Pharmacology Vocabulary: Drug Terms in English

acetylation nounC2

A metabolic conjugation reaction adding an acetyl group to a drug, the rate of which varies genetically between individuals.

Slow acetylation of isoniazid predisposes certain patients to peripheral neuropathy.

adjuvant adjectiveC1

Given in addition to the main treatment to enhance it.

Adjuvant chemotherapy followed the surgery.

adrenergic adjectiveC2

Relating to or acting on receptors that respond to adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The tremor was attributed to adrenergic stimulation from his inhaled bronchodilator.

agonist nounC1

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response.

Salbutamol is a beta-2 agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle in asthma.

allosteric adjectiveC2

Relating to a site on a protein distinct from the active site, at which binding modulates the protein's activity.

Benzodiazepines act at an allosteric site on the GABA-A receptor, enhancing the effect of the endogenous ligand.

analgesia nounC2

Relief of pain without loss of consciousness.

Epidural analgesia eased her labour pains.

anticonvulsant nounC1

A drug used to prevent or suppress epileptic seizures.

The anticonvulsant stabilises neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels.

antiretroviral adjectiveC1

Acting against retroviruses, particularly the human immunodeficiency virus.

Strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy has rendered her viral load undetectable.

anxiolytic adjectiveC2

Serving to reduce anxiety.

Benzodiazepines exert an anxiolytic effect by potentiating inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission.

bolus nounC1

A single large dose of a drug given at once.

The nurse pushed a bolus of fluids before surgery.

chelation nounC2

The binding of metal ions by a compound so that they can be safely excreted from the body.

Chelation was commenced to lower the child's dangerously high blood lead concentration.

chirality nounC2

The property of a molecule of being non-superimposable on its mirror image.

The chirality of a drug molecule can profoundly influence its affinity for a stereoselective receptor.

cholinergic adjectiveC2

Relating to or acting on nerve pathways that use acetylcholine as their transmitter.

Excess salivation and sweating pointed to a cholinergic crisis after organophosphate exposure.

contraindicated adjectiveC1

Inadvisable or unsafe to use in the circumstances.

Aspirin is contraindicated in patients with this bleeding disorder.

cross-tolerance nounC2

Reduced responsiveness to one drug that develops as a result of tolerance to another related drug.

Cross-tolerance between the two opioids complicated the calculation of an equivalent dose.

dopaminergic adjectiveC2

Relating to or affecting nerve pathways that use dopamine as their transmitter.

Compulsive gambling is a recognised complication of dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson's disease.

efflux nounC2

The active transport of a substance out of a cell, often mediated by membrane pumps that confer drug resistance.

Overexpression of the efflux transporter expels the cytotoxic drug, rendering the tumour resistant.

glucocorticoid nounC2

A steroid hormone or drug with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

A short course of a glucocorticoid settled the flare of her inflammatory arthritis.

hydrophilic adjectiveC2

Having a strong affinity for water and therefore dissolving readily in it.

Hydrophilic drugs penetrate the brain poorly and are largely cleared by the kidneys.

inducer nounC2

A substance that increases the production or activity of a drug-metabolising enzyme.

Rifampicin is a potent inducer, so it can render oral contraceptives ineffective.

ligand nounC2

A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor or other target macromolecule.

The radiolabelled ligand was used to quantify receptor density in the tissue sample.

lipophilic adjectiveC2

Tending to dissolve in fats and therefore crossing cell membranes easily.

Highly lipophilic sedatives accumulate in adipose tissue, prolonging recovery in obese patients.

muscarinic adjectiveC2

Relating to a class of acetylcholine receptors found in smooth muscle, glands and the heart.

Blurred vision and urinary retention reflect muscarinic blockade by tricyclic antidepressants.

mutagenic adjectiveC2

Able to cause permanent changes in the genetic sequence of a cell.

The candidate molecule was abandoned once it tested mutagenic in the Ames assay.

neurotoxicity nounC2

Harm to the nervous system caused by a drug or chemical.

Her confusion and tremor were recognised as lithium neurotoxicity despite normal levels.

paradoxical adjectiveC1

Describing a drug response that is the opposite of the effect normally expected.

The elderly patient showed paradoxical agitation rather than sedation after the benzodiazepine.

pharmacokinetics nounC1

The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises and eliminates a drug over time.

Renal impairment markedly altered the drug's pharmacokinetics, prolonging its half-life and mandating dose reduction.

pharmacopoeia nounC2

An official reference publication setting out the standards and specifications for medicinal substances.

The supplier's product failed to meet the purity limits laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia.

prophylaxis nounC2

Treatment given to prevent disease.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is given before the procedure.

reconstitution nounC1

The process of adding a liquid to a powdered drug to prepare it for administration.

The nurse followed the manufacturer's guidance for reconstitution before drawing up the injection.

selectivity nounC1

The degree to which a drug acts on one target rather than others.

Its receptor selectivity is lost at higher concentrations, which explains the unexpected bronchospasm.

sublingual adjectiveC2

Placed or absorbed under the tongue.

A sublingual tablet acts within minutes.

uncoupling nounC1

The separation of cellular respiration from ATP production, so that energy is released as heat instead.

Salicylate toxicity causes uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, driving fever and acidosis.

upregulation nounC2

An increase in the number or sensitivity of receptors, often in response to prolonged blockade.

Receptor upregulation explains the rebound tachycardia when a beta blocker is stopped abruptly.

urticaria nounC2

An itchy rash of raised red or pale weals, often caused by an allergic reaction.

Within minutes of the infusion starting, widespread urticaria appeared across his chest.

washout nounC1

A period during which a previous drug is allowed to clear from the body before another is introduced.

The trial design included a washout so that earlier medication could not confound the results.

controlled drug register nounC1

A bound or approved electronic record in which every receipt and supply of Schedule 2 controlled drugs must be documented.

The running balance in the controlled drug register didn't match the stock, so we had to investigate immediately.

formulary nounC1

An approved list of medicines that may be prescribed within a health system.

That preparation isn't on our local formulary, so I'll suggest an approved alternative.

synergistic adjectiveC2

Producing a combined effect greater than the sum of the separate effects.

The two agents are synergistic, so together they control the pain more effectively.

topical adjectiveC1

Applied directly to the skin or a surface.

A topical cream reduced the inflammation.