Key Terms
Active ingredient
The biochemically active component of the drug that exerts a desired therapeutic effect
ADR
An unexpected negative consequence from taking a particular drug
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
gtt.
drop
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
a federal agency created to protece the consumer from deceptive advertising, as with dietary supplements
antiseptic
a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the our-side of the body to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction
bioequivalent
a drug that delivers approximately che same amount of active ingredienc into a healchy volunteer's bloodstream in the same amount of time as the innovator or brand name drug
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
HCT; HCTZ
hydrochlorothiazide
inert ingredient
an inactive chemical such as a filler, preservative, coloring, or flavoring-that is added to one or more acuve ingredients to improve drug formulations while causing little or no physiological effect; also called an inactive ingredient
bioavailability
the time it takes for a generic drug to reach the bloodstream after administration
destructive agent
a drug that kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even normal or cancer cells
diagnostic agent
a drug that helps a provider determine the correct diagnosis, such as one containing tracer radioactive isotopes or dyes used so help visualize problems
hs
at bedtime
Pharmacodynamic agent
a drug substance that alters body functions in a desired way
pharmacogenomics
a field of study that examines the relationship between an individuals genes and her or his body's response to drugs
Prophylactics agent
a drug used to prevent disease, such as aspirin to prevent heart attacks
psychopharmaceutical drug
used to treat mental health diseases, such as depression
MDP
medrol dosepak
semisynthetic drug
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
synthesized drug
a drug created artificially in the laboratory but in imitation of a naturally occurring drug
therapeutic agent
a drug that prevents, cures, diagnoses, or relieves symptoms of a disease
pc
after meals