Complete Glossary

A/B rated

a system that compares the equivalency of one drug to that of another, especially brand to generic

absence seizure

a type of generalized seizure characterized by a sudden, momentary break in consciousness; also called petit mal seizure

absorption

the process whereby a drug enters the circulatory system

acetylcholine (ACh)

a neurotransmitter that binds to ACh receptors on the membranes of muscle cells, beginning a process that ultimately results in muscle contraction

acidosis

a blood pH below 7.35; a metabolic condition due to excessive loss of bicarbonate or sodium

acne vulgaris

an inflammation of the skin, usually on the face and neck, that is caused by increased activity of the sebaceous glands at puberty

actinic keratosis

a scaly skin lesion that is caused by too much sun and can lead to skin cancer

active immunity

protection against disease that occurs as a result of coming into contact with an infectious agent or an inactivated part of such an agent administered by a vaccine

acute renal failure

rapid reduction in kidney function resulting in accumulation of nitrogen and other wastes

acute viral infection

an infection that quickly resolves with no latent infection

addiction

a dependence characterized by a perceived need to take a drug to attain the psychological and physical effects of mood-altering substances

Addison’s disease

a life-threatening deficiency of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids that is treated with the daily administration of corticosteroid

aerobic

needs oxygen to survive

afferent system

the nerves and sense organs that bring information to the CNS; part of the peripheral nervous system

affinity

the strength by which a particular chemical messenger binds to its receptor site on a cell

afterload

arterial impedance, or the force against which cardiac muscle shortens; along with preload and contractility, determines cardiac output

agonists

drugs that bind to a particular receptor site and trigger the cell’s response in a manner similar to the action of the body’s own chemical messenger

alkalosis

a blood pH above 7.45; a metabolic condition due to excessive loss of potassium or chloride

allergic diseases

diseases caused by an allergic reaction

allergic response

an instance in which the immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance

allergy

a state of heightened sensitivity as a result of exposure to a particular substance

alpha receptors

nerve receptors that control vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, and relaxation of the GI smooth muscle

alternative medicine

the use of herbs, supplements, and homeopathic remedies for medicinal purposes

Alzheimer’s disease

a degenerative disorder of the brain that leads to progressive dementia and changes in personality and behavior

amides

a longer-acting class of local anesthetics that are metabolized by liver enzymes

aminoglycosides

a class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to ribosomal subunits; commonly used to treat serious infections

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

a degenerative disease of the nerves; also called Lou Gehrig’s disease

anabolic treatment

muscle building

anaerobic

survives in the absence of oxygen

analgesic

pain relieving

anaphylactic reaction

a severe allergic response resulting in immediate life-threatening respiratory distress, usually followed by vascular collapse and shock and accompanied by hives

anaphylaxis

an exaggerated reaction to a foreign substance that results in severe shock with breathing difficulty and circulatory failure

androgens

hormones produced in males in the testes and in females in the ovaries

angina pectoris

spasmodic or suffocating chest pain caused by an imbalance between oxygen supply and oxygen demand

angiogenesis

the formation of new blood vessels

anorexia

loss of appetite

antagonists

drugs that bind to a receptor site and block the action of the endogenous messenger or other drugs; used to reverse benzodiazepine or narcotic overdoses

antibiotic

a chemical substance with the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of organisms by interfering with bacteria life processes

anticholinesterase

a drug that potentiates the action of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase

anticoagulants

a class of drugs that prevent clot formation by affecting clotting factors

antiemetics

drugs that inhibit impulses that cause vomiting from going to the stomach

antigens

peptides that are capable under appropriate conditions of inducing a specific immune response

antihistamines

common term for drugs that block the H₁ receptors

antiplatelets

a class of drugs that reduce the risk of clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation

antipsychotics

drugs that are used to treat schizophrenia; reduce symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders; also called neuroleptics

antipyretic

fever reducing

antirejection drugs

medications that prevent the body from rejecting foreign solid organ transplants

antiretrovirals

drugs that limit the progression of HIV

antiseptic

a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms without killing them

antitussives

drugs that block or suppress the act of coughing

antivenin

a material used in treatment of poisoning by animal venom

antivirals

agents that prevent virus replication in a host cell without interfering with the host’s normal function

anxiety

a state of uneasiness characterized by apprehension and worry about possible events

apocrine glands

sweat glands found in the axillary, perineal, and genital regions

apothecaries

early pharmacists and/or their shops

aqueous humor

the liquid in the front portion of the eye

arrhythmia

any variation from the normal heartbeat

arthritis

joint inflammation; persistent pain due to functional problems of the joints

ascites

the accumulation of fluids in the abdominal organs and the lower extremities

aspiration

inhalation of fluids from the mouth and throat

asthma

a reversible lung disease with intermittent attacks in which inspiration is obstructed; provoked by airborne allergens

atonic seizure

a type of generalized seizure characterized by sudden loss of both muscle tone and consciousness

atopic eczema

a chronic pruritic eruption of unknown etiology, although allergic, hereditary, and psychogenic factors may be involved; also called atopic dermatitis

attention-deficit disorder (ADD)

a neurologic disorder characterized by impulsivity and distractibility but with less hyperactivity than attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

a neurologic disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility

aura

a subjective sensation or motor phenomenon that precedes and marks the onset of a migraine headache

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

the part of the efferent system of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that regulates activities of body structures not under voluntary control

