Ch. 21 Pharmacology

aerosol

Drug particles suspended in the air.

amphetamine

A central nervous system stimulant.

anticonvulsant

Drug that prevents convulsions and seizures.

antidote

An agent given to counteract an unwanted effect of a drug.

antihistamine

Drug that blocks the action of histamine and helps prevent symptoms of allergy.

antinauseant

Drug that prevents nausea and vomiting.

antipyretic

Drug that lowers body temperature.

bactericidal

Pertaining to killing microorganisms.

benzodiazephine

Drug that acts as a sedative.

beta-blocker

Drug that stops the action of epinephrine at sites on receptors of heart muscle cells.

bronchodilator

Drug that opens airways.

cathartic

Drug that relieves constipation.

contraindication

A factor in a patient's condition that prevents the use of a drug or treatment.

erythromycin

An antibiotic substance obtained from red mold.

idiosyncrasy

An unexpected effect produced in a sensitive individual , but not seen in most patients.

intrathecal

Pertaining to delivery of a drug within the membranes lining the spinal cord.

parenteral

Pertaining to giving a drug by injection into the skin, muscles, or veins.

synergism

Drug action in which the combination of two drugs causes an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects of each drug alone.

syringe

Tube for introducing or withdrawing fluids.

toxicity

Harmful effects of a drug.