Vocabulary Flashcards: Drug Therapy Across The Lifespan

Vocabulary flashcards covering key pharmacology concepts from the lecture notes, including PK/PD, lifespan pharmacotherapy, pharmacogenomics, pregnancy considerations, safety, and nursing considerations.

Pharmacokinetics (PK)

The study of how drugs move through the body—absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Pharmacodynamics (PD)

The study of what the drug does to the body, including drug–receptor interactions and dose–response.

Total body water in newborns

Approximately 80% of body weight, higher than the ~60% seen in adults.

Infant protein binding

Protein binding is lower in infants, affecting drug distribution and circulating levels.

CYP enzyme activity in infants

Lower hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, reducing drug metabolism.

Blood–brain barrier maturity

The blood–brain barrier is not fully developed in newborns, increasing CNS exposure to drugs.

Renal maturity in infancy

Immature kidneys increase risk of drug accumulation due to reduced clearance.

Beers Criteria

A guideline listing medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults.

Gender differences in drug therapy

Women often have higher body fat, lower muscle mass, smaller blood volume, and may experience higher drug levels and adverse effects.

CYP3A4 metabolism in women

CYP3A4 metabolism may be faster in women, influencing drug levels and effects.

Pharmacogenomics (pharmacogenetics)

The study of how genetic variation affects individual drug response.

CYP2C19 poor metabolizers

About 15–30% of Asian patients poorly metabolize drugs via CYP2C19.

CYP2D6 poor metabolizers

About 7% of Caucasian patients poorly metabolize drugs via CYP2D6.

Ultrarapid metabolizers

Individuals who metabolize certain enzymes very quickly, potentially reducing drug efficacy.

ACE inhibitors in African Americans

ACE inhibitors may be less effective in African American patients due to pharmacogenomic differences.

Pregnancy and drug therapy

Ideally no drugs during pregnancy; if needed, weigh risk/benefit and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

Live vaccines during pregnancy

Live vaccines (e.g., MMR) should be avoided during pregnancy.

Black Box Warning (BBW)

The strongest FDA warning; must appear on packaging/labeling and requires careful monitoring.

Hypersensitivity reactions (Types I–IV)

Four types of immune reactions: I (anaphylaxis), II (autoimmune hemolytic anemia), III (SJS, lupus), IV (contact dermatitis); Type IV is T-cell mediated.

Adverse Drug Event (ADE)

A medication error or adverse outcome that reaches the patient; near misses are errors that are caught before reaching the patient.

Contraindication

A condition or factor that makes the use of a drug dangerous or inappropriate; it should not be used.

Pregnancy risk categories (D and X)

Category D: fetal risk shown but may be justified in life-threatening situations; Category X: fetal risk outweighs benefits; contraindicated in pregnancy.

Selected teratogenic drugs (Category D/X)

Examples include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, tetracycline, isotretinoin, warfarin, among others.

Teratogenic drug categories overview

Categories indicate fetal risk during pregnancy to guide safe prescribing.

Therapeutic window

The range between the minimum effective concentration (MEC) and the toxic concentration.

Minimum effective concentration (MEC)

The plasma drug level at which a therapeutic effect begins.

Peak level

Highest serum drug concentration; used for monitoring certain drugs; typically checked after dosing.

Trough level

Lowest serum drug concentration; checked before the next dose; used for drugs like vancomycin or aminoglycosides.

Monitoring of drug levels

Regular measurement of peak and trough levels for specific drugs to ensure efficacy and safety.

Nursing considerations

No drug is completely safe; assess patient factors, monitor for adverse effects, and review allergies/history before administration.

Physical/chemical incompatibilities

Some drugs are not compatible when mixed; check IV compatibility and precipitate risk; consult resources or pharmacists.