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Absorption
ab-sorp’-shun
The process by which a drug is transferred from the site of administration into the body’s blood, lymph, or tissue.
Distribution
The transport of a drug across cell membranes which results in the accumulation of the drug in certain tissues.
Elimination
e-lim-i-na’ shun
The loss of the drug from the site within the body. Some drugs will be metabolized when passing through the liver or other tissue will be metabolized. Other drugs may be eliminated directly when passing throught the kidneys or other tissues of excretion.
Excretion
ek-skre ’shun
The removal of drug molecules, intact, changed, or inactivated from the body (e.g. kidneys).
Inhalation
Drugs delivered by breathing in with use of a machine or device. In general the drugs are rapidly absorbed.
LD
Lethal dose.
LD50
Dose of drug that will kill 50% of the group being tested.
Metabolism
me-tab ’o-lizm
The activity required in the body to process the drug (i.e., metabolism can decrease, increase, or have no effect on the activity of drugs).
Oral (PO)
Drugs that are given by mouth that are able to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach. Absorption can be affected by gastric emptying and intestinal motility.
Pharmacology
The study of drugs in all their aspects.
Pharmacy
A discipline concerned with the art, science , or practice of preparing, compounding, and dispensing drugs. A place where drugs are sold (e.g. drugstore). Also called an Apothecary.
Potency
The concentration, or amount, needed of a specific drug to produce a defined effect.
Subcutaneous (SQ, SC, SubQ
Non-irritating drug injected just beneath the skin. The drug then permeates the capillaries and enters the blood stream.
Topical
Local application of a drug used in dermatologic, ophthamologic, and otic conditions.
Vesicant
A chemically active substance which produces blistering on direct contact with the skin or mucous membrane.
Posted on February 20, 2005, 18:18,
Last updated on April 11, 2008, 22:15
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