Pharmacology Flashcards
(677 cards)
acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter that allows a nerve impulse to cross the synaptic junction (gap) between two nerve fibers or between a nerve fiber and an organ (e.g., muscle, gland).
acetylcholinesterase
An enzyme that brings about the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic gap.
Active Immunity
Immunity that occurs by an animal’s own immune response after exposure to foreign antigen
Addison’s disease
A disease or syndrome characterized by inadequate amounts of corticosteroid hormones.
adjuvant
A substance given with an antigen to enhance the immune response to the antigen. Adjuvants may form a localized granuloma at the injection site or may produce systemic hypersensitivity. Adjuvants have received much attention as a result of a possible (but not proven) link with the increased incidence of fibrosarcomas in vaccinated cats. Examples of adjuvants are aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, aluminum potassium sulfate, water in oil, saponin, and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) dextran.
adrenergic
A term used to describe an action or a receptor that is activated by epinephrine or norepinephrine.
adsorbent
A drug that inhibits gastrointestinal absorption of drugs, toxins, or chemicals by attracting and holding them to its surface.
adverse drug event
Harm to a patient caused by a therapeutic or preventive intervention. It could be due to a medication error or adverse drug reaction.
adverse drug reaction
An undesirable response to a drug by a patient. It may vary in severity from mild to fatal.
aerobe
Organism that is able to grow in the presence of oxygen.
aerosolization
The conversion of a liquid into a fine mist or colloidal suspension in air.
Afterload
The resistance (pressure) in arteries that must be overcome to empty blood from the ventricle.
Agonist
A drug that brings about a specific action by binding with the appropriate receptor.
Alkylation
Formation of a linkage between a substance and DNA that causes irreversible inhibition of the DNA molecule. Alkylating drugs are used in chemotherapy treatment of cancer.
Anabolism
The constructive phase of metabolism in which body cells repair and replace tissue.
Anaerobe
Organism that is not able to grow in the presence of oxygen.
analgesia
The absence of the sensation of pain.
analogue
A chemical compound having a structure similar to another but differing from it in some way.
anaphylaxis
A systemic, severe allergic reaction.
Anesthesia
The loss of all sensation. May be described as local (affecting a small area), regional, or surgical (accompanied by unconsciousness).
angiogenesis
The development of blood vessels.
antagonist
A drug that inhibits a specific action by binding with a particular receptor.
anthelmintic
Drug used to eliminate helminth parasites (e.g., roundworms) from a host.
antibacterial
An agent that inhibits bacterial growth, impedes replication of bacteria, or kills bacteria.