Key terms
Active ingredients
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
Destructive Agents
A drug that kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even normal or cancer cells.
Bioepuivalent
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.
Intradermal
ADR
An unexpected negative consequence from taking a particular drug
Antiviral Drugs
A drug that kills viruses, such as HIV
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.
Genetically engineered
The process of using DNA biotechnology to create a variety of drugs or biological products.
IN
Intranasal
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; including clean room protocols and hand-washing and gowning procedures.
Drug
A medicinal substance or remedy used to change the way a living organism functions, also called a medication.
Immunity
Bodily processes to provide protection against disease.
IR
immediate release
Antigens
A foreign substance or toxin introduced into the body that stimulates an immune response
Bactericidal drugs
A drug that kills bacteria
Drug recall
The process of withdrawing a drug from the market by the FDA or the drug manufacturer for serious adverse effects or other defects in the product.
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.
IU
International unit
Antineoplastics Drugs
A cancer-fighting drug
Bioavailability
The time it takes for a generic drug to reach the bloodstream after administration.
Federal Trade Commission
A federal agency created to protect the consumer from deceptive advertising, as with dietary supplements.
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 to no physiological effect; also called an inactive ingredient.
p.v.
vaginally