It's easy to forget many of the common terms in pharmacology, not least because of how many different and competing terms we're required to digest. This section amalgamates the most common terms in pharmacology, acting as a convenient pharmacology glossary to aid your future study. Why not check out our comprehensive medical abbreviations glossary, which complements many of the topics discussed here.
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A
abortifacient
Substance that induces abortion.
absence seizure
Generalized seizure that does not involve motor convulsions; also referred to as petit mal.
absorption
The uptake of nutrients and drugs from the GI tract.
acetate
Compound that contains acetic acid.
acetylcholine (ACH)
Neurotransmitter of parasympathetic (cholinergic) nerves; stimulates the cholinergic receptor; excitatory neurotransmitter in the basal ganglia.
acetylcholinesterase
An enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine.
acid rebound
Effect in which a great volume of acid is secreted by the stomach in response to the reduced acid environment caused by antacid neutralization.
acidification
Process that alters the pH to less than 7.
acidosis
pH less than 7.45 or a condition in which the tissues have relatively more acid or acid waste than normal; disturbance of acid-base balance; when the pH of the blood is below 7.35.
acquired immunity
Protection from viral reinfection in the form of antibodies produced during an infection (active) or produced after exposure to a vaccine (passive).
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Viral induced disease characterized by multiple opportunistic infections as a result of depleted lymphocytes involved in the cell-mediated immune process.
acromegaly
Condition usually in middle-aged adults from hypersecretion of growth hormone.
acute coronary syndrome
Term used to cover any group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischemia.
acute myocardial ischemia
Chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle that results from coronary artery disease.
addiction
A chronic neurobiologic disease in which genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors induce changes in the individual’s behavior to compulsively use drugs despite the harm that may result.
Addison’s disease
Inadequate secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
ADH (antidiuretic hormone)
Polypeptide substance synthesized by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by altering urine volume at the collecting ducts.
adipose tissue
Tissue containing fat cells; fat.
adrenergic neuronal blocker
Drug that acts at the neuronal nerve endings to reduce the formation or release of NE.
adrenergic receptor
Receptor located on internal organs that responds to norepinephrine and epinephrine.
adsorbent
Substance that has the ability to attach other substances to its surface.
ADT
Alternate-day therapy.
adverse effect
General term for undesirable and potentially harmful drug effect.
afferent nerve
Transmits sensory information from peripheral organs to the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
afterload
A measure of the vascular resistance that the left ventricle must overcome in order to eject blood during contraction.
agonist
Drug that attaches to a receptor and initiates an action; drug that binds to a receptor and activates a physiologic response or drug action.
agranulocytosis
Acute condition in which there is a reduction in the number of white blood cells (WBCs), specifically polymorphonuclear cells (granulocytes); condition in which the number of white blood cells, in particular the granulocytes, is less than normal.
akathisia
Continuous body movement in which an individual is restless or constantly paces about.
akinesia
Loss of voluntary muscle movement; restless leg movement.
albuminuria
The presence of the plasma protein albumin in the urine.
aldosterone
Hormone released from adrenal cortex that causes the retention of sodium from the kidneys.
alkalosis
pH greater than 7.45 or a condition in which the tissues have less acid than normal; disturbance of acid-base balance; when the pH of the blood is above 7.5.
alkylation
Irreversible chemical bond that some cancer drugs form with nucleic acids and DNA.
allergen
A substance capable of producing an allergic reaction.
alopecia
Baldness or hair loss.
alpha adrenergic drug
Drug that stimulates the alpha adrenergic receptors.
alpha-1 adrenergic blocker
Drug that blocks the alpha-1 effects of NE and EPI.
alpha-1 adrenergic receptor
Receptor located on smooth muscle that mediates smooth muscle contraction.
alpha-2 adrenergic receptor
Receptor located on adrenergic nerve endings that reduces the release of NE.
amenorrhea
Condition in which monthly menstruation (menses) no longer occurs.
amide local anesthetic
Anesthetic class that includes lidocaine, bupivicaine, and mepivicaine and has a moderate to long duration of action because metabolism occurs in the liver.
amylin
Peptide of 37 amino acids that is secreted by the pancreas beta cells along with insulin in response to increasing blood glucose levels.
anabolism
Process that converts or incorporates nutritional substances into tissue; usually associated with conversion of proteins into muscle mass.
analgesia
Decreased response to pain; condition in which painful stimuli are not consciously interpreted (perceived) as hurting; relief from pain; inhibition of the perception of pain.
analgesic
Substance (synthetic or naturally occurring) that inhibits the body’s reaction to painful stimuli or perception of pain.
anaphylaxis
Condition in which the body develops a severe allergic response; this is a medical emergency.
androgen
Male sex hormone responsible for the development of male characteristics.
anemia
Condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying substance) inside the red blood cells is less than normal; condition in which the oxygen-carrying function of the red blood cells to the tissues is decreased.
aneurysm
An abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.
angina
Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen.
angina pectoris
Chest pain due to decreased blood flow (ischemia) to the heart; caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart.
angioedema
Edema and swelling beneath the skin.
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE)
Treat high blood pressure and other conditions.
(ACEI)
Drug that inhibits the enzymatic conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
Drug that blocks the receptors for angiotensin II.
angiotensin II
Potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates release of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone.
anion
Negatively charged ion.
antacid
Drug that neutralizes hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted by the stomach.
antagonist
Drug that attaches to a receptor, does not initiate an action, but blocks an agonist from producing an effect; drug that binds to a receptor and interferes with other drugs or substances from producing a drug effect.
antagonistic
Counteract; oppose.
antiallergic
Drug that prevents mast cells from releasing histamine and other vasoactive substances.
antianxiety drug
Drug used to treat anxiety; these drugs are also referred to as anxiolytics.
antiarrhythmic drug
Drug used to restore normal cardiac rhythm.
anti-atherogenic
The ability to prevent or stop atherosclerosis, the deposition of lipid-containing plaques on the innermost layers of the arteries.
antibacterial spectrum
Bacteria that are susceptible to the antibacterial actions of a particular drug.
antibiotic
Antibacterial drug obtained from other microorganisms.
antibiotic susceptibility
Identification of the antibiotics, by bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, that will be effective against specific bacteria.
antibody
A specialized protein (immunoglobulin) that recognizes the antigen that triggered its production; a protein (immunoglobulin) produced naturally or induced by a foreign protein that provides immune protection against infectious organisms and foreign substances; normally produced when a foreign substance such as a pathogen enters the body.
anticholinergic
Refers to drugs or effects that reduce the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.
anticonvulsant
Drug usually administered IV that stops a convulsive seizure.
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Polypeptide substance synthesized by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by altering urine volume at the collecting ducts; hormone from the posterior pituitary gland that causes retention of water from the kidneys; substance produced in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland that modulates urine production and allows the kidneys to reabsorb water in order to conserve body water.
antiepileptic drug
Drug usually administered orally to prevent epileptic seizures.
antilipemic drug
A drug that reduces the level of fats in the blood.
antigen
Substance, usually protein or carbohydrate, that is capable of stimulating an immune response; any substance that stimulates an immune response, i.e., production of an antibody.
antigenic drift and antigenic shift
The ability of viruses to change the composition or structure of their surface proteins (viral coat) that are responsible for producing disease (pathogenicity).
antihistaminic
Drug that blocks the action of histamine at the target organ.
antiinflammatory
Minimizing or stopping the response to tissue injury by reducing the pain, localized swelling, and chemical substances released at the site of injury.
antimetabolite
A drug that is very similar to natural chemicals in a normal biochemical reaction in cells but different enough to interfere with the normal division and functions of cells; drug whose chemical structure is similar to that of normal body metabolites and that inhibits normal cell function.
antimicrobial
Antibacterial drugs obtained by chemical synthesis and not from other microorganisms.
antineoplastic
Drug that inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
antipsychotic drug
Drug used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions.
antipyresis
Reducing an elevated body temperature.
antisecretory
Substance that inhibits secretion of digestive enzymes, hormones, or acid.
antiseptic
Substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissue.
antitussive
A drug that suppresses coughing.
anuria
Condition in which no urine is produced.
anxiety
A state of anxiousness and hyperemotionalism that occurs with uncertainty, stress, and fearful situations.
aphthous ulcer
A painful open sore in the mouth or upper throat; also known as a canker sore.
aplastic anemia
Anemia caused by defective functioning of the blood-forming organs (bone marrow).
apoprotein
A protein that is attached to a second molecule that is not a protein.
apoptosis
Cell death, due to either programmed cell death or other physiological events.
aquaporins
Specialized proteins that form pores (channels) in the cell membrane that allow water to pass through but not small molecules like ions.
aquaresis
Renal excretion of water without electrolytes.
aqueous humor
Ocular fluid; watery substance that is located behind the cornea of the eye and in front of the lens.
