Unit 1: Pharmacology and Drug Regulation

Vocabulary flashcards covering pharmacology basics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug sources, classification, scheduling, and regulatory bodies.

Pharmacology

The study of medications and how they affect the body.

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to a drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption

Process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration.

Distribution

Dispersion of a drug throughout body fluids and tissues.

Metabolism

Biochemical modification of a drug, usually in the liver.

Excretion

Elimination of a drug from the body, primarily through kidneys or bowels.

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to the body; mechanisms of action and effects.

Therapeutic effects

The intended beneficial effects of a drug.

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)

Harmful or undesired effects resulting from a drug.

Allergic reaction

Immune-mediated adverse reaction to a drug, often causing redness or rash.

Major sources of drugs

Primary origins include plants, chemicals, minerals, and animals.

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.

Legend drugs (prescription drugs)

Drugs that require a prescription due to higher risk or potency.

Schedule I

Drugs with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use in the U.S.; not prescribed.

Schedule II

Drugs with high abuse potential and medical use; prescriptions must be written; no automatic refills.

Generic name

Nonproprietary name of a drug; typically not capitalized.

Brand name

Proprietary or trade name of a drug; capitalized.

Orphan Drug Program

U.S. program to encourage development of medications for rare diseases.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Agency responsible for drug approvals, labeling, and recalls.

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)

Agency that enforces the Controlled Substances Act and regulates handling of controlled substances.