Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology Dictionary- Questions and Answers

Absorption Drugs enter the body and pass into the circulation to reach the parts of the body they need to affect through the processes of diffusion, osmosis, and filtration. Acquired immunity A long-acting and "learned" protective response in which B lymphocytes produce antibodies that are directed against specific microorganisms; also called specific or adaptive immunity. Active immunity Acquired immunity in which the body makes antibodies to specific antigens it has encountered; can be natural or artificial. Acute pain Pain that is usually related to an injury, such as recent surgery, trauma, or infection, and ends within an expected time frame. Substance use disorder (addiction) A psychological dependence in which there is a desperate need to have and use a drug for a nonmedical reason. The addicted person has a limited ability to control this drug craving or use. Additive effect Occurs when giving two drugs together and makes one of the drugs stronger or makes the action of the two drugs more powerful. Adrenergics A category of drugs that affect nervous system control of various organs and tissues by activating or blocking receptors that respond to the body's natural adrenergic substances, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Adverse effect A drug effect that is more severe than expected and has the potential to damage tissue or cause serious health problems. It may also be called adverse reaction, toxic effect, or toxicity, and it usually requires intervention by the prescriber. Adverse reaction Severe symptoms or problems that can cause great harm. Agonist A drug that works by activating or unlocking cell receptors, causing the same actions as the body's own chemicals