Pharmacodynamics and Drug Interactions Quiz

The ability of a drug to produce a desired therapeutic effect.

The amount of drug needed to produce a desired therapeutic effect.

A comparison tool that shows the relationship between the dose of a drug and its response.

Two drugs with same efficacy, but different potency produce the same therapeutic effect at different doses.

A drug is more potent if it produces a therapeutic effect at a lower dose compared to another drug.

High maximal efficacy can sometimes be undesirable, as a drug may be too potent for certain needs.

Public misconception about potency, often prioritising the 'most potent' when what matters is achieving the desired outcome.

Understanding that a drug's efficacy and potency are crucial for appropriate medication selection and individualised treatment.

A drug that binds to a receptor and triggers a response, mimicking the action of a natural substance.

A drug that binds to a receptor but does not trigger a response, instead blocking the action of other substances.

A drug that binds to a receptor and produces a weaker response compared to a full agonist.

The strength of the bond between a drug molecule and its receptor.

Receptors that are linked to enzymes, like kinases, and activate them when a drug binds.

Receptors that are channels in cell membranes, allowing ions to flow in and out of the cell when the drug binds.

Receptors that activate a G protein when a drug binds, leading to a cascade of intracellular events.

Receptors located inside the cell nucleus, responding to drugs that can enter the cell.

The dose of a drug that produces a response in 50% of the population.

The difference between the effective dose of a drug and the toxic dose. It's often used to measure drug safety.

Drugs with a narrow therapeutic range are more sensitive to dose adjustments. A small change in dose can significantly affect their effectiveness or toxicity.

Drugs with a wide therapeutic range are more forgiving. Larger changes in dose are less likely to cause toxicity.

A drug interaction refers to a situation where the effects of one drug are changed by another drug, food, or herbal supplement. This can happen by increasing or decreasing the effectiveness of the drug, or by causing unexpected side effects.

One drug can increase the effects of another drug.

One drug can decrease the effects of another.

One drug can change the way the body processes another drug, affecting its concentration in the body.

One drug can alter the absorption of another drug from the gut.

One drug can alter the excretion of another drug from the body.

The combined effect of two drugs with similar actions is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

The combined effect of two drugs is significantly better than the effect of either drug alone.

The combined effect of two drugs is less than the sum of their individual effects, or one drug may even cancel out the effect of the other.

The physical interaction of two drugs interferes with the effects of at least one of them, often leading to chemical deterioration of one or both drugs. This is usually seen with parenteral (injection) medications.

Any unwanted effect that occurs while taking a medication, whether it happens within minutes, days, or weeks after taking the medication.

Predictable and unwanted effects that result from the normal pharmacologic action of a drug. These are usually mild and resolve when the medication is stopped.

Unpredictable adverse drug reactions that are not related to the normal pharmacologic action of the drug. These can be caused by an individual's unique sensitivity to the drug or by an allergic reaction.

A type of Type B reaction where the body's immune system recognizes the drug as a foreign substance and produces antibodies (IgE) which can trigger various reactions, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe, life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by widespread vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and a drop in blood pressure. It can be triggered by medications, insect stings, or other allergens.

A type of adverse drug reaction (ADR) that occurs unexpectedly due to a patient's unique genetic makeup.

These are ADRs that occur due to the drug's effects on the fetus during pregnancy, potentially leading to birth defects.

During the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, organ development is crucial, making this period the most vulnerable to teratogenic effects.

The increased blood flow and thinner membranes in the third trimester allow for more maternal medications to reach the fetus, potentially increasing the risk of drug accumulation and toxic effects.

The FDA classifies drugs based on their potential risks to pregnant women. 'Category D' drugs have shown possible risks to humans, while 'Category X' drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy.