Ch 7 - Pharmacology

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absorption

Back 1

In allergic reactions, when foreign material is deposited on and moves into the skin.

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adrenal medulla

Back 2

The inner portion of the adrenal glands that synthesizes, stores, and eventually releases epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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adrenergic

Back 3

Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine or noradrenaline (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response). The term also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine, that is, the adrenergic receptors.

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afferent nerves

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The nerves that carry sensory impulses from all parts ot he body to the brain.

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affinity

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The force attraction between medications and receptors causing them to bind together.

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agonist

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A substance that mimics the actions of a specific neurotransmitter or hormone by binding to the specific receptor of the naturally occurring substance.

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analgesia

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The absence of the sensation of pain.

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analgesics

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A classification for medications that relieve pain, or induce analgesia.

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anesthetic

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A type of medication intended to induce a loss of sensation to touch or pain.

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angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

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Medications that suppress the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.

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angiotensin II receptor antagonists

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Medications that are similar to ACE inhibitors but work by selectively blocking angiotensin II at their receptor sites.

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antagonist

Back 12

A molecule that blocks the ability of a given chemical to bind to its receptor, preventing a biologic response.

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antiarrhythmic medications

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The medications used to treat and prevent cardiac rhythm disorders.

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antibiotic medications

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The medications that fight bacterial infection by killing the bacteria or by preventing multiplication of the bacteria to allow the body’s immune system to overcome them.

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anticholinergic

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Of or pertaining to the blocking of acetylcholine receptors, resulting in inhibition of transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses.

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anticoagulant drugs

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The medications used to prevent intravascular thrombosis by preventing blood coagulation in the vascular system.

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anticonvulsant medications

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The medications used to treat seizures, which are believed to work by inhibiting the influx of sodium into cells.

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antihypertensives

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The medications used to control blood pressure.

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antineoplastic medications

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The medications designed to combat cancer.

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antiplatelet agents

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The medications that interfere with the collection of platelets.

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autonomic nervous system (ANS)

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The component of the peripheral nervous system that sends sensory impulses from internal structures (such as blood vessels, the heart, and organs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis) through afferent autonomic nerves to the brain.

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barbiturates

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Any medications of a group of barbituric acid derivatives that act as central nervous system depressants and are used as sedatives or hypnotics.

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benzodiazepines

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Sedative-hypnotic drugs that provide muscle relaxation and mild sedation; includes drugs such as diazepam (Valium) and midazolam (Versed).

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bioavailability

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The amount of a medication that is still active once it reaches its target tissue.

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biologic half-life

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The time it takes the body to eliminate half of the drug.

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biotransformation

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A process by which a medication is chemically converted to a different compound or metabolite.

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buccal route

Back 27

A medication route in which medication is administered between the cheeks and gums.

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calcium channel blockers

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The medications that suppress arrhythmias, provide more oxygen to the heart via coronary artery dilation, and reduce peripheral vascular resistance.

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capsule

Back 29

A cylindrical gelatin container enclosing a dose of medication.

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cardiac glycosides

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A classification of medications that naturally occur in plant substances and that block certain ionic pumps in the heart cells’ membranes, which indirectly increases calcium concentrations; an example is digoxin.

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chemical name

Back 31

A description of the drug’s chemical composition and molecular structure.

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cholinergic

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Fibers in the parasympathetic nervous system that release a chemical called acetylcholine.

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Chronotropic

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Affecting the rate of rhythmic movements, such as the heartbeat. A positive chronotropic effect would result in increasing the heart rate.

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CNS stimulants

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Any medications or agents that increase brain activity.

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contraindications

Back 35

In health care, conditions or factors that increase the risk involved in using a particular drug, carrying out a medical procedure, or engaging in a particular activity.

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cross-tolerance

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A form of drug tolerance in which patients who take a particular medication for an extended period can build up a tolerance to other medications in the same class.

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cumulative effect

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An effect that occurs when several successive doses of a medication are administered or when absorption of a medication occurs faster than excretion or metabolism.

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depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents

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Medications designed to keep muscles in a contracted state.

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distribution

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The movement and transportation of a medication throughout the bloodstream to tissues and cells of the body and, ultimately, to its target receptor.

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diuretic medications

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The medications designed to promote elimination of excess salt and water by the kidneys.

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dopaminergic receptors

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The receptors believed to cause dilation of the renal, coronary, and cerebral arteries.

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dromotropic

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Relating to or influencing the conductivity of nerve fibers or cardiac muscle fibers.

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drugs

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Any chemical compounds that may be used on humans to help in diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation, or prevention of disease or other abnormal conditions.

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duration of action

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How long the medication concentration can be expected to remain above the minimum level needed to provide the intended action.

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efferent nerves

Back 45

The nerves that carry messages from the brain to the muscles and all other organs of the body.

