Pharmacology Basics and Objectives

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by half.

The steady state of a drug in the body, where the amount of drug eliminated equals the amount of drug administered.

The drug concentration in the body just before the next dose is administered.

The maximum drug concentration in the body after a dose is administered.

The study of how the body affects the drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

A cellular response is triggered by the interaction between a drug and a receptor.

A functional molecule within a cell to which a drug binds to produce its effects.

Receptors are generally reserved for the body's regulators, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other molecules.

Drugs work by stimulating or inhibiting the body's natural processes.

A molecule that activates a receptor, triggering a cellular response.

A molecule that partially activates a receptor, producing a weaker response than a full agonist.

A molecule that blocks the activation of a receptor, preventing a cellular response.

The intensity of a drug's response is determined by the strength of its binding to the receptor, known as affinity.

The maximum effect a drug can produce. It's measured by the height of the dose-response curve.

The amount of drug needed to elicit a desired response. It's determined by the position of the dose-response curve.

The higher the selectivity of a drug, the fewer side effects it will produce.

The binding of a drug to its receptor is often reversible, meaning that it can be undone.

The activity of a receptor is regularly controlled by endogenous compounds, like hormones and neurotransmitters.

A drug's effect is determined by its interaction with receptors, which are specific for certain molecules.

An immune response, primarily determined by the patient's sensitivity to the drug, rather than the dosage. It can change over time and is not always severe. Penicillin is a common cause.

An uncommon drug response resulting from a genetic predisposition. It is often unpredictable and can lead to reactions that are not expected based on the usual effects of the drug.

The opposite effect of the intended drug response. For example, a sedative might cause excitement instead of sleepiness.

A state where the body adapts to long-term drug use, resulting in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly. This is common with opioids, alcohol, barbiturates, and amphetamines.

A disease caused by medical treatment, often by medications. For example, some psychiatric medications can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms.

Two drugs with similar effects are combined, resulting in an additive effect.

Two drugs interact to enhance each other's effects, resulting in a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.

One drug interferes with the effects of another drug, reducing the overall effect.

Drugs that increase a desired effect (therapeutic) or an undesired effect (adverse).

Drugs that reduce a desired effect (therapeutic) or an undesired effect (adverse).

The Beers Criteria is a list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults due to increased risk of adverse drug reactions. Using this list, prescribers can ensure they are using safer alternatives for their senior patients.

Older adults typically have higher percentages of body fat compared to younger adults. This leads to increased storage of lipid-soluble drugs, which necessitates dose adjustments to ensure proper therapeutic effect.

The liver's ability to metabolize drugs declines with age. This decline can affect drug elimination, leading to increased drug half-lives and intensified effects.

Renal function generally declines with age, resulting in slower elimination of drugs from the body. The accumulation of drugs can increase the risk of adverse reactions and toxicity in older adults.

Older adults often experience reduced levels of serum albumin. This can lead to decreased protein binding of medications, resulting in higher levels of free, active drug, which can amplify effects and enhance the risk of adverse reactions.

Older adults can experience a wide range of age-related physiologic changes that can affect drug responses. These changes might lead to increased sensitivity to drugs, slower metabolism, and slower excretion, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Older adults are more prone to polypharmacy, taking multiple medications simultaneously. This can significantly increase the risk of drug interactions, adverse effects, and non-adherence.

Older adults face many challenges that can contribute to their difficulty adhering to medication regimens. This includes factors like forgetfulness, difficulty understanding instructions, and lack of support.

A situation where one drug affects the action of another, potentially altering its effects on the body. This can be beneficial, by increasing the therapeutic effects, or harmful, by enhancing adverse effects.

A type of drug-drug interaction where the effects of one drug are increased. This could lead to stronger therapeutic benefit or a higher chance of side effects.

A type of drug-drug interaction where the effects of one drug are reduced. This could weaken the intended therapeutic effect or minimize undesirable side effects.

The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its point of administration.

The process by which a drug is transported throughout the body to its target site.

The process by which the body breaks down a drug into inactive metabolites.

The process by which the body eliminates a drug from the bloodstream.

A group of enzymes primarily found in the liver that are responsible for metabolizing many drugs. They can be induced (increased activity) or inhibited (decreased activity) by other drugs, leading to interactions.

A type of drug-drug interaction where the absorption of one drug is altered by the other. This could be increased absorption, leading to stronger effects, or decreased absorption, weakening effects.

A type of drug-drug interaction where the distribution of one drug is altered by the other. This could happen through competition for protein binding or changes in the body's pH.

A type of drug-drug interaction where the excretion of one drug is altered by the other, potentially affecting its concentration in the body. This involves changes in filtration, reabsorption, or active secretion of drugs in the kidneys.

A type of drug-drug interaction where the metabolism of one drug is altered by the other, affecting its breakdown and duration of action in the body.

A drug that increases the activity of CYP enzymes, potentially leading to faster metabolism of other drugs.

A drug that decreases the activity of CYP enzymes, potentially leading to slower metabolism of other drugs and increased drug levels in the body.