Pharmacology & Pharmacy Law – Core Vocabulary

45 vocabulary flashcards covering essential drugs, therapeutic classes, mechanisms, side effects, and key U.S. pharmacy laws and regulations discussed in the lecture notes.

Atorvastatin

Generic for Lipitor; statin that lowers blood cholesterol.

Amlodipine

Calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension.

Metformin

Biguanide oral agent for type 2 diabetes.

Omeprazole

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for GERD and ulcers.

Albuterol

Short-acting β₂ agonist bronchodilator for asthma.

Sertraline (Zoloft)

SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety.

Beta blockers

Drug class that lowers blood pressure by blocking β-adrenergic receptors.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit COX enzymes to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.

Haloperidol

Typical antipsychotic medication.

Lisinopril

ACE inhibitor for hypertension and heart failure.

Levothyroxine

Synthetic T₄ hormone used for hypothyroidism.

Tramadol

Schedule IV opioid analgesic; controlled substance.

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

PPI for acid reflux; brand of esomeprazole.

Alprazolam

Benzodiazepine anxiolytic for anxiety and panic disorders.

Opioid-induced constipation

Common gastrointestinal side-effect of opioid analgesics.

Calcium carbonate

Oral calcium supplement/antacid.

Diuretics

Drugs that promote urine output to remove excess fluid.

Insulin glargine

Long-acting (basal) insulin preparation.

Statins

Class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for cholesterol management.

Amoxicillin

Broad-spectrum penicillin-class antibiotic.

Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Macrolide antibiotic used for bacterial infections.

Fluoxetine

SSRI antidepressant; brand Prozac.

Warfarin

Oral anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk with aspirin.

Furosemide

Loop diuretic for edema and hypertension.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; treated with PPIs like omeprazole.

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Antiplatelet drug that reduces risk of clot formation.

Gabapentin

Anticonvulsant used for seizures and neuropathic pain.

Loratadine

Non-sedating antihistamine for allergies.

Lithium

Mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.

Ibuprofen

OTC NSAID anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Oxycodone

Schedule II opioid analgesic.

DEA Form 222

Official form to order Schedule II controlled substances.

Biennial Inventory

Controlled-substance count required every 2 years.

Controlled Substances Act

Federal law that created drug schedules I–V.

Schedule III refills

Up to 5 refills within 6 months of the written date.

NDC Number

Unique identifier assigned by the drug manufacturer.

HIPAA

Federal law protecting patient health information privacy.

FDA MedWatch

Program for reporting adverse drug events to the FDA.

Expiration date (Rx label)

Mandatory element printed on every prescription label.

FDA

Agency that regulates drug approval, safety, and labeling.

DEA

Agency that enforces controlled-substance regulations.

OBRA ’90

Requires pharmacists to offer medication counseling to Medicaid patients.

Patient confidentiality

Legal duty shared by prescribers, pharmacy staff, and manufacturers to protect patient information.

Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act

Law that restricts sales of pseudoephedrine products.

Schedule II prescription

Must bear prescriber’s original signature and carries no refills.