Pharmacology Basics Quiz

The study of drugs, their properties, effects, and interactions with living organisms.

The use of drugs to treat diseases.

Any substance that alters physiological function.

An inactive substance used as a control in experiments or therapy.

A typical example of a drug that serves as the standard for a class of drugs.

The name given to a drug by the company that developed it. It's usually easy to remember and pronounce, and needs to be approved by the FDA. The first letter is capitalized.

The scientific name of a drug, usually a longer and more complex term. It describes the chemical structure of the drug. The first letter is lowercase.

The exact chemical description of a drug, often very long and complicated. It tells you the exact chemical makeup of the drug.

How a drug works to treat a specific condition. It describes the intended effect of the drug.

The way a drug acts on the body to produce its therapeutic effect. It describes the mechanism of action.

Drugs categorized based on their potential for abuse and addiction, from Schedule 1 (highest abuse potential) to Schedule 4 (low abuse potential).

A drug that is illegal to possess or use without a prescription, and has a significant potential for abuse.

A drug that has accepted medical uses but high potential for abuse, requiring strict regulations and limited access.

A drug that has accepted medical uses but a moderate to low potential for abuse, allowing for more relaxed prescriptions.

A drug that has accepted medical uses but a low potential for abuse and dependence, allowing for relatively easy prescriptions.

Medicines available only with a prescription from a healthcare professional, indicating a higher level of regulation due to potential risks or complexity.

Medicines freely available for purchase without a prescription, generally aimed at addressing common health concerns.

The process by which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body, determining drug concentration in the bloodstream.

The process where a drug is metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation, potentially reducing its bioavailability.

A dosage form that delivers a drug directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the first-pass effect.

A type of drug delivery method that uses a sustained-release formulation to provide a drug over an extended period.

A drug delivery route that involves applying medication directly to the skin, eyes, ears, or vaginal area.

The intentional placement of a transdermal patch on a clean, dry, hairless area of skin.

A method for drug administration that uses the gastrointestinal tract. Examples include oral, sublingual, and rectal.

The availability of a drug to reach the systemic circulation after administration.

The process by which a drug is eliminated from the body, primarily through the liver and kidneys.

St. John's Wort is a natural herb used to treat mild depression and pain. It increases serotonin levels similarly to antidepressants, but with fewer side effects and a shorter duration of action.

St. John's Wort is not recommended for individuals taking antidepressants, amphetamines, or cocaine, as it can cause undesirable interactions.

Valerian is a natural herb often used to manage insomnia and anxiety. It acts by increasing GABA levels in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep.

Valerian is known to cause drowsiness and depressive effects. Due to its calming nature, it's contraindicated in individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking CNS depressants like alcohol.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating brain function and relieving anxiety. By increasing GABA levels, valerian promotes a relaxed state and helps with sleep.

The chemical modification of drugs, primarily occurring in the liver. Think of it as the body breaking down the drug into smaller pieces.

The removal of drugs and their byproducts from the body, mainly through urine. Think of it as the body getting rid of the drug.

A drug that binds to a receptor and causes a specific effect. Think of it as the 'key' fitting into the 'lock' and triggering an action.

A drug that binds to a receptor but only causes a partial effect. Think of it as the 'key' fitting into the 'lock' but only partially turning it.

A drug that binds to a receptor, blocking other drugs from activating it. Think of it as a 'key' fitting into the 'lock' but preventing anything from opening it.

A large initial dose of a drug given to quickly achieve therapeutic levels. Think of it as 'getting started' with a drug.

A lower dose of a drug given regularly to maintain therapeutic levels. Think of it as 'keeping the drug levels steady'.