MedTerm.Ch.22--Pharmacology

ACE inhibitors

a class of drugs that have antihypertensive properties and work by blocking the action of the enzyme that causes blood vessels to contract.

addiction

compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a drug, alcohol, or other substance. It can also be a habit or practice that cannot be stopped without causing severe emotional, mental, or physiologic reactions.

adherence

or compliance is the patient's consistency and accuracy in following the regimen prescribed by a physician or other health care professional.

adverse drug reaction (ADR)

an undesirable reaction that accompanies the principal response for which the drug was taken.

analgesic

the class of drugs that relieves pain without affecting consciousness.

antacid

one of a class of drugs that temporarily relieves indigestion by decreasing or neutralizing stomach acid.

antibiotics

a class of drugs capable of killing bacteria.

anticoagulants

also known as blood thinners, are a class of drugs that slow the clotting of blood to either prevent or treat blood clots.

anticonvulsant

also known as an antiepileptic, is one of several classes of drugs that prevent or stop seizures.

antiemetic

one of several classes of medications that work in different ways to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.

antitussive

one of a class of medications that helps decrease the frequency of coughs.

antipyretic

a class of medications administered to prevent or reduce fever.

beta-blockers

a class of drugs that have both anti-arrhythmic and antihypertensive properties and work by blocking the release of the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine to slow the heart rate.

bisphosphonates

a class of drugs that slow the loss of bone density in osteoporosis.

bolus

also known as a bolus infusion, is a single, concentrated dose of a drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time.

brand name drug

sold under the name given the drug by the manufacturer. A brand name is always spelled with a capital letter.

bronchodilator

one of several classes of drugs that help relieve shortness of breath by relaxing the bronchi.

calcium channel blockers

a class of drugs that have antihypertensive and anti-arrhythmic properties and work by decreasing the movement of calcium ions into the cells of the heart and arteries, causing the arteries to relax and slowing the heart rate.

contraindication

a factor of the patient's condition that makes the use of a medication or specific treatment dangerous or ill advised.

conscious sedation

also known as procedural sedation, is a state of light to moderate sedation where the patient is calm, relaxed, and less responsive to stimuli.

controlled substances

addictive prescription medicines and illicit drugs whose manufacture, possession, and use are highly regulated by the government.

corticosteroid

one of a class of medications used to reduce inflammation.

dependence

when the body has become accustomed to a medication or substance after repeated use, and experiences physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms if its use is stopped.

dietary supplements

a product containing nutrients intended to be beneficial for health.

diuretics

a class of drugs that work to lower blood pressure by increasing the amount of urine output to rid the body of excess sodium and water.

drug

any substance that has a psychological or physiological effect on the human body.

drug tolerance

when the body has become accustomed to a medication after taking it for a length of time, and higher doses are required to achieve the desired effect.

formulary

a list of prescription drugs covered by a specific health care plan.

generic drug

usually named for its chemical structure and is not protected by a brand name or trademark.

insulin

a medication used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

intradermal injection

made into the middle layers of the skin.

intramuscular injection (IM)

is made directly into muscle tissue.

intravenous injection (IV)

is made directly into a vein.

laxative

one of several classes of medications that prevent or treat constipation by increasing bowel movements.

loading dose

an initial, higher dose of medication given to achieve therapeutic levels when a patient is started on a medication.

maintenance dose

the regular dose of medication given on an ongoing basis to maintain therapeutic levels.

medication

a drug with proven benefit that is used for medical treatment.

opioids

also called narcotics, such as morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and codeine, are controlled substances available by prescription only to relieve severe pain.

overdose (OD)

is a deliberate or accidental ingestion of more medication than has been prescribed or is safe.

over-the-counter drug (OTC)

a medication that can be purchased without a prescription.

palliative

a substance that eases the pain or severity of a disease but does not cure it.

paralytic

a drug class containing medications that relax all muscles and are used to make intubation easier.

pharmacology

the study of the nature, uses, and effects of drugs for medical purposes.

prescription drug

a medication that can legally only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist with an order from a licensed prescriber such as a physician or dentist.

proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

a class of medication that prevents ulcers and treats GERD by reducing the production of stomach acid.

reversal agent

a drug that immediately reverses the effect of another drug, such as a sedative or opioid.

sedative

a blanket term for controlled substances that relax the body by suppressing neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.

side effect

a secondary response that accompanies the principal response for which the drug was taken.

stimulant

one of several classes of drugs that increases the activity of the central nervous system.

subcutaneous injection (SC, SQ)

is made into the fatty layer just below the skin.

sublingual administration

the placement of medication under the tongue, where it is allowed to dissolve slowly.

suppository

medication in a semisolid form that is placed in the rectum, vagina, or urethra.

synergism

the interaction of two drugs taken together that enhances the effectiveness of both.

therapeutic dose

the amount of medication necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)

a drug class of powerful thrombolytics used in treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

topical application

a method for applying liquid or ointment by rubbing it into the skin on the area to be treated.

topical retinoids

a class of drugs used to treat acne by increasing the rate at which skin cells grow.

toxicity

occurs when a harmful dose of a drug builds up in the body, either because of overdose or slowed removal of the drug from the body.

toxicology

the study of the nature, effects, and treatments of poisons and harmful substances.

transdermal

a transdermal medication is administered from a patch that is applied to unbroken skin.