General Info
Substances prescribed for treatment that produce therapeutic effects
Medications
Defined as the study of the way the body processes a drug
Pharmacokinetics
Desired effect, predictable physiological response
Therapeutic Effect
Relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions
Antihistamines
Depress and relax the central nervous system and reduce mental activity
Sedatives
Substances used in diagnosis, treatment, or disease prevention, or as a component of a medication
Drugs
Study of the effects of drugs on the normal physiological functions of the body
Pharmacodynamics
Effect other than the desired, may or may not be harmless
Side effects
Treat infections and infectious diseases. Suppress the growth of microorganisms.
Antimicrobials
Reduce anxiety and mental tension more effectively than sedatives and often provide some sedation as well
Tranquilizers
Identifies the chemical family of a medication
Generic name or chemical name
Movement of a drug from the site of administration into systemic circulation to produce the desired effect
Absorption
Drug accumulates in the body due to inadequate excretion, impaired metabolism, overdose, or drug sensitivity
Toxic effect
Used to control or prevent seizures or convulsions.
Anilticonvulsants
Promote loss of feeling or sensation
Anesthetics
Name given to a drug by its manufacturer
Trade name or proprietary name
Means by which a drug travels from the bloodstream to the target tissue and site of action1
Distribution
Patient has been sensitized to the initial dose of a medication and develops a response to an allergen
Allergic reaction
Used to prevent or relieve chronic cardiac arrhythmias
Antiarrhythmics
A skeletal muscle relaxant
Paralytic agents
Sets the standards for control of drugs, both prescription or nonprescription
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The body transforms drugs into an inactive form that can be excreted from the body
Metabolism
Responses to combined drugs that differ from their individual effects. Effects may go beyond the desired outcome
Synergistic (additive) effect
Used to relieve pain without causing a loss of consciousness
Analgesics
Lower blood sugar level
Hypoglycemic