Pharmacology
The study of drugs and their origin, nature, properties, and effects on living organisms.
Drug
A chemical agent used in the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of disease.
Pharmacokinetics
The method by which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated.
Drug Vehicle
The substance in which a drug is transported.
Bioavailability
How completely a particular drug is absorbed in the system.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of plasma in which a drug is dissolved.
Efficacy
A drug's capability of producing a specific therapeutic effect.
Potency
The dose of a drug required to produce a desired therapeutic effect.
Biotransformation
Transforming a drug so that it can be metabolized.
Metabolism
Turning a drug into a water-soluble compound that can be excreted.
Half-Life
The rate at which a drug disappears from the body through metabolism, excretion, or both.
Steady-state
When the amount of drug taken is equal to the amount that is excreted.
Bioequivalent Drugs
Drugs that have similar biological effects.
Pharmacodynamics
Refers to the actions or effects of a drug on the body.
Inhalation
Is a means of bringing medication or substances to the respiratory tract.
Intradermal
Into the skin.
Subcutaneous
Under the cutaneous tissues.
Intramuscular
Into the muscle tissue.
Intravenous
Into a vein.
Ergogenic Acid
A term used to describe any method, legal or illegal, used to enhance athletic performance.