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Med Term Mod_21
Terms, Abbreviations & Meanings
Question | Answer |
---|---|
a.c., ac | before meals(Latin: ante cibum) |
ACE | angiotensin-converting enzyme |
ad lib | freely, as desired(Latin: ad libitum) |
APAP | acetominophen(Tylenol) |
b.i.d., bid | two times a fay(Latin: bis in die) |
c (with an line over c) | with |
Caps | capsules |
cc | cubic centimeter |
FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
gm, g | gram |
gtt | drops(Latin: guttae) |
h | hour(Latin: hora) |
h.s., hs | at bedtime |
H2 blocker | histimine H2 receptor antagonist |
HRT | hormone replacement therapy |
IM | intramuscular |
INH | isoniazid-antituberculosis agent |
IV | intravenous |
MAOI | monoamine oxidase inhibitor |
mg | milligram |
ml, mL | milliliter |
NPO | nothing by mouth(Latin: nil per os) |
NSAID | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
p (with an line over p) | after(Latin: post) |
p.c., pc | after meals(Latin: post cibum) |
PCA | patient-controlled analgesia |
PDR | Physician's Desk Reference |
p.o., po, PO | by mouth(Latin: per os) |
p.r.n., prn | as needed, as necessary(Latin: pro re nata, as the ocassion arises) |
Pt | patient |
q | every (Latin: quaque) |
q.h., qh | every hour(Latin: quaque hora) |
q2h | every 2 hours |
q.i.d., qid | four times a day(Latin: quater in die) |
q.s., qs | sufficient quantity(Latin: quantum satis) |
qAM | every morning |
qPM | every evening |
Rx | prescription |
s (with an line over s) | without(Latin: sine) |
SERM | selective estrogen receptor modulator |
Sig. | directions on how to take medication |
SL | sublingual |
s.o.s. | if it is necessary(Latin: si opus sit) |
SSRI | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
SQ | subcutaneous |
tab | tablet |
TCA | tricyclic antodepressant |
t.i.d., tid | three times daily(Latin: ter in die) |
ACE inhibitor | drug that lowers blood pressure; antihypertensive drug |
addition | physical & psychologic dependence on & craving for a drug |
additive action | combination of 2 similar drugs is equal to sum of effects of each |
aerosol | particles of drug suspended in air |
amphetamine | CNS stimulant |
analgesic | drug that relieves pain |
anaphylaxis | exaggerated hypersensitivity reaction to previously encountered drug or antigen |
androgen | male hormone |
anesthesia | absence of nervous feeling/sensation |
anesthetic | drug that reduces/eliminates nervous sensation |
angiotensin II receptor antagonist | drug that lowers blood pressure by preventing angiotensin from acting on receptors in blood vessels |
antacid | drug that works against acid in stomach |
antagonistic action | combination of 2 drugs gives less than the sum of effects of each together |
anti androgen | drug that slows uptake of androgens/interferes with their effect in tissues |
antiarrhythmic | drug that treats abnormal heart rhythms |
antibiotic | chemical substance that has ability to inhibit/destroy foreign organisms in body |
anticoagulant | drug that prevents blood clotting |
anticonvulsant | depress or prevent abnormal spontaneous brain activity withou affecting normal function |
antidepressant | drug that relieves symptoms of depression |
antidiabetic | drug given to prevent/treat diabetes mellitus |
antidiarrheal | drug that prevents diarrhea |
antidote | agent given to counteract an unwanted effect of a drug |
antiemetic | drug that prevents nausea & vomiting |
antihistamine | drug that blocks action of histamine & helps prevent symptoms of allergy |
antinauseant | drug that relieves nausea & vomiting; antiemetic |
antiplatlet | drug that reduces tendanct of platlets to stick together & form a clot |
antipruritic | drug that acts against pruritus |
antupyretic | drug that lowers fever |
antiulcer | drug that inhibits secretion of acid by cells lining stomach |
antiviral | drug that acts against viruses such as herpes & HIV |
aromatase inhibitor | drug that reduces estrogen (estradiol) in blood by blocking enzyme aromatase |
bactericidal | pertaining to killing, rather than inhibiting, growth of bacteria, fungi, or parasites |
becteriostatic | pertaining to inhibiting growth of bacteria, fungi, or parasites |
beta-blocker | blocks action of epinephrine at receptor sites in the heart and blood vessels |
bisphosphonate | drug that prevents bone loss in osteoporosis & osteopenia |
brand name | commercial name for a drug; trade/trademark name |
bronchodilator | agent that dilates blood vessels & relieves bronchospasm |
caffeine | CNS stimulant |
calcium channel blocker | drug that stops entrance of calcium into muscles of heart & blood vessels |
lowers blood pressure & restore normal heart rhythm | calcium channel blocker |
cardiovascular | pertaining to hear & blood vessels |
cardiovascular drugs | act on the heart & blood vessels |
cathartic | drug that relieves constipation |
chemical name | chemical formula for a drug |
chemotherapy | treatment with drugs |