argyria
Permanent black discoloration of skin and mucous membranes caused by prolonged use of silver protein solutions.
arrhythmia
Disorder of cardiac conduction and electrical impulse formation.
arteriosclerosis
Hardening or fibrosis of the arteries; accumulation of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries.
arthralgia
Joint pain.
arthritis
Inflammation of the joints.
ascites
Excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity), usually associated with organ failure.
asthma
Inflammation of the bronchioles associated with constriction of smooth muscle, wheezing, and edema; respiratory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
asymptomatic
Condition in which there is no outward evidence (symptom) that an infection is present.
atherogenic
The ability to start or accelerate the deposition of fats and calcium in the walls of arteries, called atherosclerosis.
atherosclerosis
Fatty degeneration of arteries due to accumulation of cholesterol plaques; accumulation of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries.
atonic seizure
Generalized-type seizure characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone.
autoantibody
An antibody produced by the immune system against one’s own cells; antibodies normally are produced when a foreign substance such as a pathogen enters the body.
autoimmune disease
Condition in which an individual’s tissues are damaged by his or her own immune mechanisms.
automatism
Drug-induced confusion that can cause increased drug consumption.
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
System of nerves that innervate smooth and cardiac muscle (involuntary) of the internal organs and glands.
AV
Atrioventricular, as in the AV node.
avitaminosis
Chronic or long-term vitamin deficiency caused by lack in diet or defect in metabolic conversion in body resulting in a vitamin-specific condition such as beri-beri.
B
bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms, some of which cause disease.
bacterial resistance
Ability of some bacteria to resist the actions of antibiotics.
bactericidal
Antibiotic that kills bacteria; chemical that kills or destroys bacteria.
bacteriostatic
Chemical that inhibits growth or reproduction of bacteria but does not kill bacteria; antibiotic that inhibits the growth of, but does not kill, bacteria.
barbiturate
CNS depressant drug possessing the barbituric acid ring structure.
basal ganglia
A group of cell bodies (gray matter) within the white matter of the cerebrum that helps control body movement; involved in regulation of skeletal muscle tone and body movement.
benzodiazepine
Class of drugs used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
beta-lactamases
Bacterial enzymes that inactivate betalactam antibiotics; bacterial enzymes that inactivate penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics.
beta-1 adrenergic receptor
Receptor located on the heart that increases heart rate and force of contraction.
beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Receptor located on smooth muscle that relaxes smooth muscle when stimulated.
bioavailability
Percentage of the drug dosage that is absorbed.
biphasic
Two different amounts of estrogen hormone are released during the cycle.
bipolar mood disorder
Mood disorder where episodes of mania and depression occur alternately.
black box warning (boxed warning)
A warning that appears in the instructions for use surrounded by a thick black box to alert medical professionals to serious or life-threatening adverse effects associated with the drug usage.
blood pressure (BP)
The pressure of the blood within the arteries; depends primarily on the cardiac output and the peripheral resistance.
bone density
A quantitative measurement of the mineral content of bone; used as an indicator of the structural strength of the bone.
bone mass
A measure of the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorus) contained in a certain volume of bone.
bone mineral density
Amount of calcium and phosphorus deposited in bone matrix.
bradykinesia
Slowed body movements.
broad-spectrum
Drug that is effective against a wide variety of both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.
bronchodilator
Drug that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and dilates the lower respiratory passages.
buccal absorption
Absorption of drug through the mucous membranes lining the oral cavity.
C
CAD (coronary artery disease)
Narrowing of small arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
calorigenic
Producing heat.
cancer
Disease that involves the development and reproduction of abnormal cells.
candidemia
Infection in the blood caused by the yeast Candida.
candidiasis
Infection caused by the yeast Candida; also known as moniliasis.
cannabinoid
Pharmacologically active substance obtained from the marijuana plant.
carcinogenic
Causing cancer.
carcinoid tumor
A slow-growing type of cancer that can arise in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, ovaries, and testes.
cardiac arrhythmia
Variation in the normal rhythm (motion) of the heart.
cardiac glycoside
Drug obtained from plants of the genus Digitalis.
cardiac output (CO)
The amount of blood pumped per minute by the heart.
catabolism
Process in which complex compounds are broken down into simpler molecules; usually associated with energy release.
catecholamine
Refers to norepinephrine, epinephrine, and other sympathomimetic compounds that possess the catechol structure.
cathartic
Pharmacological substance that stimulates defecation.
cation
Positively charged ion.
caudal anesthesia
Injection of a local anesthetic into the caudal or subcaudal spinal canal.
cell-cycle nonspecific (CCNS)
Refers to cancer drugs that act in all phases of the cell cycle.
cell-cycle specific (CCS)
Refers to cancer drugs that only act when the cell is actively dividing.
centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant
Drug that inhibits skeletal muscle contraction by blocking conduction within the spinal cord.
cephalosporinases
Bacterial enzymes that inactivate cephalosporin antibiotics.
