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Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Drug | Chemicals that act on living systems on the molecular level |
| Pharmacology | The study of drugs and their effects on living organisms |
| Pharmacodynamics | The study of the action of drugs on living organisms |
| Pharmacokinetics | the study of what the body does to a drug; the measurement of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug from the body. |
| Brand (trade) name | The manufacturer’s name, written with the first letter capitalized (e.g., Valium, Vazepam, Tylenol) |
| Generic name | name for the chemical makeup of a drug, written in lowercase, first letter NOT capitalized (e.g., diazepam for Valium or Vazepam, acetaminophen for Tylenol). Generic drugs marketed without brand names are less expensive than brand name drugs. |
| Black Box Warning | a warning placed on specific drugs, so everyone understand the serious safety concerns associated with the drug. BBW are typically about potentially fetal, life-threatening, or disabling adverse effects of the medication |
| Chemically equivalent | when two formulations of a drug meet the chemical and physical standards |
| Biologically equivalent | when two formulations of a drug produce similar concentrations of the drug in the blood and tissues |
| Therapeutically equivalent | when two formulations of a drug prove to have equal therapeutic effects |
| Orphan drugs | drugs developed to specifically treat rare medical conditions |
| Toxicology | he study of the harmful effects of drugs on living tissues |
| Contraindications | medical or physical conditions that make the drug inadvisable |
| Synergism | getting more than the desired effects when taking two drugs (1+1>2) (e.g., oxycodone + acetaminophen = Percocet) |
| Low Dose-Effect Curve | Measuring the response to the dose of the drug |
| Potency | The amount of drug required to produce an effect |
| Efficacy | Related to the maximal effect of a drug regardless of dose |
| Therapeutic action/effect | The intended or desired results |
| Therapeutic range | range between the dose causing the minimum effect and the dose causing the minimum adverse effect |
| Therapeutic index (TI) | Number that determines the safety of a drug. (the greater the TI, the safer the drug) |
| Renal | Kidney |
| Hepatic | Liver |
| Biotransformation | the body's way of changing a drug so that it can be more easily excreted by the kidneys |
| Tolerance | the need for an increasingly larger dose of the drug to obtain the same effects as the original dose |
| Duration | the length of a drug's effect |
| Half-life | the half life of a drug is the amount of time that passes for its concentration to fall to half (50%) of its original blood level |
| Median effect dose (ED50) | the dose required to produce a desired clinical effect in 50% of test subjects. A low effective dose is preferred because it means less drug is needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect |
| Lethal Dose (LD50) | the amount of a substance that causes death in 50% of a test population. A lower LD means the substance is more toxic |
| Therapeutic effects | clinically desirable actions |
| Adverse effects | undesirable reactions |
| Toxic reaction | the desired effect is excessive |
| Side effect | dose-related reaction that is not part of the desired therapeutic outcome |
| Contraindication | an aspect of a patient's condition that makes the use of a certain drug or therapy an unwise or dangerous decision |
| Idiosyncratic reaction | genetically related abnormal drug response |
| Drug allergy | immunologic response to a drug resulting in a reaction such as a rash or anaphylaxis |
| Interference with natural defense mechanisms | when a drug reduces the body's ability to fight infections |
| Teratogenic Effect | Abnormality in fetal development caused by exposure to certain substances, such as drugs, chemicals, or infections during pregnancy |
| Type I hypersensitivity | Immediate hypersensitivity reactions. IgE antibodies; produces vasodilation, edema and the inflammatory response. bronchioles, resulting in anaphylactic shock. Respiratory, results in rhinitis and asthma. Skin results in urticaira |
| Type II hypersensitivity | IgG or IgM antibodies. antibody complex is fixed to a circulating blood cell causing lysis. Results in anemia |
| Type III hypersensitivity | aggregations of antigens and antibodies, where antibodies out number antigens forming clumps: manifested as serum sickness, urticarial, arthritis, lymphadenopathy and fever |
| Type IV hypersensitivity | delayed hypersensitivity. Sensitized T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Manifests as allergic contact dermatitis, poison ivy, reaction to jewelry, topical benzocaine, etc |
| Dyspepsia | general discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen: symptoms bloating, nausea, and indigestion |
| Stomatitis | a broad term that refers to any inflammation of the mouth and lips, including the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth |
| Oral Mucositis | a specific type of stomatitis involving painful inflammation and ulcerations of the mucous membranes in the mouth, most commonly as a side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy |
| Stevens Johnson Syndrome | a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, typically triggered by a severe reaction to medications or, less commonly, infections |
| Erythema multiforme | an acute, immune-mediated skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of distinctive target-like (bullseye)lesions, often triggered by infections or medications |
| Necrosis | premature death of cells or tissues in the body due to factors like injury, infection, or lack of blood flow |
| Urticaria | commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts or bumps |
| Teratogenic | refers to something that can cause birth defects or harm to a developing baby during pregnancy |
| Pregnancy trimesters | pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting about three months |
| Risk to benefit ratio | is a way to compare the potential risks and benefits of a decision or treatment |