B cells

antibody-producing lymphocytes that are involved in humoral immunity

bacteria

microorganisms that cause infection

bactericidal agent

an agent that kills the invading organism

bacteriostatic agent

an agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of bacteria

basal nuclei

symmetric, subcortical masses of gray matter embedded in the lower portions of the cerebral hemisphere; part of the extrapyramidal system; also called basal ganglia

benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland, usually associated with aging

beta blocker

a Class II antiarrhythmic drug that competitively blocks response to beta stimulation, which results in decreases in heart rate, myocardial contractility, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand; used to treat arrhythmias, MIs, and angina

beta-1 receptors

nerve receptors on the heart that control the rate and strength of the heartbeat

beta-2 receptors

nerve receptors that control the smooth muscle of the airways

bioavailability

the degree to which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration

biologic-response modifiers

agents that alter the expression and response to surface antigens and enhance immune cell activities in ways that promote destruction of human malignancies

biopharmaceuticals

bioengineered drugs that are produced by recombinant DNA technology

bipolar disorder

a condition in which a patient presents with mood swings that alternate between periods of major depression and periods of mild-to-severe chronic agitation

blood pressure (BP)

the product of cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR)

blood-brain barrier

a barrier that prevents many substances from entering the cerebrospinal fluid from the blood; formed by glial cells that envelope the capillaries in the central nervous system, presenting a barrier to many water-soluble compounds though they are permeable to lipid-soluble substances

body mass index (BMI)

a guide to use in determining whether to initiate pharmacologic treatment for obesity; calculated by dividing the patient’s weight (in kilograms) by the patient’s height (in meters) squared (kg/m²)

botulin toxin

a neurotoxin that blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in muscular paralysis

bowel evacuant

an agent that stimulates bowel content removal by increasing osmolarity of bowel fluids

bradykinin

an endogenous chemical that causes contraction of intestinal, uterine, and bronchial smooth muscle

brand name

the name under which the manufacturer markets a drug; also known as the trade name

broad-spectrum antibiotic

covers multiple organisms

bronchitis

a condition in which the inner lining of the bronchial airways becomes inflamed, causing the expiration of air from the lungs to be obstructed

bronchodilator

an agent that relaxes smooth-muscle cells of the bronchioles, thereby increasing airway diameter and improving the movement of gases into and out of the lungs

bronchospasm

spasmodic contraction of the smooth muscles of the bronchiole

buccal

administration of a drug by placing a tablet between the cheek and gums

bursitis

inflammation of a bursa

calcium channel blocker

a Class IV antiarrhythmic drug that prevents the movement of calcium ions through slow channels; used for most supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and in angina

candidiasis

a fungal infection most commonly involving the oral and vaginal mucosa

capsid

a protein shell that surrounds and protects the nucleic acid within a virus particle

carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

diuretics that act in the proximal tubule to increase urine volume and change the pH to alkaline

carbuncles

coalescent masses of infected hair follicles that are deeper than furuncles

cardiomegaly

enlargement of the heart due to overwork from overstimulation

cataplexy

short periods of muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone associated with sudden emotions such as joy, fear, or anger; a symptom of narcolepsy

catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT)

an enzyme that metabolizes levodopa in the body; inhibited by certain anti-Parkinson’s agents

ceiling effect

a point at which no clinical response occurs with increased dosage

cellular (cell-mediated) immunity

a specific response to antigens that is mediated primarily by lymphocytes and macrophages

central nervous system (CNS)

the brain and spinal cord

cephalosporins

a class of antibiotics with a mechanism of action similar to that of penicillins, but with a different antibacterial spectrum, resistance to beta-lactamase, and pharmacokinetics; divided into first-, second-, third-, and fourth-generation agents

chancre

a sore

chelation

combination with a metal in complexes in which the metal is part of a ring

chemical name

a name that describes a drug’s chemical makeup

chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ)

an area below the floor of the fourth ventricle of the brain that can trigger nausea and vomiting when certain signals are received

cholesterol

an odorless, white, waxlike, powdery substance that is present in all foods of animal origin but not in foods of plant origin; circulates continuously in the blood for use by all body cells; a eukaryotic sterol that in higher animals is the precursor of bile acids and steroid hormones

chronic viral infection

an infection that has a protracted course with long periods of remission interspersed with recurrence

chylomicrons

very large lipoproteins containing 90% triglycerides and 5% cholesterol

circadian rhythm

regular recurrence in cycles of twenty-four hours

clearance

the rate at which a drug is eliminated from a specific volume of blood per unit of time

climacteric

the syndrome of endocrine, somatic, and psychic changes occurring at the end of the reproductive period in females

clinical trial

drug testing on humans, used to determine drug safety and efficacy

cloning

reproducing identical copies of a gene by DNA technology

clotting cascade

a series of events that initiate blood clotting, or coagulation

CODE

a system to communicate that a patient is in a life-threatening situation

colony-stimulating factor (CSF)

a chemical that stimulates the bone marrow to produce blood cells

community-acquired infection

an infection contracted in the community, not in the hospital

complementary DNA (cDNA)

a single strand of DNA formed in an early step of the recombinant DNA process; serves as a template for the second strand

compliance

a patient’s adherence to the dose schedule and other particular requirements of the specified regimen

congestive heart failure (CHF)

a condition in which the heart can no longer pump adequate blood to the body’s tissues; results in engorgement of the pulmonary vessels

conjunctivitis

pink eye

contact dermatitis

an inflammatory reaction produced by contact with an irritating agent

contractility

the cardiac muscle’s capacity for becoming shorter in response to a stimulus; along with preload and afterload, determines cardiac output

contraindications

diseases, conditions, and symptoms for which a drug will not be beneficial and may do harm

controlled substances

drugs with potential for abuse; organized into five categories or schedules that specify the way the drugs must be dispensed

convulsions

involuntary contractions or series of contractions of the voluntary muscles

corticosteroids

a class of drugs that stimulate adenylate cylase and act as anti-inflammatory agents to suppress the immune response; any of the steroids elaborated by the adrenal cortex except the sex hormones; also their synthetic equivalents

cotinine

a major metabolite of nicotine

cough reflex

a coordinated series of events, initiated by stimulation of receptors in the lungs and airways, that results in a cough

Crohn’s disease

an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the entire GI tract from mouth to anus

