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.
Drug
A medicinal substance or remedy used to change the way a living organism functions; also called a medication.
Semisynthetic drug
A drug that contains both natural and synthetic components.
NDC (National Drug Code)
A unique number assigned to any brand name or generic drug product to identify the manufacturer, drug, and packaging size.
ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction)
an unexpected negative consequence from taking a particular drug.
Antiviral drugs
a drug that kills viruses, such as HIV.
Bioequivalent
A drug that delivers 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.
Psychopharmaceutical drug
Drugs used to treat mental health diseases, such as depression.
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.
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.
Immunity
Bodily processes that provide protection against disease.
Prophylactic agent
A drug used to prevent disease, such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks.
Inert ingredient
An inactive chemical—such as a filler, preservative, coloring, or flavoring—that is added to one or more active ingredients, causing little or no physiological effect; also called an inactive ingredient.
Antigen
A foreign substance or toxin introduced into the body that stimulates an immune response.
Bactericidal agents
a drug that kills bacteria.
Vaccine
A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity.
Pharmacogenomics
A field of study that examines the relationship between an individual’s genes and their body’s response to drugs.
q4h
every 4 hours
Antineoplastic drugs
a cancer-fighting drug
Bioavailability
the time it takes for a generic drug to reach the bloodstream after administration.
Therapeutic agent
A drug that prevents, cures, diagnoses, or relieves symptoms of a disease.
Pharmacodynamic agent
A drug substance that alters body functions in a desired way.
q8h
every 8 hours