapeutic concentration.

Excretion

Elimination of drugs from the body; routes include kidneys (urine), lungs, bile/feces, milk, sweat, tears, saliva, skin; may involve enterohepatic recycling.

Enterohepatic recycling

Circulation of drugs from the liver to the intestine and back to the liver, prolonging effect.

Hydrophilic vs Lipophilic

Hydrophilic (water-soluble) drugs are usually renally excreted; lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs often undergo hepatic metabolism and may undergo enterohepatic recycling.

Therapeutic index

Ratio related to safety: TD50/ED50; higher values indicate a wider safety margin.

ED50

Dose that produces the desired effect in 50% of individuals.

TD50

Dose that produces a toxic effect in 50% of individuals.

Therapeutic window

The concentration range between minimal effective concentration and toxic level; can be expanded or narrowed.

Onset of action

Time from drug administration to the beginning of effect.

Peak concentration

Time of maximal drug effect (peak).

Duration of action

Length of time the drug continues to produce a therapeutic effect.

Receptor theory

Drugs interact with cell receptors to produce effects; endogenous substances act at receptors.

Agonist

A drug that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks receptor activation and reduces or reverses a response.

Side effects

Unintended, non-therapeutic effects that are usually predictable and may affect compliance.

Adverse effects

Unintended, harmful reactions that can be mild to life-threatening and may occur at normal doses.

Black box warning

FDA’s strongest warning about a drug’s risk of serious or life-threatening adverse effects.

Tolerance

Diminished response to a drug with repeated use, often requiring higher doses.

Allergic reaction

Immune-mediated adverse reaction ranging from mild to anaphylaxis.

Off-label use

Use of a drug for an indication not FDA-approved; supported by evidence but not on-label.

Drug-drug interactions

Interactions where two drugs influence each other’s effects; can be additive, synergistic, or antagonistic.

Additive effect

Combined effect equals the sum of the individual effects.

Synergistic effect

Combined effect greater than the sum of the individual effects.

Antagonistic effect

One drug reduces or blocks the effect of another.

Drug-food interactions

Foods can alter absorption or metabolism (e.g., iron with vitamin C increases absorption; grapefruit juice inhibits metabolism via CYP450).

Grapefruit effect

Grapefruit or juice inhibits hepatic metabolism of many drugs by CYP450 enzymes, increasing toxicity risk.

Photosensitivity

Skin reaction triggered by exposure to sunlight when taking certain drugs.

Pediatric pharmacology

Study of drug therapy in children; limited research; pediatric labeling and dosing; includes Pediatric Research Equity Act (2012).

Geriatric considerations

Considerations for older adults, including physiologic changes, polypharmacy, and altered drug responses.

Polypharmacy

Use of multiple medications simultaneously, increasing risk of interactions and adverse effects.

Adherence

Patient’s compliance with prescribed therapy; influenced by education, side effects, complexity, and cost.

Prototype drug

The first drug in its class that others are modeled after; referenced by class names.

Brand name vs Generic name

Brand name is trademarked; Generic name is nonproprietary (e.g., ibuprofen).

Liver function tests

Tests for liver function (ALT, AST, ALP) to assess hepatic status.

Kidney function tests

Tests for renal function (BUN, creatinine, eGFR) to assess kidney status.

Dose calculation

Math to determine correct drug dosages based on patient parameters (weight, age, etc.).

Minimal effective concentration

The lowest plasma concentration at which a drug produces a therapeutic effect.

Therapeutic range

The plasma concentration range between minimal effective concentration and toxic concentration.