Pharmacology Basics - Medication Reconciliation and Interactions

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to pharmacology basics, focusing on medication reconciliation, herb-drug and food-drug interactions.

Medication Reconciliation

The process of compiling a complete and updated list of medications a patient has been taking at home to compare with provider's orders, aimed at preventing medication errors.

Herb-drug interaction

A situation where herbal supplements interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to adverse effects.

Food-drug interaction

A phenomenon where certain foods affect the absorption or effectiveness of medications.

Tyramine

A compound found in certain foods that can cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with MAOIs, such as phenelzine.

St. John's Wort

An herbal supplement that can increase the risk for serotonin syndrome when taken with serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially dangerous condition characterized by symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, and muscle rigidity.

Grapefruit Juice

A juice that can increase the risk of toxicity with many medications, including statins and mental health drugs.

Vitamin K

A vitamin that, when taken inconsistently, can affect the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant.

Valerian

An herbal supplement sometimes used for insomnia and anxiety that increases sedation risk when taken with CNS depressants.

Potassium-sparing diuretic

A type of diuretic, such as spironolactone, that can lead to hyperkalemia when combined with high potassium intake.