Cushing’s disease

a disease caused by overproduction of steroids or by excessive administration of corticosteroids over an extended period

cyclic lipopeptides

a new class of drugs that bind to bacterial membranes and cause the cell membrane to depolarize, thus leading to an inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis

cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)

an enzyme that is present in most body tissues and produces protective prostaglandins to regulate physiological processes such as GI mucosal integrity

cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)

an enzyme that is present in the synovial fluid of arthritis patients and is associated with the pain and inflammation of arthritis

cystic fibrosis (CF)

a hereditary disorder of infants, children, and young adults that involves widespread dysfunction of the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems; GI effects involve increased viscosity of mucous secretions and relative deficiencies of pancreatic enzymes

cytoprotective agents

agents administered to reduce the side effects and toxicity of chemotherapy agents

decongestant

an agent that causes the mucous membranes to shrink, thereby allowing the sinus cavities to drain

delirium tremens (DTs)

coarse, irregular tremors with vivid hallucinations caused by cessation of alcohol consumption

dependence

a state in which a person’s body has adapted physiologically and psychologically to a drug and cannot function without it

depression

a condition characterized by the feeling that life has no meaning, pessimism, intense sadness, loss of concentration, and problems with eating and sleeping

diastolic blood pressure

the blood pressure measurement that measures the pressure during the dilation of the heart

diffuse tumors

cancer tumors that are widely distributed and are not localized

diplopia

the perception of two images of a single object

disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

agents that can potentially modify the progression of rheumatoid arthritis

disinfectant

an agent that frees inanimate objects from infection

distribution

the process by which a drug moves from the blood into other body fluids and tissues and ultimately to its sites of action

diuretic

a substance that rids the body of excess fluid and electrolytes by increasing the urine output

diverticular disease

an outpocketing from the colon wall that becomes inflamed

DNA sequence

a sequence of three nucleotide bases that exists for each amino acid

dose

the quantity of a drug administered at one time

double blinding

clinical trials in which neither the trial participants nor the study staff know whether a particular participant is in the control group or the experimental group

drug

a medicinal substance or remedy used to change the way a living organism functions; also called a medication

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

the branch of the U.S. Justice Department that is responsible for regulating the sale and use of specified drugs

drug sponsor

the entity responsible for testing a drug’s efficacy and safety, usually a pharmaceutical company

duodenal ulcer

a peptic lesion situated in the duodenum

duration of action

the length of time a drug gives the desired response or is at the therapeutic level

dysarthria

imperfect articulation of speech

dyskinesia

impairment of the power of voluntary movement

dyspareunia

painful intercourse

dysphagia

difficulty in swallowing

eccrine glands

simple tube-shaped sweat glands that are numerous on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet; regulate body temperature

ectopic pacemaker

a pacemaker other than the SA node

eczema

a hot, itchy, red, oozing skin inflammation; also called dermatitis

efferent system

the nerves that dispatch information out from the CNS; part of the peripheral nervous system

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

the introduction of a brief but convulsive electrical stimulation through the brain; used as therapy for major depressive disorders

electrolytes

substances that dissociate into ions in solution and are thus capable of conducting electricity

emphysema

an irreversible lung disease characterized by destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, which allows air to accumulate in tissues and organs

empirical treatment

treatment begun before a definite diagnosis

endocrine system

glands and other structures that elaborate internal secretions, called hormones, that are released directly into the circulatory system

endogenous anxiety

anxiety caused by factors within the organism

endogenous chemicals

chemicals produced by the body

endotracheal intubation

insertion of a tube into the trachea to keep it open

enteral nutrition

feeding a patient liquid food through a tube that leads to the gastrointestinal system

enteral

by way of, or pertaining to, the intestine

epidermis

the top layer of the skin

epilepsy

a neurologic disorder of sudden and recurring seizures

ergosterol

a form of lipid found in the cell membrane of fungi

erysipelas

a skin infection characterized by redness and warmth, local pain, edematous plaque with sharply established borders, chills, malaise, and fever; a form of cellulitis

esters

a short-acting class of local anesthetics, metabolized by pseudocholinesterase of the plasma and tissue fluids

estrogens

hormones that stimulate the growth of reproductive tissue in females

evidence-based medicine

drug use or practice that is supported by clinical trials

exogenous anxiety

anxiety caused by factors outside the organism

expectorant

an agent that decreases the thickness and stickiness of mucus, enabling the patient to rid the lungs and airway of mucus when coughing

extravasation

the escape of IV fluids into the surrounding tissue

fat-soluble vitamins

vitamins that are absorbed along with dietary fat and are maintained in large stores by the body; vitamins A, D, E, and K

feedback

the return of some of the output of a system as input so as to exert some control on the process

fiber

the undigested residue of fruits, vegetables, and other foods of plant origin that remains after digestion by the human GI enzymes; characterized by fermentability and may be either water soluble or insoluble

fibrinolytic agent

a drug that will dissolve a blood clot once it is formed

fibrinolytics

a class of agents that dissolve clots

filtration

the removal of substances from the blood as part of the formation of urine by the renal tubules

first-pass effect

the extent to which a drug is metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation

flu

a common viral infection; influenza

folliculitis

an inflammation of a hair follicle by a minute, red, pustulated nodule without involvement of the surrounding tissue

