idiosyncrasy
Unexpected effect produced in a sensitive individual, but not seen in most patients
antidote
Agent given to counteract an unwanted effect of a drug,
toxicity
harmful effect of a drug
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
amphetamine
Central nervous system stimulant
cathartic
Drug that relieves constipation
beta-blocker
Drug that stops the action of epinephrine at sites on receptors of heart muscle cells
antipyretic
that lowers body temperature
erythromycin
Antibiotic substance
intrathecal
Pertaining to delivery of a drug within the membranes lining the spinal cord
contraindication
Factor in the patient's condition that prevents the use of a drug or treatment
benzodiazepine
Drug that acts as a sedative
bactericidal
Pertaining to killing microorganisms
anticonvulsant
Drug that prevents abnormal brain activity
bronchodilator
Drug that opens airways
aerosol
Particles of drug suspended in air
syringe
Tube for introducing or withdrawing fluids
antinauseant
Drug that prevents vomiting and nausea
parenteral
Pertaining to giving a drug by injection into the skin, muscles, or veins
antihistamine
Drug that blocks the action of histamine and helps prevent symptoms of allergy
vasodilator
Drug that widens blood vessels
antihypertensive
Drug that reduces blood pressure
digoxin
Drug that strengthens the force and efficiency of the heartbeat
vasoconstrictor
Drug that narrows blood vessels
antianginal
Drug that prevents chest pain due to ischemia
cholesterol-lowering drug
Drug that reduces lipids in blood
diuretic
Drug that promotes excretion of urine, lowering blood pressure
brand name
Commercial name for a drug; trademark or trade name
anaphylaxis
Exaggerated hypersensitivity reaction to a previously encountered drug or foreign protein
addiction
Physical and psychological dependence on and craving for a drug
aerosol
Particles of a drug suspended in air
chemical name
Chemical formula for a drug
contraindication
Factor in the patient's condition that prevents the use of a particular drug or treatment
generic name
Legal, noncommercial name for a drug
antagonistic action
Combination of two drugs gives less than an additive effect
additive action
Drug action in which the combination of two similar drugs is equal to the sum of the effects of each
rectal administration
Drugs are inserted through the anus into the rectum
pharmacology
Study of the preparation, properties, uses, and actions of drugs
receptor
Target substance with which a drug interacts in the body, syringe:Instrument for introducing or withdrawing fluids from the body
synergism
Combination of two drugs causes an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects of each drug alone
Physician's Desk Reference (PDR)
Drug products are listed and described in this book
pharmacokinetics
Calculation of drug concentration in tissues and body fluids over a period of time
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Governmental agency having the legal responsibility for enforcing proper drug manufacture and clinical use
sublingual administration
Drugs are given by placement under the tongue
side effect
Adverse reaction that routinely results from use of a drug
aromatase inhibitor
Reduces estrogen in the blood by blocking an enzyme
antiplatelet
Reduces the ability of thrombocytes to stick together and form a clot
stimulant
Drug that excites and promotes activity; caffeine and amphetamines are examples
tranquilizer
Drug that controls anxiety and sever disturbances of behavior
purgative
Drug that relieves constipation; strong cathartic and laxative
narcotic
Habit-forming drug that relieves pain by producing stupor or insensibility; morphine and opium are examples
thyroid hormone
Secretion from an endocrine gland in the neck, stimulates cellular metabolism
progestin
Female hormone that stimulates the uterine lining during pregnancy
sedative
A mildly hypnotic drug that relaxes without necessarily producing sleep
antihistamine
Drug that is effective in preventing symptoms of allergy