Pharmacology Terminology

chemical agent that affects living processes, may be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases

properties of drugs, effects of drugs on living organisms

absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion or drugs

• brand name, trade name - unique trademarked name chosen by the manufacturer, exclusively used by that manufacturer, usually capitalized
• Ex: Amoxi-Tabs

• common name chosen by the manufacturer, may be used by other manufacturers also, not capitalized
• Ex: amoxicillin

• name that describes the chemical structure of the drug. Accurate but impractical for every day use
• Ex: Alpha-amino-p-benzyl penicillin trihydrate

• pain reliever
• Ex. butorphanol

• drug that produces partial or complete loss of sensation
• Ex. isoflurane

• drug that destroys worms
• Ex. ivermectin

• drug that kills or inhibit the growth of bacteria
• Ex. tetracycline

• antimicrobial - drug that kills or inhibits growth of microorganisms
• Ex. tetracycline

• drug that inhibits blood clotting
• Ex. heparin

• drug that prevents or stops seizures
• Ex. phenobarbital

• drug that combats diarrhea
• Ex. kaolin and pectin

• drug that combats vomiting
• Ex. chlorpromazine

• drug that kills or inhibits growth of fungi
• Ex. miconazole

• drug that decreases inflammation, may be steroidal
• Ex. prednisone (steroidal), phenylbutazone (nonsteroidal)

• drug that combats internal or external parasites
• Ex. lufenuron

• drug that combats coughing
• Ex. dextromethorphan

• drug made from living material, including vaccines, bacterins, toxoids, antitoxins, antivenins, etc.
• Ex. FVRCP vaccine

• purgative, laxative - drug that promotes evacuation of the bowels
• Ex. psyllium

• drug that dissolves cerumen (ear wax)
• Ex. triethanolamine

• drug that mobilizes body water and increases urine production
• Ex. furosemide

• drug that promotes ejection of mucus from the respiratory tract
• Ex. guaifenesin

• drug used to treat the eyes
• Ex. gentamicin ophthalmic ointment

• drug used to treat the ears
• gentamicin otic solution

• drug that calms and reduces excitement, usually by depression of the central nervous system
• Ex. xylazine

• drug that reduces anxiety
• Ex. acepromazine