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

the agency of the federal government that is responsible for ensuring the safety of drugs and food prepared for the market

fungus

a single-cell organism similar to a human cell; marked by the absence of chlorophyll, a rigid cell wall, and reproduction by spores

furuncle

a boil; caused by a staphylococcal infection of a sebaceous gland and the associated hair follicle

fusion inhibitor

a drug that prevents HIV from entering the immune cells

gastric lavage

a procedure to wash out or irrigate the patient’s stomach

gastric stasis

lack of stomach motility

gastric ulcer

a local excavation in the gastric mucosa

gastritis

irritation and superficial erosion of the stomach lining

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

a GI disease characterized by radiating burning or pain in the chest and an acid taste, caused by backflow of acidic stomach contents across an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter; also referred to as heartburn

gastrointestinal (GI) tract

a continuous tube that begins in the mouth and extends through the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine to end at the anus

general anesthesia

a condition characterized by reversible unconsciousness, analgesia, skeletal muscle relaxation, and amnesia on recovery

generalized seizure

a seizure that involves both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously and has no local origin; can be a tonic-clonic (grand mal), absence (petit mal), myoclonic, or atonic seizure

generalized viral infection

an infection that spreads to other tissues by way of the bloodstream or the central nervous system

generic name

a name that is given to a drug by its manufacturer; sometimes denotes a drug that is not protected by a trademark; also referred to as a USAN (United States Adopted Name)

gestational diabetes

diabetes that occurs during pregnancy when insufficient insulin is produced

ghost tablet

the part of a tablet that remains after the outer layer dissolves

GI transit time

the time it takes for material to pass from one end of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the other; the slower the GI transit time, the greater the amounts of nutrients and water absorbed

glaucoma

a chronic eye disorder characterized by abnormally high internal eye pressure that destroys the optic nerve and causes partial or complete loss of vision

glucocorticoid

corticosteroid involved in metabolism and immune system regulation

gluconeogenesis

the process of forming new glucose, in which protein and fatty acids are converted into immediate energy sources

glycoprotein antagonists

a class of antiplatelet agents that bind to receptors on platelets preventing platelet aggregation as well as the binding of fibrinogen and other adhesive molecules

gouty arthritis

a disease resulting from the improper excretion of uric acid; also called gout

Gram’s staining

a testing technique in which bacteria are stained to determine if they are gram-positive (purple) or gram-negative (red)

grand mal seizure

a type of generalized seizure characterized by body rigidity followed by muscle jerks; also called tonic-clonic seizure

granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)

an agent that stimulates the bone marrow to produce specific white cells, such as the granulocytes

growth hormone (GH)

a fundamental hormone that affects metabolism, skeletal growth, and somatic growth; deficiency causes growth retardation

growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF)

a neuropeptide secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary

gynecomastia

excessive development of the male mammary glands, with or without tenderness

half-life

the time necessary for the body to eliminate half of the drug in the body at any time; written as T_1/2

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

a bacterium that contributes to the development of many gastric ulcers

hematocrit

the proportion of red blood cells to the total volume of blood

hematologic agent

a replacement plasma protein that is necessary for blood coagulation and is not produced in a hemophilic

hemorrhoids

engorgements of the vascular cushions situated within the sphincter muscles; result from pressure exerted on anal veins while straining to pass a stool

hepatitis

a disease of the liver that causes inflammation, can be acute or chronic, and has several forms, A through G

hepatitis A

a viral form of hepatitis that is usually mild and transient and can be spread from one person to another

hepatitis B

the most dangerous form of hepatitis, accompanied by jaundice and easily spread from one person to another

hepatitis C

an infection of the liver that cannot be spread from one person to another, most commonly transmitted by blood transfusions or illicit drug use

herbs

plants or plant parts extracted and valued for their savory, aromatic, or medicinal qualities

hiatal hernia

a protrusion through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm

high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)

lipoproteins containing 5% triglyceride, 25% cholesterol, and 50% protein; “good cholesterol”

hirsutism

abnormal hairiness, especially in women

histamine

an endogenous chemical that evokes the symptoms of an allergic reaction and is blocked by antihistamines

histamine₂ (H₂) receptor antagonists

agents that block acid and pepsin secretion in response to histamine, gastrin, foods, distention, caffeine, or cholinergic stimulation; used to treat GERD and H. pylori

histoplasmosis

a respiratory tract infection caused by a fungus, most often found in accumulated droppings from birds and bats; often called the summer flu

homeopathy

a system of therapeutics in which diseases are treated by administering minute doses of drugs that are capable of producing in healthy patients symptoms like those of the disease being treated

hypercholesterolemia

excessive cholesterol in the blood

hyperlipidemia

elevation of the levels of one or more of the lipoproteins in the blood

hypertension

elevated blood pressure, where systolic blood pressure is greater than 140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure is greater than 90 mm Hg

hyperthyroidism

a condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone and marked by increased metabolic rate; also called thyrotoxicosis

hypertonic solution

a solution with a higher concentration of particles than body fluids contain

hypnotics

drugs that induce sleep

hypoglycemia

blood glucose less than 70 mg/dL

hypogonadism

a deficiency of hormone production and secretion

hypotension

low blood pressure

hypothyroidism

a deficiency of thyroid activity that results in a decreased metabolic rate, tiredness, and lethargy in adults and causes cretinism in children

hypotonic solution

a solution with a lower concentration of particles than body fluids contain

idiosyncratic reaction

an unusual or unexpected response to a drug that is unrelated to the dose given

immune response

the immune system’s way of providing resistance to disease and malignancy through the production of antibodies

immunization

the process by which the immune system is stimulated to acquire protection against a specific disease; usually achieved by use of a vaccine

immunoglobulin

an antibody that may prevent an organism from attaching to a cell receptor and may destroy the organism

immunoglobulins (Igs)

proteins with antibody activity

impetigo

a superficial, highly contagious skin infection; characterized by small red spots that evolve into vesicles, break, become encrusted, and are surrounded by a zone of erythema

impotence

failure of the male to initiate or to maintain an erection until ejaculation

indications

the diseases, symptoms, and conditions for which a drug is known to be of benefit

induction

the process whereby a drug increases the concentration of certain enzymes that affect the pharmacologic response to another drug

inhalation

administration of a medication through the respiratory system

inhibition

the process whereby a drug blocks enzyme activity and impairs the metabolism of another drug

insomnia

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or not feeling refreshed on awakening

instillation

administration of a medication drop by drop

interaction

the situation in which one drug alters the action of another drug; foods, alcohol, and nicotine can also interact with drugs

interferon

a substance that exerts virus-nonspecific but host-specific antiviral activity by inducing gene coding for antiviral proteins that inhibit the synthesis of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA)

