Pharmacology Chapter 15 Flashcards

Key Terms in Pharmacology

• Addiction: Dependency that can be physical or psychological in nature.
• Analgesic: Medications specifically designated to alleviate pain.
• Anesthesia: Agents that block pain sensation without completely eliminating all sensory perception, often used during surgical procedures.

Drug Classification and Regulation

• Brand Name: The proprietary name given by manufacturers to drugs, which is trademarked.
• Broad Spectrum: Refers to antibiotics that are efficacious against a diverse array of bacteria, rather than targeting a single type.
• Controlled Substances Act: Enables the DEA to regulate drugs categorized according to their potential for abuse, forming an essential part of drug enforcement.

Drug Administration Techniques

• Inhalation: Involves administering drugs through breathing in aerosols or gases.
• Intradermal: Injecting medication just beneath the skin’s surface.
• Intramuscular: Injection of medication directly into muscle tissue.
• Intravenous: Administering drugs directly into a vein for immediate effect.

Drug Definitions and Effects

• Coagulation: The process through which blood clots form, crucial in wound healing.
• Depressant: Substances that reduce the rate of bodily functions.
• Stimulant: Drugs that enhance or speed up bodily activities.
• Tolerance: A condition where increased amounts of a drug are necessary to achieve the same effects due to prolonged use.

Legal and Professional Framework

• Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970: This foundational law classifies drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse.
• Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Number: A unique identifier assigned for the regulation of controlled substances under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.
• Physician's Desk Reference (PDR): A comprehensive annual publication that outlines drug information, organized by trade, generic, and chemical names.

Prescription Components

• Heading: Part of a prescription indicating the prescriber’s details including name, qualifications, DEA number, and contact information.
• Inscription: The specific medication name and dosage recorded on a prescription.
• Subscription: Section in a prescription detailing the strength and form of the medication prescribed.

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

• Side Effect: Unexpected results resulting from medication usage, which may vary from mild to severe.
• Drug Interaction: The modification of a drug's effect when combined with another, potentially enhancing or diminishing its intended action.

Patient-Centered Terminology

• Generic Name: Non-trademarked drug names that are typically less expensive and widely used in commerce.
• Withdrawal: Physiological symptoms that arise when a person ceases drug use after developing an addiction; symptoms may include anxiety, physical discomfort, and emotional distress.
• Substance Abuse: The misuse of drugs for non-medical purposes, leading to harmful effects or dependency.

Methods of Administration

• Topical: Delivery of medications directly to the skin in the form of ointments, gels, or creams.
• Transdermal: Medication delivery system using a skin patch for sustained release over time.
• Rectal: Administration of drugs via the anus using methods such as enemas or suppositories.

Other Relevant Terms

• Cirrhosis: Progressive liver damage often resulting from chronic liver conditions.
• Exophthalmos: Condition characterized by protruding eyes, often associated with thyroid issues.
• Ulcer: An open sore on skin or mucous membranes that can become inflamed and painful.
• Habit Forming: Substances that can lead to physical or psychological dependency with continued use.