Basic Pharmacology

The study of drugs, their effects on the body, and their therapeutic applications.

How a drug interacts with receptors, enzymes, or cell structures to produce effects.

Grouped by the condition they treat (e.g., antihypertensives, analgesics).

Describes how drugs move through the body using four main processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream.

The transport of a drug from the bloodstream to target tissues.

The chemical alteration of a drug, primarily by the liver.

The process of removing drugs and their metabolites from the body.

Explains the therapeutic and adverse effects of drugs.

Bind to a receptor and produce a physiological effect.

Block receptor activation.

The dose required to produce the desired effect in 50% of patients.

The time required for a drug's plasma concentration to decrease by 50%.

A large initial dose to rapidly achieve a therapeutic level.

Most drugs follow first-order kinetics, meaning the rate of elimination is proportional to drug concentration.

A few drugs follow zero-order kinetics, meaning a constant amount is eliminated per unit time, regardless of drug concentration.

Medications requiring a healthcare provider's authorization.

Medications available without a prescription.

Enforces controlled substance laws.

Regulates prescription, OTC, biologics, and supplements.