CERA
Stands for continuous erythropoietin receptor activator.
cerebellum
Part of the brain that coordinates body movements and posture and helps maintain body equilibrium.
cerebral cortex
Uppermost layers of the cerebrum involved in sensory perception, voluntary motor control, and all higher intellectual abilities.
cerebrum
Largest and uppermost part of the brain that is divided into right and left cerebral hemispheres.
chelate
Chemical action of a substance to bond permanently to a metal ion.
chemical mediator
Substance released from mast cells and white blood cells during inflammatory and allergic reactions.
chemical name
Name that defines the chemical composition of a drug.
chemoprophylaxis
Use of antibiotics to prevent infection, usually before a surgical procedure or in patients at risk for infection.
chemotherapy
Use of drugs to inhibit the growth of or to destroy infectious organisms or cancer cells; use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of infectious organisms or cancer cells.
chloride channel activators
A novel class of drugs that stimulate pore-forming receptors in the intestine, causing chloride ions to cross membranes.
cholesterol
A fat (lipid) normally synthesized by the liver; essential for the structure and function of cells.
cholinergic
Refers to the nerves and receptors of the parasympathetic nervous system; also refers to the drugs that stimulate this system.
cholinergic receptor
Receptor located on internal organs and glands that responds to acetylcholine.
-chromic
Suffix meaning color.
chronic
Condition of long duration, usually months or years.
chronic bronchitis
Respiratory condition caused by chronic irritation that increases secretion of mucus and causes degeneration of the respiratory lining.
chronic heart failure (CHF)
Heart disease caused by weakness of the contractile force of the myocardium; condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to the tissues of the body.
chylomicron
One of the microscopic particles of emulsified fat found in the blood and lymph and formed during the digestion of fats.
chyme
Partially digested food and gastric secretions that moves into the duodenum from the stomach by peristalsis.
-cidal
Suffix denoting killing, as of microorganisms.
cinchonism
Pattern of characteristic symptoms (central nervous system [CNS] stimulation and headache) associated with the use of cinchona alkaloids (chemicals extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree); quinidine toxicity, which is characterized by ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, and headache.
circadian rhythm
Internal biological clock; a repeatable 24-hour cycle of physiological activity.
clonic
Convulsive muscle contraction in which rigidity and relaxation alternate in rapid succession.
coagulation
Process by which the blood changes from a liquid to a solid “plug” as a reaction to local tissue injury; normal blood clot formation.
cold sterilization
Destruction of microorganisms at room temperature without the use of heat or ionizing radiation.
conduction system
Specialized cardiac tissue that transmits electrical impulses and regulates the activity of the heart.
constipation
A decrease in stool frequency.
contraception
Preventing pregnancy by preventing either conception (joining of egg and sperm) or implantation in the uterus.
contraindications
Situations or conditions when a certain drug should not be administered.
controlled substance
Drug that has the potential for abuse and thus is regulated by law.
convoluted
Coiled or folded back on itself.
convulsion
Involuntary muscle contraction that is either tonic or clonic.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, usually caused by emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
coronary artery
Artery that supplies blood flow to the heart.
coronary artery disease (CAD)
Disease of the coronary arteries that decreases blood flow to the heart; narrowing of small arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart; condition due to atherosclerosis and insufficient blood flow to the heart.
COX
Cyclooxygenase, a family of enzymes that produce prostaglandins.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
A protein produced by the liver but only found in the blood in conditions of acute inflammation; an inflammation marker.
creatinine
A metabolite of muscle metabolism that is excreted in the urine in proportion to renal function.
creatinine clearance
A measure of renal creatinine excretion that is used to evaluate renal function.
cretinism
Condition in which the development of the body and the brain has been inhibited due to congenital hypothyroidism.
cross-tolerance
Drug tolerance that develops between similarly acting drugs.
CRP (C-reactive protein)
A protein produced by the liver but only found in the blood in conditions of acute inflammation; an inflammation marker.
cryoanesthesia
Removing the sensation of touch or pain by applying extreme cold to the nerve endings.