| Contraindicated | something, like medication or treatment, should not be used because it could be harmful in certain situations |
| Lactation | is the process of producing milk in the breasts after childbirth, allowing the mother to feed her baby |
| Fetal alcohol syndrome | a condition in babies caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy, it can lead to physical and mental disabilities, including growth problems, facial abnormalities and learning difficulties |
| Neonate | a newborn baby, specifically within the first 28 days of life |
| Syndactyly | condition where two or more fingers or toes are fused together, either partially or completely at birth |
| Oligodactyly | condition where a person is born with fewer than the usual number of fingers or toes |
| Spina bifida | a birth defect where the spinal cord doesn't develop properly, leaving a gap in the spine. This can lead to physical and neurological problems |
| Jaundice | a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin, a substance produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Often a sign of liver problems |
| Perception | The physical components of pain |
| Reaction | the psychologic component of pain |
| Antipyretic | ability to reduce a fever: affect the hypothalamus (controls the body temperature) |
| Anti-inflammatory | ability to reduce inflammation |
| Uricosuric | ability to increase the excretion of uric acid in the urine |
| antiplatelet | ability to inhibit the aggregation (clumping) of platelets in the blood |
| Analgesic | ability to reduce or relieve pain |
| PGE | Prostaglandins, which are lipids produced by cells during inflammation and can sensitize the pain receptors |
| TNF-ɑ | a cytokine that is released by cells during the inflammatory response in periodontal disease |
| Agonist | refers to a substance that binds to and activates a receptor in the body |
| Mixed opioids | also known as mixed agonist-antagonist opioids, refer to a class of opioids that have both agonistic (activating) and antagonistic (blocking) effects on opioid receptors in the nervous system |
| Antagonists | substances that bind to receptors in the body but do not activate them. Instead , they block or inhibit the action of agonists |
| Narcotics | original name for opioid drugs, derived from Greek word which means "inducing stupor or sleep" |
| Abstinence syndrome | a constellation of physiologic changes undergone by people who have become physically dependent on a drug or chemical who are abruptly deprived of that substance |
| Addiction | a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking use despite complications or negative consequences |
| Substance use disorder | occur when recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically and functionally significant impairment |
| Enabling | the behavior of family or friends who associate with the addict that results in continued substance use disorder |
| Habituation | Physiologic tolerance to or psychological dependence on a drug |
| Misuse | use of a drug for a disease state in a way considered inappropriate |
| Physical/physiologic dependence | the state in which the drug is necessary for the continued functioning of certain body process |
| Psychologic dependence | the state in which, following withdrawal of the drug, there are manifestations of emotional abnormalities and drug-seeking behavior |
| Relapse | the return to drug use after an attempt to stop |
| Tolerance | with repeated dosing, the dose of a drug must be increased to obtain the same effect |
| Withdrawal | the constellation of symptoms, as specified int he DSM-5, that occurs when a physically dependent person stops taking the drug |
| Type 1 Diabetes | results from an autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic B cells. Usually develops in persons younger than 30 years of age |
| Type 2 Diabetes | development is attributed to a much more sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise. Usually develops in persons older than 40 years, however more and more cases are being reported in those under 20 years old |
| Hyperglycemia | refers to an abnormally high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood |
| Hypoglycemia | condition characterized by abnormally low levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood |
| Hyperkalemia | medical condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium (an essential electrolyte) in the blood |
| Glycosuria | the presence of glucose (sugar) in the urine |
| Prophylactic | refers to measures of treatments designed to prevent disease or a condition before it occurs |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection |
| Xerostomia | medical term for dry mouth |
| Arthralgia | joint pain |
| Macroangiopathy | refers to damage or disease affecting the large blood vessels |
| Microangiopathy | refers to damage or disease affecting the small blood vessels |
| Ketoacidosis | serious condition characterized by the buildup of acids called ketones in the body, which occurs when the body breaks down fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to a dangerously high level of acidity in the blood |
| Adrenocorticosteroids | commonly referred to as steroids, are a group of agents secreted by the adrenal cortex |
| Addison disease | Disease/condition produced by a deficiency of adrenocorticosteroids |
| Cushing syndrome | disease/condition produced by an excess of adrenocorticosteroids |
| Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | agent secreted by the pituitary that causes the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex |
| Glucocorticoids | Adrenocorticosteroids that primarily affect carbohydrate metabolism |
| Mineralocorticoids | Adrenocorticosteroids that affect the body's sodium and water balance (fluid levels) |
| Exogenous steroid | refers to a steroid hormone that is administered from outside the body, as opposed to being produced naturally by the body's endocrine system |
| Pituitary | Master Gland-a small endocrine organ located at the base of the brain |
| Anterior pituitary | A gland that stimulates hormones, secretes growth hormone, LH, FSH, TSH, ACTH, and prolactin |
