key terms
Active ingredient
the biochemically active component of the drug that exerts a desired therapeutic effect
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
Destructive agents
a drug that kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even normal or cancer cells
Bioequivalent
a drug that delivers approximately the same amount of active ingredient into a health volunteer’s bloodstream in the same amount of time as the innovator or brand name drug
National Drug Code (NDC) number
a unique number assigned to any brand name or generic drug products to identify the manufacturer, drug, and packaging size
ADR (adverse drug reaction)
an unexpected negative consequence from taking a particular drugs
Antiviral drugs
a drug that kills viruses, such as HIV
Diagnostic agents
a drug that helps a providers determine the correct diagnosis, such as one containing tracer radioactive isotopes or dyes used to help visualize problems
Genetically engineered
the process of using DNA biotechnology to create a variety of drugs or biological products
Pharmacodynamics agent
a drug substance that alters body functions in a desired way
Antibodies
the part of the immune system that neutralizes antigens or foreign substances in the body
Aseptic technique
the manipulation of sterile products and devices to avoid contamination by disease-causing organisms; includes clean room protocols and hand-washing and gowning procedures
Drug
a medicinal substance or remedy used to change the way a living organism functions; also called a medication
Immunity
bodily processes to provide protection against disease
Pharmacogenomics
a field of study that examines the relationship between an individual’s genes and her or his body’s response to drugs
Antigen
a foreign substance or toxin introduced into the body that stimulates an immune response
Bactericidal drugs
a drug that kills bacteria
Drug recall
the process of withdrawing a drug from the market by the FDA or the drug manufacturer for serious adverse effects or other defects in the product
Informed consent form
a document that states, in easily understandable terms, the purpose and risks of the drug research that someone volunteers to take part in
Prophylactic agents
a drug used to prevent disease, such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks
Antineoplastic drugs
a cancer-fighting drug
Bioavailability
the time it takes for a generic drug to reach the bloodstream after administration
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
a federal agency created to protect the consumer from deceptive advertising, as with dietary supplements
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 in inactive ingredient
Psychopharmaceutical drug
used to treat mental health diseases, such as depression