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elixir

Back 46

A syrup with alcohol and flavoring added.

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emulsion

Back 47

A preparation of one liquid (usually an oil) distributed in small globules in another liquid (usually water).

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enteral routes

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The medication administration routes in which medications are absorbed somewhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

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excretion

Back 49

The elimination of toxic or inactive metabolites from the body. This is primarily done by the kidneys, intestines, lungs, and assorted glands.

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extract

Back 50

A concentrated preparation of a drug made by putting the drug into solution (in alcohol or water) and evaporating off the excess solvent to a prescribed standard.

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fibrinolytic agents

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The only medications available to dissolve blood clots after they have already formed; the drugs promote the digestion of fibrin.

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fluid extract

Back 52

A concentrated form of a drug prepared by dissolving the crude drug in the fluid in which it is most readily soluble.

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ganglia

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Groupings of nerve cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system.

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generic drug

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A medication that is not patented.

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generic name

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A general name for a drug that is not manufacturer-specific; usually the name given to the drug by the company that first manufactures it.

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hypnosis

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Altered consciousness often caused by hypnotic drugs, which are used to induce sleep.

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iatrogenic response

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An adverse condition inadvertently induced in a patient by the treatment given.

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idiosyncrasy

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An abnormal (and usually unexplained) reaction by a person to a medication, to which most other people do not react.

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immunobiologic medications

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The medications that include serums, vaccines, and other immunizing agents.

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immunosuppressant medications

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The medications intended to inhibit the body’s ability to attack the “foreign” organ or, in the case of autoimmune diseases, the medications that inhibit the body’s attack on itself.

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indications

Back 61

The reasons or conditions for which the medication is given.

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inotropic

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affecting the contractility of muscle tissue, especially cardiac muscle.

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Interference

Back 63

A direct biochemical interaction between two drugs.

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intramuscular (IM) route

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A method of delivering a medication into the muscle of the body. This is accomplished by placing a needle into a muscle space and injecting the medication into the tissue.

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intraosseous (IO) route

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A method of delivering a medication into the marrow cavity of a bone. This is accomplished by placing a rigid needle into the marrow cavity and flushing a medication into the space.

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liniments

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Liquid preparations of drugs for external use, usually to relieve some discomfort (such as pain, itching) or to protect the skin.

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local anesthesia

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A type of anesthesia that causes a loss of sensation to touch or pain at a specific isolated spot on the body where a procedure is to take place.

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local effects

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The effects that result from the direct application of a drug to a tissue, for example when lotions are applied to the skin to relieve itching.

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loop diuretics

Back 69

Medications that inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and calcium ions and that can cause an excessive loss of potassium.

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mechanism of action

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The way in which a medication produces the intended response.

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medication

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A licensed drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition or as an aid in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or other abnormal condition.

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milk

Back 72

In the context of pharmacology, an aqueous suspension of an insoluble drug.

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muscarinic cholinergic antagonists

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Medications that block acetylcholine exclusively at the muscarinic receptors; an example is atropine.

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neuromuscular blocking agents

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Medications that affect the parasympathetic nervous system by inducing paralysis.

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neurotransmission

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The process of chemical signaling between cells.

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nicotinic cholinergic antagonists

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Medications that block the acetylcholine only at nicotinic receptors

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nonbarbiturate hypnotics

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Medications designed to sedate without the side effects of a barbiturate.

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nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents

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Medications designed to cause temporary paralysis by binding in a competitive but nonstimulatory manner to part of the ACh receptor. Do not cause fasciculations.

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nonopioid analgesics

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Medications designed to relieve pain without the side effects of opioids.

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nonspecific agents

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Medications that produce effects on different cells through a variety of mechanisms. Generally classified by the focus of action or specific therapeutic use.

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nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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Medications with analgesic and fever reducing properties.

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official name

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The name listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) once the generic name has been approved by the United States Adopted Name Council and the drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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ointment

Back 83

A semisolid preparation for external application to the body, usually containing a medicinal substance.

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onset of action

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The time needed for the concentration of the medication at the target tissue to reach the minimum effective level.

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opioid agonist-antagonists

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Medications designed to relieve pain without the side effects of opioids.

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opioid agonists

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Chemicals that are similar to or derived from the opium plant.

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opioid antagonists

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A classification of medications that reverses the effects of opioid drugs.

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para-aminophenol derivatives

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Medications designed to reduce fevers and relieve pain.

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parenteral routes

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Medication routes in which medications are administered via any route other than the alimentary canal (digestive tract), skin, or mucous membranes.

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patch

Back 90

A connection between a telephone line and a radio communications system enabling a caller to get “on the air” by dialing into a special telephone.

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percutaneous routes

Back 91

The medication routes of any medication absorbed through the skin or a mucous membrane.

