Key terms
Antibodies
the part of the immune system that neutralizes antigens or foreign substances in the body
Antigen
a foreign substance or toxin introduced into the body that stimulates an immune response
Antiviral Drugs
a drug that kills viruses, such as HIV
Drug
a medicinal substance or remedy used to change the way a living organism functions; also called a medication
What does "STAT" mean?
immediately or at once
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
NDC number
a unique number assigned to any brand name or generic drug products to identify the manufacturer, drug, and packaging size
Pharmacogenomics
a field of study that examines the relationship between an individual’s genes and her or his body’s response to drugs
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
What does "IV" represent?
intravenous
Vaccine
a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity
Antiseptic
a susbstance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms o the outside of the body to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction
Destructive Agent
a drug that kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even normal or cancer cells
Biogenetically engineered
substances derived from the sciences of biology, chemistry, immunology, and genetic engineering to produce specific therapeutic effects
If a prescription says "TID," how often should the medication be taken?
three times a day
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
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
a federal agency created to protect the consumer from a deceptive advertising, as with dietary supplements
Immunity
bodily processes to provide protection against disease
What does "OU" stand for on a prescription?
Semisynthetic drugs
a drug that contains both natural and synthetic components
Synthetic drug
a drug that has been created from a series of chemical reactions to produce a specific pharmacological effect
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
Prophylactic agents
a drug used to prevent disease, such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks
What does "QOD" mean?
every other day