Cushing’s disease
Excess secretion of adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
cutaneous
Pertaining to the skin.
-cytic
Suffix meaning cells.
D
DCT (distal convoluted tubule)
Part of the nephron that is closest to the collecting duct.
decimal
Another way to write a fraction when the denominator is 10, 100, 1000, and so on.
decubitis ulcer
Bedsore.
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body.
defecation
Process of discharging the contents of the intestines as feces.
dehiscence
Bursting open or separation of a wound, usually along sutured line.
denaturing
Causing destruction of bacterial protein function; also adulteration of alcohol, rendering it unfit for drinking.
dendritic cell
An antigen-presenting white blood cell that is found in the skin, mucosa, and lymphoid tissues and that initiates a primary immune response.
denominator
Bottom number of a fraction; shows the number of parts in a whole.
dependency
Requirement of repeated drug consumption in order to prevent onset of withdrawal symptoms.
depolarization
The decrease in electric potential across a cell membrane that results in excitation and generation of an action potential.
depolarizing blocker
Produces paralysis by first causing nerve transmission, followed by inhibition of nerve transmission.
depression
Mental state characterized by depressed mood, with feelings of frustration and hopelessness.
dermatitis
Inflammatory condition of the skin associated with itching, burning, and edematous vesicular formations.
dermatophytic
Infection of the skin, hair, or nails caused by a fungus.
designer drug
Chemically altered form of an approved drug that produces similar effects and that is sold illegally.
diabetes insipidus
Chronic condition caused by inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), in which individuals are extremely thirsty and produce very large amounts of pale urine.
diabetic neuropathy
Nerve disorders caused by diabetes resulting in numbness, pain, and weakness in hands and feet.
diarrhea
Abnormal looseness of the stool or watery stool, which may be accompanied by a change in stool frequency or volume.
digestion
Mechanical and chemical breakdown of foods into smaller units.
digitalization
Method of dosage with cardiac glycosides that rapidly produces effective drug levels.
diplopia
Condition in which a single object is seen (perceived) as two objects; double vision.
disinfectant
Substance that kills disease-causing microorganisms on nonliving surfaces.
dissociative anesthesia
Form of general anesthesia in which patients do not appear to be unconscious.
distal convoluted tubule (DCT)
Part of the nephron that is closest to the collecting duct.
disulfiram-like reaction
Reaction to alcohol ingestion characterized by intense nausea as a result of drug-induced accumulation of acetaldehyde, similar to that produced by disulfiram (Antabuse).
diuresis
Condition that causes urine to be excreted; usually associated with large volumes of urine.
DM
Diabetes mellitus.
dopamine
Inhibitory neurotransmitter in the basal ganglia.
dose
A measurement of the amount of drug that is administered.
drug
Chemical substance that produces a change in body function.
drug absorption
Entrance of a drug into the bloodstream from its site of administration.
drug addiction
Condition of drug abuse and drug dependence that is characterized by compulsive drug behavior.
drug compliance
Following drug prescription directions exactly as written.
drug dependence
Condition of reliance on the use of a particular drug, characterized as physical and/or psychological dependence.
drug distribution
Passage of a drug from the blood to the tissues and organs of the body.
drug excretion
Elimination of the drug from the body.
drug indications
Intended or indicated uses for any drug.
drug metabolism
The enzymatic biotransformation of a drug into metabolites.
drug microsomal metabolizing system (DMMS)
Group of enzymes located primarily in the liver thatfunction to metabolize (biotransformation) drugs.
drug resistance
Lack of responsiveness of cancer cells to chemotherapy.
drug tolerance
Requirement of larger doses to be consumed in order to obtain the desired effects; decreased drug effect occurring after repeated drug administration.
ductless glands
Containing no duct; endocrine glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood or lymph without going through a duct.
DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
A blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body.
dwarfism
Inadequate secretion of growth hormone during childhood, characterized by abnormally short stature and normal body proportions.
dysentery
Condition characterized by frequent watery stools (usually containing blood and mucus), tenesmus, fever, and dehydration.
dysgeusia
A persistent abnormal sense of taste.
dyskinesia
Distortion in voluntary muscle movement, spastic; uncontrollable, abnormal involuntary repetitive body movements.
dysmenorrhea
Difficult or painful menstruation; condition that is associated with painful and difficult menstruation.
dyspepsia
Indigestion.
dysphoria
Feeling of discomfort or unpleasantness.
dystonia
Muscle spasms, facial grimacing, and other involuntary movements and postures.
dystonic reaction
Reaction characterized by muscle spasms, twitching, facial grimacing, or torticollis.
