Pharmacology 101

Definition of a Drug

• A drug is a substance that modifies one or more of the body's physiological functions, often used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.

Names of a Drug

• Chemical Name: the systematic name given to a drug based on its chemical structure and molecular formula.
• Generic Name: the official name given to a drug by the manufacturer or regulatory authority, often used to identify the drug's active ingredient.
• Trade Name: the proprietary name given to a drug by the manufacturer, often used for marketing and branding purposes.

Desirable Properties of a Drug

• Selective Action: the ability of a drug to target a specific receptor or site of action, minimizing unwanted effects.
• Potency: the amount of drug required to produce a desired effect.
• Duration of Action: the length of time a drug remains active in the body.
• Solubility: the ability of a drug to dissolve in body fluids, affecting its absorption and distribution.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Harm

• Safety: the ability of a drug to avoid harm or adverse effects when used as intended.
• Effectiveness: the ability of a drug to produce the desired therapeutic effect.
• Harm: the unwanted or adverse effects of a drug, which can be short-term or long-term.

Therapeutic Range and Therapeutic Index

• Therapeutic Range: the range of concentrations of a drug that produces a desired therapeutic effect without adverse effects.
• Therapeutic Index: the ratio of the dose that produces a toxic effect to the dose that produces a therapeutic effect, used to evaluate a drug's safety and effectiveness.

Test your knowledge on the basics of pharmacology, including drug names, desirable properties, and concepts of safety and effectiveness.