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peripheral nervous system (PNS)

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Consists of all nervous tissue outside of the brain and spinal cord and is subdivided into two divisions, the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

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pharmacodynamics

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The branch of pharmacology that studies reactions between medications and living structures, including the processes of body responses to pharmacologic, biochemical, physiologic, and therapeutic effects.

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pharmacokinetics

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The study of the metabolism and action of medications with particular emphasis on the time required for absorption, duration of action, distribution in the body, and method of excretion.

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pharmacology

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The branch of medicine dealing with the actions of drugs in the body—therapeutic and toxic effects—and development and testing of new drugs and new uses of existing ones.

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pill

Back 96

A drug shaped into a ball or oval to be swallowed; often coated to disguise an unpleasant taste.

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potentiation

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In health care, the effect of increasing the potency or effectiveness of a drug or other treatment; may occur by administering two medications concurrently, and one increases the effect of the other.

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powder

Back 98

A drug that has been ground into pulverized form.

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pulmonary route

Back 99

A medication route in which medication is administered directly to the pulmonary system through inhalation or injection.

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Pulvule

Back 100

A solid medication form that resembles a capsule but it is not made of gelatin and does not separate.

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regional anesthesia

Back 101

A type of anesthesia that focuses on a particular portion of the body, such as the legs or the arms.

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sedation

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An effect in which the patient experiences decreased anxiety and inhibition.

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side effects

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Reactions that can manifest as signs or symptoms that are not desired but are expected based on how the medication works.

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skeletal muscle relaxants

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Medications that provide relief of skeletal muscle spasms.

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sodium channel blockers

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Antiarrhythmic medications that slow conduction through the heart.

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solution

Back 106

A liquid containing one or more chemical substances entirely dissolved, usually in water.

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specific agents

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Medications that bring about an identifiable mechanism with unique receptors for the agent.

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spirits

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A preparation of a volatile substance dissolved in alcohol.

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stimulants

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An agent that increases the level of body activity.

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subcutaneous (SC or SQ) route

Back 110

A medication route in which injections are given beneath the skin into the fat or connective tissue immediately underlying it.

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sublingual (SL)

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A medication route in which medication is administered under the tongue.

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summation effect

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The process whereby multiple medications can produce a response that the individual medications alone do not produce.

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suppository

Back 113

A drug mixed in a firm base that melts at body temperature and is shaped to fit the rectum, urethra, or vagina.

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suspension

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A preparation of a finely divided drug intended to be (or already) incorporated in a suitable liquid.

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sympathetic blocking agent

Back 115

An antihypertensive medication that decreases cardiac output and rennin secretions.

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sympathomimetics

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The medications administered to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

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synergism

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An interaction of two or more medications that results in an effect that is greater than the sum of their effects if taken independently.

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syrup

Back 118

A drug suspended in sugar and water to improve its taste.

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systemic anesthesia

Back 119

A type of anesthesia often done through the inhalation of volatile vaporized liquids and predominantly reserved for operating room use; also called general anesthesia.

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systemic effects

Back 120

The effects that occur after the drug is absorbed by any route and distributed by the bloodstream; almost invariably involve more than one organ.

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tablet

Back 121

A powdered drug that has been molded or compressed into a small disk.

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tachyphylaxis

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A condition in which the patient rapidly becomes tolerant to a medication.

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termination of action

Back 123

The amount of time after the medication’s concentration falls below the minimum effective level until it is eliminated from the body.

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therapeutic

Back 124

The desired or intended action of a medication.

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therapeutic index

Back 125

The ratio of a drug’s lethal dose for 50% (LD50) of the population to its effective dose for 50% (ED50) of the population; a medication’s margin of safety.

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thiazides

Back 126

A type of diuretic medication that specifically controls the sodium and water quantities excreted by the kidneys.

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tincture

Back 127

A dilute alcoholic extract of a drug.

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tolerance

Back 128

A physiologic response that requires a patient to take an increased medication dose to produce the same effect that formerly was produced by the lower dose.

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toxoid

Back 129

A modified bacterial toxin that has been made nontoxic but retains the ability to stimulate the formation of antibodies.

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trade name

Back 130

The brand name registered to a specific manufacturer or owner; also called proprietary name.

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transdermal route

Back 131

A medication route generally performed by placing medication directly onto the patient’s skin.

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uricosuric medications

Back 132

The medications designed to lower the uric acid level in the blood by increasing the excretion by the kidneys into the urine.

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vaccine

Back 133

A suspension of whole (live or inactivated) or fractionated bacteria or viruses that have been made nonpathogenic; given to induce an immune response and prevent disease.

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vapor

Back 134

A gaseous medication form primarily used in operating room anesthesia.

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vasodilator medications

Back 135

The medications that work on the smooth muscles of the arterioles and/or the veins.

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xanthines

Back 136

A classification of medications that affect the respiratory smooth muscle and that relax bronchiole smooth muscles, stimulate cardiac muscle, and stimulate the central nervous system.