International Normalized Ratio (INR)

a method of standardizing the prothrombin time (PT) by comparing it to a standard index

intradermal

administration of a medication through the skin

intramuscular

administration of a medication by injecting it into a muscle; abbreviated IM

intravenous

administration of a medication through a vein, thereby avoiding the first-pass effect; abbreviated IV

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

a functional disorder in which the lower GI tract does not have appropriate tone or spasticity to regulate bowel activity

irritant receptors

receptors in the lungs and airways that respond to coarse particles and chemicals, causing a cough

ischemic stroke

a cerebral infarction, in which a region of the brain is deprived of oxygen

isomers

compounds that contain the same number and type of atoms but have exactly opposite (mirror image) structures

isotonic solution

a solution with the same level of particles, and thus the same tonicity, as body fluids

IVIG

the notation for immune globulin that is given intravenously

ketolides

a class of antibiotics that block protein synthesis by binding to ribosomal subunits and may also inhibit the formation of newly forming ribosomes; used primarily to treat bacterial infections in the lungs and sinuses

kwashiorkor

a form of protein-deficiency malnutrition

latency

the ability of a virus to lie dormant and then, under certain conditions, reproduce and again behave like an infective agent, causing cell damage

legend drug

a drug sold only by prescription and labeled “Rx only”

leukotriene inhibitor

an agent that blocks the body’s inflammatory responses to the leukotrienes or blocks their synthesis

Lewy Bodies

concentric, round bodies found in the vacuoles in the cytoplasm of the midbrain; a distinguishing feature of Parkinson’s disease

lipoproteins

spherical particles containing a core of triglycerides and cholesterol, in varying proportions, surrounded by a surface coat of phospholipids so that they can remain in solution

local anesthesia

the production of transient and reversible loss of sensation in a defined area of the body

local effect

an action of a drug that is confined to a specific part of the body

local infection

an infection restricted to or pertaining to one area of the body

local viral infection

an infection affecting tissues of a single system such as the respiratory tract, eye, or skin

loop diuretics

diuretics that inhibit reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the loop of Henle, thereby causing increased urinary output

Lou Gehrig’s disease

see amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)

lipoproteins containing 6% triglycerides and 65% cholesterol; “bad cholesterol”

lymphatic system

a network of vessels that carry lymph, the lymph nodes, and the lymphoid organs including the tonsils, spleen, and thymus; a system for filtering body fluids by nodes, vessels, and lymphocytes before the fluid returns to general circulation

macrolides

a class of bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis by combining with ribosomes; used primarily to treat pulmonary infections caused by Legionella and gram-positive organisms

macrophages

cells that rid the body of antigens, toxins, and cellular debris by ingesting the foreign substance and digesting it

malabsorption syndrome

impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients

malaria

an infectious febrile disease transmitted by the anopheles mosquito

malignant hyperthermia

a rare, but serious, side effect of anesthesia associated with an increase in intracellular calcium and a rapid rise in body temperature

malnutrition

any disorder of nutrition

mania

a mood of extreme excitement, excessive elation, hyperactivity, agitation, and increased psychomotor activity

marasmus

a type of protein-calorie malnutrition that results in growth retardation

mast cell stabilizer

an agent that stabilizes mast cell membranes against rupture caused by antigenic substances and thereby reduces the amount of histamine and other inflammatory substances released in airway tissues

mediators

substances that initiate biological responses

membrane stabilizing agent

a Class I antiarrhythmic drug that slows the movement of ions into cardiac cells, thus reducing the action potential and dampening abnormal rhythms and heartbeats

metabolism

the process by which drugs are chemically converted to compounds and then excreted through metabolic pathways

metered dose inhaler (MDI)

a device that delivers a specific amount of medication in a puff of compressed gas

migraine headache

a severe, throbbing, vascular headache, usually resulting in nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and hyperesthesia

mineralocorticoid

corticosteroid involved in electrolyte and water balance

monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

a class of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the activity of the enzymes that break down monoamines or catecholamines and serotonin

monoclonal antibody (MAb)

a single-cell antibody produced in a laboratory from an isolated specific lymphocyte that produces a pure antibody against a known specific antigen; used in cancer immunotherapy

morbid obesity

a state in which an individual’s weight is two or more times the ideal body weight (IBW)

motor end plate

the neuromuscular junction where the nervous system and muscular system meet to produce or stop movement

mucolytics

agents that destroy or dissolve mucus

multiple sclerosis (MS)

an autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheaths around nerves degenerate

muscle fasciculation

a small, local, involuntary muscular contraction visible under the skin

muscle relaxants

agents used specifically to reduce muscle tension

myasthenia gravis

an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction in which the ACh receptors are destroyed at the motor end plate

myocardial hypertrophy

thickening of the heart muscle in response to overstimulation

myocardial infarction (MI)

a heart attack; occurs when a region of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen

myoclonic seizure

a type of generalized seizure characterized by sudden muscle contractions with no loss of consciousness

naked virus

a virus without an envelope covering the capsid

narcolepsy

a sleep disorder in which inappropriate attacks of sleep occur during the daytime hours

narcotic

a pain-modulating chemical derived from opium or synthetically produced

nebulizer

a device used in the administration of inhaled medications; uses air flowing past a liquid to create a mist

neoplastic disease

a disorder that occurs when normal cellular control mechanisms become altered; characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth and the development of abnormal cells; also referred to as cancer

nephrons

glomerulotubular units that are the working units of the kidney

nephrotoxicity

destructive to the kidneys

neuroleptics

see antipsychotics

neuromuscular blocking

skeletal muscle paralysis

neurons

nerve cells

neurotransmitters

chemical substances that are selectively released from neurons and stimulate or inhibit activity in the target cells

