A
agonist
A molecule that is often chemically and structurally similar to another molecule and behaves in a similar chemical fashion with a similar result.
antagonist
A molecule that is often chemically and structurally similar to another molecule or its receptor and acts in a way that reduces the effectiveness of the other molecule by interfering with its action.
antibiotic
A class of medications used to treat infection by disease-causing bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective for treating viral infections.
antiviral
A class of medications used to treat an infection by disease-causing viruses.
antidepressant
A class of drugs used to treat symptoms of depression. Among the most widely prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which boost levels of the brain chemical serotonin.
adherence rate
The percentage of people who take their medications as directed.
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B
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C
cell receptor
Structures on the surface of cells targeted by a drug or a natural chemical. When a small protein, or peptide, "docks" with the receptor, like a key fitting into a lock, it triggers an activity within the cell. Receptor agonist drugs stimulate the targeted cell activity; receptor antagonist drugs inhibit the targeted cell activity.
contraindication
A factor or medical condition that increases the risk of side effects to a medication or other medical intervention in a certain patient.
clinical trial
The scientific testing of a drug in humans to assess its safety and effectiveness.
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D
dietary supplement
Vitamins, minerals, or plantderived substances taken in addition to a person’s normal diet.
drug interaction
An effect in the body that occurs when two or more drugs are in the body at the same time and one affects the action of another.
drug delivery
The means by which drugs are administered, including oral (pills), injection, topical gels (rubbed on the skin), nasal sprays, or inhaled formulations.
drug discovery
The process by which pharmaceutical researchers identify substances that could have a health benefit and be the basis for a medication.
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E
enteric coating
A coating on the surface of a pill that delays its absorption by the digestive tract.
enzyme
A protein that speeds up or slows down a chemical reaction in the body.
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F
FDA approval
Official permission granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowing a drug manufacturer to market a new prescription drug for a specific health benefit (see indication).
formulary
A list of medications approved by a health insurer for use by its beneficiaries.
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G
generic drug
Less expensive version of a brand-name drug. The manufacturer of a generic drug must prove GLOSSARY GLOSSARY 45 to the FDA that it contains the same active ingredient and effect in the body as the original, branded version.
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H
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I
indication
A disease or medical condition for which a drug manufacturer may legally claim its drug has a beneficial effect.
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J
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K
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L
ligand
A molecule that binds to a receptor.
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M
maximum useful dose
The dose level of a drug beyond which it offers no additional benefit and, potentially, confers an increased risk of side effects.
Medicare Part D
The federally subsidized prescription drug plan for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States.
medication error
Errors in the dose or type of drug given to a patient, whether in a hospital, pharmacy, home, medical office, clinic, or other location where medications are prescribed, dispensed or administered.
minimum effective dose
The dose of a medication that provides sufficient benefit for the condition being treated, with minimum side effects.
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N
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O
off-label prescribing
The legal practice of prescribing a drug for a reason not specified in the approved FDA indication.
over-the-counter drugs
Drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.
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P
pharmacist
Health professional trained to prepare and distribute drugs and educate patients about their risks and benefits.
pharmacologist
A scientist who studies the effects of medications.
placebo
An inactive pill or medical procedure with no expected therapeutic value, often used in a clinical research for comparison as a baseline against which to measure the effects of a drug under study.
polypharmacy
Prescribing multiple medications to treat multiple medical conditions.
post-marketing surveillance
Studies conducted after FDA approval to monitor for unknown or unanticipated side effects of a medication.
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Q
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R
receptor
See cell receptor.
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S
side effect
An unwanted or harmful effect of a drug. Also known as an adverse drug effect or reaction.
T
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therapeutic range
The dose range within which a drug is considered safe and
U
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V
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
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Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Prescription Drugs
Look In the Book: Prescription Drugs
copyright 2007 Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.
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