contraindication | factor in patient's condition that prevents use of particular drug/treatment |
diuretic | drug that promotes/increases production of urine |
emetic | drug that promotes vomiting |
endocrine | pertaining to internal secretion |
endocrine drugs | hormone or hormone-like drug acting on a part of endocrine system |
erythromycin | antibiotic that is extracted from a red mold |
estrogen | female hormone that promotes secondary sex characteristics & supports reproductive tissues |
gastrointestinal | pertaining to stomach & intestines |
generic name | legal, noncommercial name for a drug |
glucocorticoid | hormone from adrenal cortex that raises blood sugar & reduces tissue inflammation |
hypnotic | drug that promotes sleep or a trance-like state |
hypodermic | pertaining to under the skin |
iatrogenic | pertaining to condition that is produced by physician/treatment |
idiosyncrasy | unexpected effect produced in particularly sensitive individual; not seen in most patients |
inhalation | administration of drugs in gaseous/vapor form through nose/mouth |
intrathecal | pertainin to within meninges/membranes surrounding spinal cord |
laxative | weak cathartic; promotes movement of feces through colon |
medical chemistry | study of new drug synthesis & relationship between chemical structure of drug & biological effects |
molecular pharmacology | study of interaction of drugs & target molecules, enzymes, or cell surface receptors |
narcotic | habit-forming drug that relieves pain by producing stupor & insensibility |
orla administration | drugs that are given by mouth |
parenteral administration | drugs/nourishment given intravenously & other than the intestinal tract |
pharmacist | specialist in preparing & dispensing drugs |
pharmacodynamics | study of effects & strengths of a drug within body |
pharmacokinetics | calculation of drug concentration in tissues & body fluids over period of time |
pharmacologist | specialist in stufy of properties, uses & actions of drugs |
pharmacology | study of properties, uses & actions of drugs |
pharmacy | location for/study of preparing & dispensing drugs |
progestin | hormone that stimulates uterine lining during pregnancy & is used in treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding & HRT |
purgative | drug that relieves constipation & is strong cathartic |
receptor | target substance with which a drug interacts in the body |
rectal administration | drugs inserted through anus into rectum |
respiratory drug | treats asthma, emphysema & infections affecting breathing |
sedative | mild sleep inducing agent that relaxes patient without necessaryily producing sleep |
side effect | predictable toxic effects that are considered tolerable |
stimulant | drug that excited & promotes activity |
subcutaneous | pertaining to under skin |
sublingual | pertaining to under tounge |
synergism | drug action in which combination of two drugs causes effect greater than sum of individual effects of each drug |
synergistic | pertaining to syngerism |
syringe | instrument for introducing/withdrawing fluids from body |
thryroid hormone | secretion from thyroid gland that stimulates cellular metabolism |
tolerance | drug action which larger & larger doses must be given to achieve a desired effect |
topical application | drugs applied locally on skin or on mucous membranes of body |
toxicity | harmful effect of a drug |
toxicology | branch of pharmacology that studies harmful chemicals & effects on body |
tranquilizer | drug that controls anxiety & severe disturbances of behavior |
transport | movement of drug across cell membrane into body cells |
vasodilator | drug that widens blood vessels |
vitamin | substance found in foods & essential in small quanities for growth & good health |
drug | any chemical/biological substance used in disease prevention/treatment, or used to benefit a body process/function |
sources of digitalis, penicillin, & streptomycin | are plants |
animals provide | hormones |
laboratory synthesis of chemicals to make drugs like | methotrexate & prednisone |
Some of the most widely ingested drugs are | vitamins contained in foods |
a broad medical specialty demanding study of medicinal chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, chemotherapy, & toxicology | pharmacology |
either a medical physician, or PhD professional who specializes in pharmacology is | a pharmacist |
marketed drugs are always assigned | at least two, and often three, names |
official name given to a drug, for legal & scientific purposes | generic name |
if a drug falls into competitive marketing each manufacturer will distribute/sell under their own | trade, or brand name |
required name that reveals drug's basic elements & coumpounds, scientific make-up | chemical name |
in Europe and many parts of Africa, a pharmacist is called | a chemist |
in Europe & many parts of Africe a chemist | takes the role of a doctor for minor disorders |