New Drug Application (NDA)

the vehicle through which drug sponsors formally propose that the FDA approve a new pharmaceutical for sale and marketing in the United States

nicotine

the addictive component of tobacco

noncompliance

failure to adhere to an appropriate drug regimen

nonnarcotic analgesics

drugs used for pain, inflammation, and fever that are not controlled substances

non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)

a drug that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase at a different site than an NRTI targets

nonpathologic

not related to disease

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic drugs that are not scheduled; used to treat arthritis and for other indications such as pain and inflammation

nosocomial infections

infections acquired by patients when they are in the hospital

nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)

a drug that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, to prevent the formation of RNA from proviral DNA causing a decrease in the amount of virus in the body and subsequent spread to other healthy cells

nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI)

a drug that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by competing with natural nucleic acid substrates, causing termination of chain formation

obesity

a state in which an individual’s total body weight includes greater quantities of fat than is considered normal (25% of total body weight for men and 35% for women)

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

recurrent, persistent urges to perform repetitive acts such as hand washing

ophthalmic

administration of a medication through the eye

opioid

any narcotic that has opiate-like activity, i.e., insensibility or stupor

opsonization

labeling antigenic material so that it is more readily identified and destroyed by macrophages

oral

see peroral (PO)

oral complications

tissue injury of the oral cavity associated with chemotherapy and radiation

oral contraceptives (OCs)

hormonal compounds taken orally to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy

osmotic diuretic

a diuretic that increases the osmotic pressure of glomerular filtrate, thereby inhibiting tubular reabsorption of water and electrolytes and increasing urinary output

osmotic laxatives

stool softeners that draw water into the colon and thereby stimulate evacuation

osteoarthritis

a degenerative joint disease resulting in loss of cartilage, elasticity, and thickness

osteoblasts

cells that form bone

osteoclasts

cells that resorb bone

osteomalacia

demineralization and weakening of the skeleton, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in adults

osteoporosis

reduction or weakening of bone mass

otalgia

earache

otic

administration of a medication through the ear

ototoxicity

damaging the organs of hearing

over-the-counter (OTC) drug

a drug sold without a prescription

pain

the activation of electrical activity in afferent neurons with sensory endings in peripheral tissue with a higher firing threshold than those of temperature or touch; a protective signal to warn of damage or presence of disease; the fifth vital sign; classified as acute, chronic nonmalignant, and chronic malignant

panic

intense, overwhelming, and uncontrollable anxiety

parasites

plants or animals that have the ability to live within another organism and survive at its expense; the parasite lives within the intermediate host during the larval stage and the definitive host at maturity

parenteral

administration of medication by injection not by way of the alimentary canal

Parkinson’s disease

a neurologic disorder characterized by akinesia, resting tremor, and muscular rigidity

partial seizure

an abnormal electrical discharge centered in a specific area of the brain; usually caused by a trauma

partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

a test that measures the function of the intrinsic and common pathways; affected by heparin

passive immunity

protection against a disease as the result of receiving antibodies that were formed by another person or animal who developed them in response to being infected with the disease

patent

a government grant that gives a drug company the sole right to manufacture a drug for a certain number of years; protects the company’s investment in the drug’s development

patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump

a means of pain control whereby the patient can regulate, within certain limits, the administration of pain medication

peak

the top or upper limit of a drug’s concentration in the blood

peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

the maximum flow rate generated during a forced expiration, measured in liters per minute

peak flow meter

a device used to measure the PEFR as an indication of respiratory status; usually used twice a day by asthma patients

pediculosis

an infestation of lice

penicillins

a class of antibiotics obtained from Penicillium chrysogenum; kill bacteria by preventing them from forming a rigid cell wall, thereby allowing an excessive amount of water to enter through osmosis and cause lysis of the bacterium cell

peptic disease

disorders of the upper GI tract caused by the action of acid and pepsin; includes mucosal injury, erythema erosions, and frank ulceration

peptic ulcer

an ulcer formed at any part of the GI tract exposed to acid and the enzyme pepsin

percussion

a therapy used for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients involving a tapping movement to induce cough and expectoration of sputum from the lungs; usually preceded by nebulizer therapy during which nebulized sterile water or normal saline is breathed to liquefy pulmonary secretions

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

the nerves and sense organs outside the CNS

permeability

the quality of allowing substances and electrolytes to leak through

peroral (PO)

administration of a medication by mouth in either solid form, as a tablet or capsule, or in liquid form, as a solution or syrup; often referred to as oral

petechiae

minute red spots on the skin due to the escape of a small amount of blood

petit mal seizure

see absence seizure

pharmacist

one who is licensed to prepare and sell or dispense drugs and compounds and to fill prescriptions

pharmacognosy

the study and identification of natural sources of drugs

pharmacokinetic modeling

a method of describing the process of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of a drug within the body

pharmacokinetics

the activity of a drug within the body over a period of time; includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination

pharmacologic effects

drug actions on a living system

pharmacology

the science of drugs and their interactions with the systems of living animals

pharmacopoeias

official listings of medicinal preparations

pharmacy technician

an individual working in a pharmacy who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in activities not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

a national organization that develops pharmacy technician standards and serves as a credentialing agency for pharmacy technicians

pharmakon

a Greek word meaning a magic spell, remedy, or poison that was used in early records to represent the concept of a drug

phenothiazines

drugs that control vomiting by inhibiting the chemotrigger zone (CTZ)

phototoxicity

an excessive response to solar radiation in the presence of a sensitizing agent

placebo

an inactive substance with no treatment value

plasmids

small circular rings of DNA that are found in bacteria

pneumonia

a common lung infection, caused by microorganisms that gain access to the lower respiratory tract

polypharmacy

the concurrent use of multiple medications

pooling

a time-saving process used when preparing a three-in-one total parenteral nutrition (TPN), in which all electrolytes except phosphate are put into a small-volume parenteral bag and then transferred into each batch

