Define pharmacology.
The study of drugs, their properties, effects, and interactions with living organisms.
What is the difference between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics?
Pharmacokinetics studies drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, while pharmacodynamics focuses on drug effects and mechanisms.
True or false: Antagonists enhance the effect of a drug.
FALSE
Antagonists block or inhibit the action of a drug at its receptor.
Fill in the blank: Bioavailability refers to the ______ of a drug that reaches systemic circulation.
fraction
What is a therapeutic index?
The ratio between the toxic dose and the therapeutic dose of a drug.
Define agonist.
A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.
What does FDA stand for?
Food and Drug Administration.
True or false: Placebos have no pharmacological effect.
TRUE
Placebos are inactive substances used in clinical trials to compare with active drugs.
Fill in the blank: Half-life is the time taken for the ______ of a drug in the body to reduce by half.
concentration
What is drug tolerance?
A reduced response to a drug after repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Define side effects.
Unintended effects of a drug that occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effects.
What is the purpose of clinical trials?
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs before approval for public use.
True or false: Generic drugs are identical to brand-name drugs in formulation.
FALSE
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients but may differ in inactive components.
Fill in the blank: Pharmacogenomics studies how ______ affect individual responses to drugs.
genes
What is a controlled substance?
A drug regulated by law due to its potential for abuse or dependence.
Define adverse drug reaction.
An unwanted or harmful reaction experienced following the administration of a drug.
What does OTC stand for?
Over-the-counter.
True or false: Drug interactions can enhance or diminish a drug’s effect.
TRUE
Interactions can occur between drugs, foods, or other substances.
Fill in the blank: Pharmacovigilance is the science of monitoring the ______ of drugs.
safety
What is the mechanism of action?
The specific biochemical interaction through which a drug produces its effects.
Define bioequivalence.
The property where two drugs have similar bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles.
What is the role of a pharmacist?
To dispense medications, provide drug information, and ensure safe medication use.
True or false: Narcotics are used primarily for pain relief.
TRUE
Narcotics are opioids that can also lead to dependence and addiction.
Fill in the blank: Chronic use of a drug may lead to ______.
dependence