E
ECL (enterochromaffin-like cells)
Cells that synthesize and release histamine.
ectopic beat
Extra heartbeat, a type of cardiac arrhythmia.
ectopic focus
Area of the heart from which abnormal impulses originate.
eczematoid dermatitis
Condition in which lesions on the skin ooze and develop scaly crusts.
edema
Swelling caused by fluid in body tissue.
ED50
Effective dose 50, or dose that will produce an effect that is half of the maximal response.
efferent nerve
Carries the appropriate motor response from the brain and spinal cord to the peripheral organs.
electrocardiogram (ECG)
Recording of the electrical activity of the heart.
electroencephalogram (EEG)
A surface recording of the electrical activity of the brain.
electrolyte
Ion in solution, such as sodium, potassium, or chloride, that is capable of mediating conduction (passing impulses in the tissues); dissolved mineral that can conduct an electrical current and that exists as an ion.
emesis
Vomiting.
emetogenic
A substance that causes vomiting.
emollient
Substance that is soothing to mucous membranes or skin.
emphysema
Disease process causing destruction of the walls of the alveoli.
endemic
Present continually in a particular geographic region, often in spite of control measures.
endocrine
Pertaining to glands that secrete substances directly into the blood.
endocytosis
Process by which cells absorb molecules (such as proteins) from outside the cell by engulfing them with their cell membrane.
endogenous
Naturally occurring within the body; originating or produced within an organism, tissue, or cell.
endometrium
Lining of the uterus.
endorphins
Neuropeptides produced within the CNS that interact with opioid receptors to produce analgesia.
enteric-coated
Type of tablet or pill with a coating that enables it to pass through the stomach without being dissolved, so the stomach lining will not be irritated; the drug is then released in the intestine.
enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL)
Cells that synthesize and release histamine.
enterohepatic recycling
The process whereby drug is eliminated from the liver/biliary tract into the GI tract and then reabsorbed from the GI tract back to the liver.
enzyme induction
Increase in the amount of drugmetabolizing enzymes after repeated administration of certain drugs.
enzyme inhibition
Inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes by certain drugs.
epidural anesthesia
Injection of a local anesthetic into the extradural (outermost part of the spinal canal) space.
epilepsy
CNS disorder characterized by uncontrolled nerve cell discharges and manifested by recurring, spontaneous seizures of any type.
epinephrine (EPI)
Hormone from adrenal medulla that stimulates adrenergic receptors, especially during stress.
equipotent
When drugs (substances) produce the same intensity or spectrum of activity; usually, the absolute amount of drug (for example, 5, 10 mg) that produces the response is different for each substance, but the response generated is the same.
erythema
Redness of the skin, often a result of capillary dilation; abnormal redness of the skin, caused by capillary congestion.
erythropoiesis
Process through which red blood cells are produced.
ESA
Stands for erythropoietin stimulating agent.
eschar
Thick crust or scab that develops after skin is burned.
essential amino acids and fatty acids
Substances that are required for critical body function to sustain life and are not produced by the body.
essential hypertension
Major form of hypertension for which the cause is unknown.
ester local anesthetic
Anesthetic class that includes procaine, cocaine, benzocaine, and tetracaine; metabolism is primarily by plasma cholinesterases.
euphoria
Feeling of well-being or elation; feeling good.
euthyroid
Having normal thyroid gland function.
euvolemia
State of normal body fluid volume.
evacuation
Process of removal of waste material from the bowel.
excoriation
An abrasion of the epidermis (skin) usually from a mechanical (not chemical) cause; a scratch.
exertional angina
Angina pectoris caused by increased physical exertion.
exocytosis
The discharge of substances contained in vesicles by fusion of the vesicular membrane with the outer cell membrane.
exogenous
Originating or produced outside the organism or body; originating outside the body, or administered into the body from outside.
exogenous, or reactive, depression
Depression caused by external factors or life events.
exophthalmos
Protruding eyeballs out of the socket.
expectorant
Substance that causes the removal (expulsion) of mucous secretions from the respiratory system; drug that helps clear the lungs of respiratory secretions.
expectorate
Eject from the mouth; spit.
extracellular
Area outside the cell.
extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS)
Movement disorders such as akathisia, dystonia, and parkinsonism caused by antipsychotic drug therapy.