post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

the administration of antiretrovirals after exposure to HIV

potassium-sparing diuretics

diuretics that result in an exchange of the sodium excreted in urine for the potassium returned to the blood

preload

the mechanical state of the heart at the end of diastole; along with afterload and contractility, determines cardiac output

prescription

an order for medication for a patient that is written by a physician or a qualified licensed practitioner to be filled by a pharmacist

primary site

the original site where a cancer tumor develops

prodrug

a compound that on administration and chemical conversion by metabolic processes becomes an active pharmacological agent

progestins

pure, synthetic hormones that emulate the effects of progesterone, which prepares the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum

promoter

the part of plasmid DNA that starts protein production

prophylactic drugs

drugs that prevent or decrease the severity of a disease

prostaglandins (PGs)

any of a group of endogenous, chemically related, hydroxy fatty acids that stimulate contractility of uterine and other smooth muscle and have the ability to lower blood pressure, regulate stomach acid secretion, regulate body temperature, regulate platelet aggregation, and control inflammation and vascular permeability and affect certain hormones

protease inhibitor (PI)

a drug that prevents the cleavage of certain HIV protein precursors needed for the replication of new infectious virions

prothrombin time (PT)

a test that assesses the function of the extrinsic pathways of the coagulation system; affected by warfarin

proton pump inhibitors

drugs that block gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the parietal cell adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pump

protozoa

single-cell organisms that inhabit water and soil

pruritus

itching

psoriasis

a skin disorder characterized by patches of red, scaly skin that are slightly raised with defined margins; usually occurs on the elbows and knees but can affect any part of the body

ptosis

paralytic drooping of the upper eyelid

pulmonary embolism (PE)

sudden blocking of the pulmonary artery by a blood clot

pulse dosing

a regimen of dosing one week per month; commonly used for treating fungal nail infections

quinolones

a class of antibiotics with rapid bactericidal action against most gram-negative and many gram-positive bacteria; work by causing DNA breakage and cell death; cross the blood-brain barrier

reabsorption

the process by which substances are pulled back into the blood after waste products have been removed during the formation of urine

receptor

a protein molecule on the surface of or within a cell that recognizes and binds with specific molecules, thereby producing some effect within the cell

recombinant DNA

a technique that uses living organisms or parts of organisms for specific purposes

reflux

backflow; specifically in GERD, the backflow of acidic stomach contents across an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter

remission

the condition in which a tumor is inactive with no cell division or growth; typically, a goal of chemotherapy

resistance

lack of responsiveness of cancer cells to chemotherapy

respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

a syndrome occurring in newborns that is characterized by acute asphyxia with hypoxia and acidosis

reticulocytes

immature red blood cells

reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND) neurologic changes that reverse spontaneously but less rapidly than a transient ischemic attack (TIA) Reye’s syndrome

a condition that can develop in children who have been exposed to chicken pox or other viral infections and are given aspirin; characterized by amnesia, lethargy, disorientation, and agitation that can culminate in coma and respiratory failure

rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own connective tissue; characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joints

rhinitis medicamentosa

a condition of decreased response that results when nasal decongestants are used over prolonged periods

ricin

a toxin derived from the castor bean that acts by inhibiting protein synthesis

ringworm

a fungus that infects the horny (scaly) layer of skin or the nails; also called tinea

rosacea

chronic dermatologic disorder involving inflammation of the skin of the face; also called acne rosacea

salicylates

a class of nonnarcotic analgesics that have both pain-relieving and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties

salicylism

mild salicylate intoxication, characterized by ringing in the ears, dizziness, headache, and mental confusion

saline laxatives

laxatives that attract water into the hollow portion of the colon, or lumina, and increase intraluminal pressure

schizophrenia

a chronic psychotic disorder manifested by retreat from reality, delusions, hallucinations, ambivalence, withdrawal, and bizarre or regressive behavior

seborrhea

a skin condition caused by excessive secretion by the sebaceous glands; gives the skin an oily appearance

secondary diabetes

diabetes caused by drugs

secondary site

a new cancer tumor site that has spread from the original site

secretion

the release of cell products, including hydrogen and potassium ions and acids and bases, during urine formation

seizures

abnormal electrical discharges in the cerebral cortex caused by sudden, excessive firing of neurons; result in a change in behavior of which the patient is not aware

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

a class of antidepressant drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin, with little effect on norepinephrine and fewer side effects

sepsis

a systemic inflammatory response to infection resulting from blood-borne infections

septicemia

systemic disease associated with pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the blood; often called blood poisoning

side effects

secondary responses to a drug other than the primary therapeutic effect for which the drug was intended

slow viral infection

an infection that maintains a progressive course over months or years with cumulative damage to body tissues, ultimately ending in the host’s death

small lymphocytes

memory cells that carry information for the recognition of specific antigens

solid tumors

tumors that form a solid mass and can be palpated

solubility

a drug’s ability to dissolve in body fluids

somatic nervous system

the part of the efferent system of the PNS that regulates the skeletal muscles

somatic pain

dull, throbbing pain from skin, muscle, and bone

spacer

a device used with a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to decrease the amount of spray deposited on the back of the throat and swallowed

specificity

the property of a receptor site that enables it to bind only with a specific chemical messenger; to bind with a specific cell type, the messenger must have a chemical structure that is complementary to the structure of that cell’s receptors

stable angina

a type of angina characterized by effort-induced chest pain from physical activity or emotional stress; usually predictable and reproducible

status asthmaticus

a medical emergency that begins as an asthma attack but does not respond to normal management; can result in loss of consciousness and death

status epilepticus

a serious disorder involving tonic-clonic convulsions that last at least thirty minutes

