PHARMACOLOGY

Learning objectives

By the end of this module the learner should be able to administer drugs:

Here are some key terms commonly used in the field of pharmacology:

1. **Drug**: A substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body.

2. **Pharmacodynamics**: The study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.

3. **Pharmacokinetics**: The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.

4. **Therapeutics**: The branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease and the action of remedies.

5. **Toxicology**: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals (including drugs) on living organisms.

6. **Pharmaceutics**: The study of the formulation, manufacture, stability, and effectiveness of pharmaceutical dosage forms.

7. **Pharmacogenomics**: The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.

8. **Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)**: An unintended and harmful reaction to a drug when used at normal doses.

9. **Placebo**: A substance that has no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs.

10. **Clinical Trials**: Research studies that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new drugs or treatments in humans.

Understanding these terms is essential for anyone studying or working in the field of pharmacology.