F
false transmitter
Substance formed in nerve endings that mimics and interferes with the actions of the normal transmitter.
fasciculation
Twitchings of muscle fiber groups.
fertility drug
Drug that stimulates ovulation.
fibrocystic breast disease
Condition in which cystic lesions form within the connective tissue of the breasts.
fight or flight reaction
Response of the body to intense stress; caused by activation of the sympathetic division of the ANS.
first-pass metabolism
Drug metabolism that occurs in the intestines and liver during oral absorption of drugs into the systemic circulation.
flashback
Phenomenon occurring long after the use of LSD in which the hallucinogenic effects are relived in some type of memory flash.
foam cells
A type of cell formed after macrophages in the artery wall digest LDL cholesterol; a transformed macrophage.
fraction
Part of a whole.
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone. In the female stimulates the development of the follicles, and in the male stimulates spermatogenesis.
fungicidal
Substance, chemical solution, or drug that kills fungi; chemical that kills or destroys fungi.
fungistatic
Inhibits the growth of fungi but does not kill off the fungi; chemical that inhibits growth or reproduction of fungi but does not kill fungi.
fungus (fungi)
A group of microorganisms with a membrane-bound nucleus that includes yeasts and molds.
G
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
gametocyte
Organism in an immature stage of development.
ganglionic blocker
Drug that blocks the nicotinic-neural (Nn) receptors and reduces the activity of the autonomic nervous system.
ganglionic stimulant
Drug that stimulates the nicotinicneural (Nn) receptors to increase autonomic nervous system activity.
gastric lavage
Flushing of the stomach.
gastroparesis
Condition, also called delayed gastric emptying, in which the stomach muscles do not function properly.
general anesthesia
Deep state of unconsciousness in which there is no response to stimuli, including painful stimuli.
general anesthetic
Drug that abolishes the response to pain by depressing the central nervous system (CNS) and producing loss of consciousness.
generalized seizure
Seizure originating and involving both cerebral hemispheres that may be either convulsive or nonconvulsive.
generic name
Nonproprietary name of a drug.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
geriatrics
Medical specialty that deals with individuals over 65 years of age.
germ cells
Cells that become the reproductive cells eggs (in ovary) or sperm (in testes).
germicidal
Substance, chemical solution, or drug that kills microorganisms.
gigantism
Increased secretion of growth hormone in childhood, causing excessive growth and height.
GIP
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, also known as gastric inhibitory peptide.
GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1.
glucagon
Hormone released by the alpha cells of the pancreas to increase plasma glucose concentration.
glucocorticoid
Steroid produced within the adrenal cortex (or a synthetic drug) that directly influences carbohydrate metabolism and inhibits the inflammatory process.
gluconeogenesis
The synthesis of glucose from molecules that are not carbohydrates, such as amino and fatty acids or glycerol.
GLUT
Glucose transport proteins.
glycated hemoglobin
Form of hemoglobin that is produced when glucose attaches to hemoglobin in the RBC.
glycogen
The storage form of glucose in humans and animals.
glycogenolysis
Hydrolysis of glycogen to yield free glucose.
glycosuria
Presence of glucose in the urine.
GnRH
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (also called luteinizing releasing hormone); hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete LH and FSH.
goiter
Condition in which the thyroid is enlarged, but not as a result of a tumor.
gonads
Organs that produce male (testes) or female (ovaries) sex cells, sperm or ova.
gram negative
Bacteria that retain only the red stain in a gram stain.
gram positive
Bacteria that retain only the purple stain in a gram stain.
gram stain
Method of staining and identifying bacteria using crystal violet (purple) and safranin (red) stains.
grand mal
Older term for a generalized seizure characterized by full-body tonic and clonic motor convulsions.
H
half-life
Time required for the body to reduce the amount of drug in the plasma by one-half.
hallucinogenic drug
A drug or plant substance that produces psychotomimetic effects and sensory distortions.
halogenated hydrocarbon
Compound that contains halogen (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine) combined with hydrogen and carbon.
hashish
Resin from the marijuana plant that contains higher levels of THC.
hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin. A glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy to maintain progesterone production.
heart rate (HR)
Number of heartbeats per minute.
heartburn (acid indigestion)
A painful burning feeling behind the sternum that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
hematinic
Medications containing iron compounds, used to increase hemoglobin production.
hematuria
Appearance of blood or red blood cells in the urine.
hemoglobin
Protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen to all tissues of the body.
hemorrhage
Loss of blood from blood vessels.
hemozoin
Crystalline disposal product from the digestion of blood from blood-feeding parasites.
