| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Drug | Any chemical substance that produces a biologic response in a living system; aids in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a disease; e.g. contrast agents used in radiology aids in diagnosis |
| Pharmocology | The science concerned with the origin, nature, effects, and uses of drugs |
| Drug nomenclature | A classified system of names; name - chemical, generic, brand; action - function, chemical action ( e.g. analgesics or antihypertensives); legal classification - prescription/non prescription |
| Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) | An annual publication that contains current product information; drugs listed by generic and brand names; gives acceptable use, side effects, contraindications, and dosages. |
| Dosage form | Type of drug preparation or manner in which a chemical agent is transported into the body; single drug may be available in multiple forms; may determine speed/onset of a drug's therapeutic effects |
| Tablet | Most common dosage form and easiest to administer; granulated and compress to achieve form; may be scored to facilitate division into halves/quarters; may be coated to delay dissolution of the tablet unitl it reaches the small intestines |
| Capsule | Powdered or liquid drug is contained in a gelatin shell which dissolves in stomach and release contents |
| Inhalation | Dosage form that may be used for local or systemic effects (general anesthesia); inhalers - used to locally treat asthma or COPD; after inhalation, high drug concentration are deposited to the respiratory mucosa and produce bronchodilation or reduces inflammation |
| Suppository | Dosage form shaped for insertion into a body orifice and is dissolved and released into the body |
| Solution | Dosage form in which one or more drugs are dissolved in a liquid carrier; usually absorbed rapidly; administered orally and parenterally |
| Parenteral | Injection of a drug with a needle and syringe beneath the surface of the skin; subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, intravenous, intraspinal (intrathecal) |
| Suspension | Dosage form in which one or more drugs in small particles are suspended in a liquid carrier; most administered orally; shaken thoroughly before administered; should not use IV; e.g. barium sulfate, used as a contrast agent |
| Transdermal patch | Dosage form that permits a drug to be applied on the skin surface where it is absorbed into the blood stream; gradual release |
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