Key Terms
Antineoplastic Drugs
a cancer-fighting drug
Inert Ingredients
an inactive chemical - such as a filler, preservative, coloring, or flavoring - that is added to one or more active ingredients to improve drug formulations while causing little or no physiological effect; also called an inactive ingredient
Psychopharmaceutical Drug
used to treat mental health diseases, such as depression
Antiseptic
a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the outside of the body to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.
inf.
infusion
Bioavailability
the time it takes for a generic drug to reach the bloodstream after administration
NDC (National Drug Code) Number
a unique number assigned to any brand name or generic drug products to identify the manufacturer, drug, and packaging size
Semisynthetic Drug
a drug that contains both natural and synthetic components
Destructive Agents
a drug that kills bacteria, fungi, or even normal or cancer cells
IU
international unit
Diagnostic Agents
a drug that helps a provider determine the correct diagnosis, such as one containing tracer radioactive isotopes or dyes used to help visualize problems
Pharmacodynamics Agent
a drug substance that requires a prescription from a licensed provider for a valid medical purpose; also known as a legend drug
Synthesized Drug
a drug created artificially in the laboratory but in imitation of a naturally occurring drug
Drug
a medicinal substance or remedy used to change the way a living organism functions; also called a medication
DAW
dispense as written
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
a federal agency created to protect the consumer from deceptive advertising, as with dietary supplements
Pharmacogenomics
a field of study that examines the relationship between an individual’s genes and his or her body’s response to drugs
Therapeutic Agents
a drug that prevents, cures, diagnoses, or relieves symptoms of a disease
Antibodies
the part of the immune system that neutralizes antigens or foreign substances in the body
EOD
every other day
Bioequivalent
a drug that administers approximately the same amount of active ingredient into a healthy volunteer’s bloodstream in the same amount of time as the innovator or brand name drug
Prophylactic Agents
a drug used to prevent disease, such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks
ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction)
an unexpected negative consequence from taking a particular drug
Antigen
a foreign substance or toxin introduced into the body that stimulates an immune response
et.
and