| Posterior pituitary | A gland that secretes two hormones: vasopressin (ADH) and oxytocin |
| Hypopituitarism | pituitary deficiency |
| Acromegaly | rare hormonal disorder that results from the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) |
| Hypothyroidism | the result of the thyroid gland not being able to produce thyroid hormone |
| Hyperthyroidism | the result of increased production of thyroid hormone |
| Cretinism | Hypothyroidism in children |
| Myxedema | Hypothyroidism in children |
| Graves Disease | autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism |
| Plummers Disease | Thyroid disorder characterized by the development of multiple benign thyroid nodules that become overactive-leading to hyperthyroidism |
| Goiter | abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland |
| Peristalsis | involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions that move food, liquid, and other substances through the digestive tract and other tubular organs |
| Mydriasis | dilated pupils |
| Miosis | constricted pupils |
| Photophobia | An abnormal sensitivity or discomfort in the eyes caused by exposure to light |
| Defecation | Process of eliminating solid or semi-solid waste (feces) |
| Lacrimation | the process of producing and releasing tears from the lacrimal glands |
| Agonist | Drug that binds to the receptor and produces an effect |
| Antagonist | Drug that attaches to the receptor but does not elicit a response |
| Paralytic ileus | condition where there is temporary loss of normal movement in the intestines: inability to pass food, gas, or stool through the digestive tract |
| Hyperpyrexia | Extremely high fever (greater than 106.7 F) |
| Acetylcholine | primarily involved in muscle activation, learning and memory |
| Norepinephrine | A neurotransmitter implicated in mood disorders like depression, but it is not as widely recognized as serotonin for its role in depression. More often associated with attention and alertness |
| Serotonin | neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and other physiological processes. Low levels are most commonly associated with depression |
| Myocardial infarction (MI) | Commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle (myocardium) |
| Hypertension | referred to as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated |
| Heart failure (HF) | also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs |
| Vasoconstriction | the process by which blood vessels narrow due to the contraction of smooth muscle in their walls |
| Vasodilation | the process by which blood vessels widen due to the relaxation of smooth muscle in their walls |
| Diuretic | A type of medication or substance that promotes the increased production and excretion of urine |
| Dysgeusia | Altered sense of taste |
| Angina | A type of chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood |
| Arrhythmia | A medical condition characterized by an abnormal rhythm or rate of the heartbeat |
| Anticoagulants | Drugs that in some way interfere with coagulation |
| Hemostasis | a normal mechanism in the body that is designed to prevent the loss of blood after injury to a blood vessel |
| LDL | Bad cholesterol |
| HDL | Good cholesterol |
| Dyslipidemias | abnormal amounts of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood |
| Flushing | temporary, reddening or warming of the skin. Usually in the face, neck, or chest area |
| Pruritis | Medical term for itching |
| Prolong QT | an irregular heart rhythm. Patients that take drugs that prolong the QT interval need periodic ECGs and need to be careful with tachycardia |
| Asthma | Reversible airway obstruction, associated with reduction in expiratory airflow |
| COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: irreversible airway obstruction which occurs with either chronic bronchitis or emphysema |
| Bronchitis | Inflammation of the bronchial tubes |
| Emphysema | Chronic lung condition that involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs |
| Rhinitis | Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membrane inside the nose |
| Antitussive | class of drugs used to suppress or reduce coughing |
| Expectorant | class of drugs that helps loosen and then mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough it up |
| Mucolytic | type of medication that helps break down and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to clean through coughing or other means |
| Candidiasis | also known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection caused by candida, a type of yeast |
| Rhinorrhea | the excessive discharge or flow of mucus from the nose. Commonly known as "runny nose" |
| Dysphonia | a disorder of the voice that results in difficulties in speaking, often characterized by changes in vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | also known as leukocytes, are an essential component of the immune system. They help the body fight infections, foreign invaders and abnormal cells |
| Antacids | Medications that help neutralized stomach acid to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, or an upset stomach |
| Antiemetics | medications to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | unlike IBS, IBD involved actual inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Two forms: Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease |
| Ulcerative colitis | Chronic IBD that causes long term inflammation and ulcers only int he lining of the colon and rectum |
| Crohns Disease | Chronic IBD that causes long term inflammation and ulcers in any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly impacts the ileum and colon |
| GERD | condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus |
| Barrett esophagus | condition where the lining of the esophagus changes due to long-term GERD |
| Cardiac sphincter | The ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. Its job is to keep food and stomach acid from back up into the esophagus |
| PUD(peptic ulcer disease) | is a condition where open sores, called ulcers, form on the linging if the stomach, upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) or the esophagus |
| Laxatives | substances or medications used to relieve constipation |