Term | Definition |
Absorption | Passage of a substance through a body surface into body fluids or tissues |
Adverse effect | Harmful unintended reactions to a drug |
Agonist | Chemical that binds to a receptor and activates the receptor to produce a biological response |
Antagonist | A substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another |
Bioavailability | The proportion of a drug or other substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect |
Biotechnology | The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes |
Biotransformation | Chemical changes that a substance undergoes in the body |
Bolus | Small, round mass of substance. Chewed food |
Contraindication | Condition or circumstance that indicates that a drug should not be used |
Distribution | Circulation of drugs after absorption to the organs of the body |
Duration | The time which something continues |
Emulsion | Dispersion of droplets of one liquid into another which is not soluble |
Enteral | Passing through the GI tract; through mouth and esophagus or artificial opening |
Excretion | Elimination of by products of drug metabolism from the body. Mainly through the kidneys |
Hypersensitivity | Allergic or excessive response of the immune system to a drug or chemical |
Idiosyncratic effect | Unusual reaction to a drug other than expected |
Indication | List of conditions for which a drug is meant to be used |
Local effect | Affecting one specific area or part |
Onset | The time required after administration of a drug for a response to be observed |
Parenteral | Any route of administration not involving the GI tract |
Pharmacodynamics | The branch of pharmacology concerned with the effects of drugs and the mechanism of their action |
Pharmacokinetics | The branch of pharmacology concerned with the movement of drugs within the body |
Plasma protein binding | This effects the drug's efficiency. The less bound, the more it can diffuse |
Reconstituted | Reconstruct |
Side effect | An undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment |
Solubility | Property of a chemical substance called solute to dissolve in a solvent |
Solution | A liquid mixture in which the minor component (solute) is uniformly distributed within the major component (solvent) |
Suspension | A mixture of two or more substances. Small solids spread through a liquid but don't dissolve |
Synergist | A substance that works with another to form synergy |
Systemic effect | Affecting the whole body or system |
Topical | Applied to a specific area for a local effect |
Controlled substance | A drug controlled by prescription requirements because of the danger of addiction and abuse |
Narcotics | A drug or other substance affecting mood or behavior and sold for nonmedical purposes |
DEA | Drug Enforcement Agency: Bureau of the Dept of Justice that enforces the Controlled Substances Act |
FDA | Food and Drug Admin: Dept of Health and Welfare that enforces the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act |
The Joint Commission | Accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States. |
OTC | Over the counter drug: Medication available without a prescription |
PDR | Physician's Drug Reference: encyclopedia of US drugs |
USP-NF | United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary: gives the composition, description, method of preparation, and dosage for drugs |