hepatic microsomal metabolism
Specific enzymes in the liver (P450 family) that metabolize some drugs and can be increased (stimulated) by some medications or decreased (inhibited) by other medications so that therapeutic drug blood levels are altered.
hernia
Protrusion of an organ through the tissue usually containing it; for example, intestinal tissue pushing outside the abdominal cavity, or stomach pushing into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia).
high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
One of the forms of cholesterol transported in the blood with lipoprotein; known as “good” cholesterol.
hirsutism
Condition usually in women in which body and facial hair is excessive.
histamine
Substance that interacts with tissues to produce most of the symptoms of allergy.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus, responsible for producing AIDS.
hives
A skin condition characterized by intensely itching wheals caused by an allergic reaction; also called urticaria.
homeostasis
Normal state of balance among the body’s internal organs.
H1N1
subtype of the influenza type A virus; also referred to as swine flu or pig flu
hormone
Substance produced within one organ and secreted directly into the circulation to exert its effects at a distant location.
hyperacidity
Abnormally high degree of acidity (for example, pH less than 1) in the stomach.
hyperalgesia
An abnormally painful response to a stimulus.
hypercalcemia
Unusually high concentration of calcium in the blood; high serum calcium; elevated concentration of calcium ions in the circulating blood.
hyperchloremia
Abnormally high level of chloride ions circulating in the blood.
hyperchlorhydria
Excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
hyperemia
Increased blood flow to a body part like the eye; engorgement.
hyperglycemia
Higher than normal level of glucose in the blood; fasting blood glucose higher than 126 mg/dl.
hyperinsulinemia
High levels of insulin in the blood often associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance.
hyperkalemia
High serum potassium.
hyperlipidemia
Abnormally high fat (lipid) levels in the plasma.
hypermotility
Increase in muscle tone or contractions causing faster clearance of substances through the GI tract.
hyperpolarized
An increase in the amount of electrical charge on either side of a cell membrane so that there is an increase in the electric potential across the membrane usually due to an outflow of potassium ions or an inflow of chloride ions. A change in the cell membrane potential that makes the inside of the cell even more negative, so it can’t respond to stimulation.
hypersensitivity
Exaggerated response such as rash, edema, or anaphylaxis that develops following exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.
hypertension
Abnormally high blood pressure.
hyperthermia
Abnormally high body temperature.
hypertonic
A condition where the concentration of salt (sodium, electrolytes) is greater than that found inside the cells.
hypervitaminosis
The accumulation of vitamins (fat soluble) in storage tissues that creates a deleterious condition related to the excess substance.
hypnotic
Drug used to induce and maintain sleep.
hypochloremia
Abnormally low level of chloride ions circulating in the blood.
hypochromic
Condition in which the color of red blood cells is less than the normal index.
hypoglycemia
Lower than the normal range of plasma glucose concentration in the blood; fasting blood glucose below 40 mg/dl in women or 50 mg/dl in men accompanied by symptoms of diabetes.
hypokalemia
Abnormally low level of potassium ions circulating in the blood; low serum potassium; decrease in the normal concentration of potassium in the blood.
hypolipidemic drug
Drug used to lower plasma lipid levels, also referred to as an antilipemic drug.
hyponatremia
Abnormally low level of sodium ions circulating in the blood.
hypophosphatemia
Abnormally low concentrations of phosphate in the circulating blood.
hypothalamus
Part of the brainstem that regulates functions such as body temperature, water balance, appetite, and the pituitary gland; center of the brain that influences mood, motivation, and the perception of pain.
hypotonic
A condition where the concentration of salt (sodium, electrolytes) is less than that found inside the cells.
hypoxia
Reduction of oxygen supply to tissues below the amount required for normal physiological function.
I
IA (intra-articular)
Joint space into which drug is injected.
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
A functional disorder of the colon with abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea. and/or constipation.
IGF (insulin-like growth factor)
A stimulator of cell growth and proliferation.
immunity
Condition that causes individuals to resist acquiring or developing a disease or infection.
immunomodulation
Ability to stimulate and increase immune function.
immunopharmacology
Study of drugs with immunosuppressive and immunomodulating actions.
immunosuppressed
Having inhibition of the body’s immune response (ability to fight infection), usually induced by drugs or viruses.
immunosuppression
Ability to reduce the activity of the immune system.
improper fraction
Fraction that has a value equal to or greater than 1.
incompatibility
Undesirable interaction of drugs not suitable for co