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
Synthesized Drug
A drug created artificially in the laboratory in imitation of a naturally occurring drug.
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apply to affected area
ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction)
An unexpected negative consequence from taking a particular drug.
Antiviral Drug
A drug that kills viruses, such as HIV
Bioequivalent
A drug that delivers approximately the same amount of active ingredient into a healthy individual’s bloodstream in the same amount of time as the brand-name drug.
Semisynthetic Drug.
A drug that contains both natural and synthetic components
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intravenously
Antibodies
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 to provide protection against disease
Psychopharmaceutical Drug
A drug used to treat mental health diseases, such as depression.
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intramuscular
Antigen
A foreign substance or toxin introduced into the body that stimulates an immune response.
Bactericidal Agent
A drug that kills bacteria
Vaccine
A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity
Prophylactic Agent
A drug used to prevent disease, such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks
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by mouth
Antineoplastic Drug
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
Pharmacogenomics
A field of study that examines the relationship between an individual’s genes and his or her body’s response to drugs
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