Pharmacology Fundamentals Flashcards

Which term describes an increased drug effect when two drugs are combined beyond what each would produce alone?

Answer: Synergism

Synergism (or synergy) occurs when two drugs combine to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.

What does the term 'bioavailability' refer to?

Answer: The fraction of a drug that reaches systemic circulation in active form

Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug dose that reaches the systemic circulation in an unchanged, active form.

What is drug tolerance?

Answer: A reduction in response to a drug after repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect

Drug tolerance is a decreased response to a drug after repeated exposure, so progressively larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect.

Which schedule of controlled substances has the highest potential for abuse with no accepted medical use?

Answer: Schedule I

Schedule I substances have the highest abuse potential and no accepted medical use in the United States, such as heroin and LSD.

What is first-pass metabolism?

Answer: The reduction of drug concentration as it passes through the liver before reaching systemic circulation

First-pass metabolism is the reduction in drug bioavailability that occurs when an orally administered drug is metabolized by the liver before entering systemic circulation.

Which of the following is an example of a beta-blocker medication?

Answer: Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.