pharmacists are health care professionals must complete | 5yr BS or 6-7 yr PharmD course of study |
pharmacists must also pass | a state licensing exam |
United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) | reviews drugs as clinically useful and pure; they are independent |
legislative body legally responsible for passing rigorous drug standards regarding efficacy, purity, and extensive testing of a drug in the U.S. | Food & Drug Administration |
Many drugs have more than one | dose form |
more than one dose form allows drugs to be | delivered in ways that are amenable to more than one situation or type of patient |
most convenient form of administration | oral |
oral administration is slower than most other forms and also | requires that the drug be able to withstand the digestive system's challenges |
route of absorption bypasses digestive route & is valuable when time is crucial | sublingual administration |
helpful when a patient is experiencing nausea/vomiting & can't tolerate swallowing | rectal administration |
transdermal patches | designed to control the release of drugs directly into the systemic circulation |
pain-relieving drugs, birth control, & smoking cessation drugs are avilable as | transdermal patches |
Injections | administration of a drug from a tube syringe through hollow needle placed under skin |
there are six basic types of | parenteral injections |
least invasive parenteral injection | subcutaneous |
hypodermic needle inserted into subcutaneous tissue under the skin, usually in | the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen |
intradermal injection | injection made into the upper layers of the skin |
used in skin testing for allergies | intradermal injection |
intramuscular (IM) injection | helps avoid skin irritation & is useful for large volumes of long-acting drugs |
intravenous (IV) injection | given directly into the vein for an almost immediate effect |
when administration into other tissues would not be safe | intravenous (IV) injection |
intrathecal injection | drug delivered into underlying membranes or meninges surrounding spinal cord & brain |
delivery of chemotherapy for the treatment of leukemia | intrathecal injection |
intracavitary injection | injection made directly into a body cavity; such as peritoneal/pleural cavities |
spray, ointment, cream, lotion, or transdermal patch; deliver drugs through skin | topical administration |
inhaling vapor/gas through nose/mouth medication absorbed through thin walls of air sacs in lungs | inhalation administration |
process of absorption | is the process of passing into the bloodstream |
target cell receptor may be intracellular or | on the cell's surface |
drug metabolism | changes the drug undergoes within the body |
a drug's therapeutic effects take place | between absorption and excretion |
Therapeutic effects can be additive or they can result in | synergism, or potentiation |
potentiation | enhancement of one agent by another; combined effect greater than sum of effects of each one alone |
tolerance can be a feature of, although not the same thing as | addiction |
addiction | physical & psychological dependence that shows clear negative effects when withdrawn |
idiosyncrasy can be | mild, or severe toxicity |
a serious unwanted reaction to a drug may require | an antidote to be given |
used to relieve only the most severe pain | narcotics/opioids |
opioids | derived from opium, induce near unconsciousness inhibiting acitivity |
reduce fever, pain, and inflammation without exposing the patient to steroid hormones | NSAIDS |
NSAIDS inihibit | prostaglandins |
prostaglandins | sensitize peripheral pain receptors |
general anesthetic | depress activity of CNS & produce loss of consiousness |
local anesthetics | inhibit nerve conduction in a single region |
antibiotics can take the form of | bacteriostatic or bactericidal |
pathogenic organisms we were targeting could become resistant to that agent | indiscriminate use of antibiotics |
heparin or warfarin prevent clotting in conditions such as | thrombosis & embolism |
tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) | dissolves clots in coronary arteries after myocardial infarction |
improved the quality of life for patients with epilepsy and certain kinds of brain tumors | anticonvulsants |
type 1 diabetes patients must receive daily injections | of human insulin |
type 2 diabetes patients may receive | oral antidiabetic drugs |
axample of an oral antidiabetic drug | sulfonylureas |
sulfonylureas | lower glucose levels by stimulating insulin production |
biguanides | increase body's sensitivity to insulin & reduce liver production of glucose |
alpha-glucosidase inihibitors | temporarily block enzymes that digest sugars |
thiazolidinediones | enhance glucose uptake |
meglitinides | stimulate beta cells in pancreas to provide insulin |
also used to prevent motion sickness | antihistamines |