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

a sometimes fatal form of erythema multiforme (redness of the skin)

streptogramins

a class of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis within the bacterial ribosomes; useful in the treatment of vancomycin- and methicillin-resistant infections

stress ulcer

a peptic ulcer, usually gastric, that occurs in a clinical setting; caused by a breakdown of natural mucosal resistance

stretch receptors

receptors in the lungs and airways that respond to elongation of muscle, causing a cough

stroke

the result of an event (finite, ongoing, or protracted occurrences) that interrupts oxygen supply to an area of the brain; usually caused by cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage

subcutaneous

administration of a medication by injecting it into the tissue just beneath the skin

sublingual

administration of a drug by placing a tablet under the tongue

substantia nigra

a layer of gray substance separating parts of the brain

sulfonamides

sulfa drugs; a class of bacteriostatic antibiotics that work by blocking a specific step in the biosynthetic pathway of folic acid in bacteria

superinfection

a new infection complicating the course of therapy of an existing infection

supportive therapy

therapy for poisoning that consists of establishing the airway and providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); maintaining body temperature, nutritional status, and fluid and electrolyte balance; and preventing circulatory collapse, hypoglycemia, uremia, and liver failure

suppuration

formation or discharge of pus

surfactants

stool softeners that have a detergent activity that facilitates admixture of fat and water to make the stool soft and mushy

systemic effect

an action of a drug that has a generalized, all-inclusive effect on the body

systolic blood pressure

a blood pressure measurement that measures the pressure during contraction of the heart

T cells

lymphocytes that respond directly to antigens by producing clones; involved in cellular immunity

tachypnea

very rapid respiration causing a flushed appearance; a characteristic of emphysema

tardive dyskinesia

involuntary movements of the mouth, lips, and tongue

target

a cell or an organ that is affected by a particular hormone

terminator

the portion of plasmid DNA that stops protein production

testosterone

a hormone that is responsible for sperm production, sexual potency, and the maintenance of muscle mass and strength, among other functions

tetracyclines

a class of broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics that are produced by soil organisms and inhibit protein synthesis by binding to bacterial ribosomes

therapeutic drugs

drugs that relieve symptoms of a disease

therapeutic effect

the desired action of a drug in the treatment of a particular disease state or symptom

therapeutic range

the optimum dosage, providing the best chance for successful therapy; dosing below this range has little effect on the healing process while overdosing can lead to toxicity and death

thiazide diuretics

diuretics that promote sodium and water excretion in the urine, lower the sodium level in vessel walls, and reduce vasoconstriction

thrombi

stationary blood clots

thrombocytopenia

a decrease in the bone marrow production of blood platelets

thyroid gland

a gland that produces hormones that stimulate various body tissues to increase their activity level

thyroid storm

a life-threatening medical emergency with the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, but more exaggerated

tocopherols

alcohols having the properties of vitamin E

tolerance

a decrease in response to the effects of a drug due to its continued administration

tonic-clonic seizure

see grand mal seizure

tonicity

the relationship of a solution to the body’s own fluids; measured by determining the number of dissolved particles in solution

tophi

deposits of sodium urate around a joint

topical

medication applied to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes

total nutrient admixture (TNA)

an amino acid–dextrose–lipid formulation used for parenteral nutrition; often called three-in-one

total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

feeding a patient through the veins

transcription

the reading of information from a DNA strand onto an RNA strand, which then serves as a messenger

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

temporary neurologic changes that occur over a brief period of time; may be a warning sign and predictor of imminent stroke

traveler’s diarrhea

diarrhea caused by ingesting contaminated food or water; so called because it is often contracted by travelers in countries where the water supply is contaminated

tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

a class of antidepressant drugs that prevent neuron reuptake of norepinephrine and/or serotonin

trough

the lowest level of a drug in the blood

tuberculosis (TB)

a disease of the lungs and other body tissues and organs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

type I diabetes

insulin-dependent diabetes, in which the pancreas has no ability to produce insulin

type II diabetes

a type of diabetes characterized by insulin insufficiency or by the resistance of the target tissues to the insulin produced

ulcer

a local defect or excavation of the surface of an organ or tissue

ulcerative colitis

irritation and inflammation of the large bowel, causing it to look scraped; characterized by bloody mucus leading to watery diarrhea containing blood, mucus, and pus

unipolar depression

major depression with no mania

unstable angina

a type of angina characterized by chest pain that occurs with increasing frequency, diminishes the patient’s ability to work, and has a decreasing response to treatment; may signal an oncoming myocardial infarction (MI)

uremia

the clinical syndrome resulting from renal dysfunction in which excessive products of protein metabolism are retained in the blood

urinary tract infections (UTIs)

infections caused by bacteria, usually E. coli, that enter via the urethra and progress up the urinary tract; characterized by the presence of bacteria in the urine with localized symptoms

vaccination

the introduction of a vaccine, a component of an infectious agent, into the body to produce immunity to the actual agent

variant angina

a type of angina characterized by chest pain due to coronary artery spasm; usually not stress induced

vascular theory

a theory that proposes that migraine headaches are caused by vasodilation and the concomitant mechanical stimulation of sensory nerve endings

vasomotor

affecting blood vessels

vertigo

the sensation of the room spinning when one gets up or changes positions; can be treated with anticholinergic agents

very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs)

lipoproteins containing 60% triglycerides and 12% cholesterol

virilization

the development of male characteristics

virion

an individual viral particle capable of infecting a living cell; consists of nucleic acid surrounded by a capsid (protein shell)

virus

a minute infectious agent that does not have all the components of a cell and thus can replicate only within a living host cell

visceral pain

sharp, stabbing pain from the organs

vitamins

organic substances that occur in many foods and are necessary for the normal metabolic functioning of the body

warts

virally caused epidermal tumors

water-soluble vitamins

vitamins that are excreted in the urine and are not stored in the body; vitamin C and the B vitamins

xanthine derivative

a drug that causes relaxation of airway smooth muscle, thus causing airway dilation and better air movement