MGHS Pharmacology: Pharmaceuticals and Sources of Drugs

Flashcards testing knowledge on pharmaceuticals, drug classifications, NDC structure, natural/synthetic sources, and therapeutic agent types.

What is the definition of a drug in pharmacology?

Any substance taken into or applied to the body for the purpose of altering the body's biochemical functions and physiological processes (excluding food and water).

What is an active ingredient in a drug product?

The biochemically reactive component of the drug.

What are four primary functions of inert ingredients in pharmaceuticals?

Stabilizing tablet or liquid formulations, providing raw material for topical creams and ointments, ensuring sterility of injectable products, and masking unpleasant tasting medications for pediatric patients.

What legend must appear on prescription drug labels?

"Rx only"

What criteria must Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs meet?

They must be ruled safe and effective by the FDA for short term therapy and contain adequate product labeling.

What are Homeopathic Medications?

Subclinical doses of natural extracts that stimulate the body's own immune system for conditions that do not require a medical diagnosis.

How many characters make up a National Drug Code (NDC) number, and how are they divided?

Ten characters divided into three segments: a four or five digit labeler code, a three- or four-digit product code, and a two-digit package code.

What information does each segment of an NDC number specify?

The labeler code identifies the manufacturer or distributor, the product code identifies the drug's active ingredient and dose form, and the package code identifies the packaging size and type.

What are the two main operational uses of NDC barcode numbers?

They are used for drug recalls and for comparing medications dispensed in the filling process to minimize medication errors.

In the example NDC number $0517-5023-25$, what do the components represent?

$0517$ identifies the manufacturer (American Laboratories), $5023$ identifies the product (sodium acetate), and $25$ identifies the packaging size and type ($200\text{ mEq/mL}$).

What natural source is acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) derived from?

The bark of the white willow tree.

What natural source is Penicillin extracted from?

Certain molds.

How does a synthetic drug differ from a synthesized drug?

A synthetic drug is created artificially (e.g., Phenobarbital), whereas a synthesized drug is created artificially in imitation of naturally occurring substances (e.g., EpiPen).

What is a semisynthetic drug, and what is a common example?

A drug created artificially containing both natural and synthetic components, such as most amoxicillin combinations.

What field of study evolved from developing genetically engineered drugs using DNA biotechnology?

Pharmacogenomics.

What is the role of a therapeutic agent?

To maintain health, relieve symptoms, combat illness, or reverse disease processes.

What is a pharmacodynamic agent?

A drug that alters bodily functioning in a desired way, such as stimulating or relaxing muscles, dilating or constricting pupils, or increasing or decreasing blood sugar.

What are radiopharmaceuticals?

Chemicals containing radioactive isotopes used diagnostically to facilitate examinations and therapeutically to treat diseases.

What is a prophylactic agent, and what are examples of it?

An agent that prevents illness or disease from occurring, such as antiseptics, germicidal liquid iodine, and vaccines.

What is the mechanism of action for a destructive agent?

It exerts a -cidal action, meaning it kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, normal cells, or abnormal cancer cells.