used in cases of ingested poison | emetics |
antiosteoporosis drugs | help prevent abnormal loss of bone density & increase calium deposition in bone |
bisphosphonates | prevent bone loss |
SERMs | increase bone formation |
antidepressants relieve depression in a variety of ways | elevating mood, increasing activity/alertness, & improving appetite/sleep patterns |
tricyclic antidepressants & selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors | block neurotransmitters by blocking their uptake from synapses between nerve cells |
monoamine oxidase inhibitors | help neurotransmitters work longer by blocking natural inhibitor, |
enzyme monoamine oxidase | natural neurotramsitter inhibitor |
One of the first steps in preventing or controlling several cardiovascular disorders | administration of aspirin |
administration of aspirin is used to | prevent blood vessel clots |
sublingual nitroglycerin | dilate coronary blood vessels, slow heart rate & put more force into heart contractions |
Digoxin can control arrhythmias by | slowing heart rate & used to treat congestive heart failure by helping heart to pump more forcefully |
improve the heart's performance, reduces workload & keeps blood vessels dilated | ACE inhibitors |
ACE inhibitors prevent | angiotensin I from converting to the powerful vasoconstrictor angiotensin II |
angiotensin II receptor antagonists lower blood pressure by | preventing angiotensin from acting on receptors in blood vessels |
useful in treating angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, & following heart attack | beta blockers |
by blocking the action of epinephrine, beta blockers | reduce blood pressure & decrease muscle tone in blood vessels & increase output of heart |
Calcium is necessary for | blood vessel contraction |
useful in treating angina and arrhythmias | calcium channel blockers |
slowing response of heart muscle to nervous stimulation or slowing rate at which nervous system impulses are carried through heart | antiarrhythmics |
hypercholesterolemia is a contributor to | heart disease |
cholestyramine | cholesterol lowering drug; promot cholesterols' excretion into feces |
statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors | agents that reduce liver production of cholesterol |
reduce blood volume by stimulating the kidney to remove water and salt through urine | diuretics |
often administered either intranasally or by injection | bronchodialtors |
Leukotriene modifiers prevent asthma attacks by | blocking bronchoconstrictor leukotriene from binding to respiratory tissue receptors |
endogenous | naturally occuring |
intended to mimic the actions of specific endogenous hormones | endocrine drugs |
in women, they are helpful in treating endometriosis and breast cancer | androgens |
androgens are | used for male hormone replacement therapy |
used to ease symptoms of menopause & prevent osteoporosis associated with postmenopause | estrogens |
flutamide | antiandrogen drug useful in treating prostate cancer |
tamoxifen | antiestrogen used to prevent recurrence of breast cancer & treat metastatic breast cancer |
bind to estrogen receptors in bones | SERMs |
used in treatment of inflammation; arthritis; gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory, & blood disorders; & cancer | adrenal corticosteroids, or glucocorticoids |
few are curative, most just relieve symptoms | gastrointestinal drugs |
epigastric discomfort and the symptoms of peptic ulcer and esophagitis are usually treated with | antacids to neutralize stomach's hydrochloric acid |
Cathartics can act by | increase intestinal salts, encouraging fluid to fill intestines/increase fecal bulk, prompting movement in intestinal wall |
lubricate the intestinal tract and soften stools | cathartics |
laxatives are | mild cathartics |
purgatives are | strong cathartics |
inner ear disturbances; vertigo, dizziness, motion sickness, or labyrinthitis | antiemetics aid in treatment |
peptic ulcer disease (PUD) | treatment with ulcer drug, like Prevacid |
Prevacid, or other anti-ulcer drugs promote healing by | blocking secretion of histamine, which stimulates secretion of gastric acid from lining of stomach |
insomnia and other sleep disorders are treated with | sedatives & hypnotics |
mild tranquilizers, like the benzodiazepines | control minor anxiety symptoms |
major tranquilizers, like the phenothiazines | control more severe behavior disturbances and disorders |
used to prevent narcolepsy, suppress appetite, and also to calm hyperkinetic children | amphetamines |
used to inhibit hyperactive behaviors, particularly in children | stimulants |
stimulants can be used in emergency situations to | cases of shock/collapse, quick interventions in brain to speed up vital processes in heart & respiratory system & increase alertness as well |
feel better when they use relaxation therapy on a regular basis | asthma patients, as well as cancer patients |