Revision as of 07:24, 6 May 2014

The glossary on Rx-wiki is an ongoing project to provide definitions to various terms used throughout the site and in the field of pharmacy. The terms have been placed in alphabetical order to aid in finding them.

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0-9

A

acute - The word acute is derived from the Latin word acutus, which means sharp. In medicine, acute can mean either a condition with rapid onset or that it is a short-lived condition. In some situations it can carry both meanings.

addiction - An addiction is a physical and/or psychological dependence/craving for something that interferes with accomplishing other activities regardless of potential negative effects. An addiction commonly involves some form of drug/substance abuse.

additive - An additive, in the context of sterile compounding, is a drug that is added to a parenteral solution.

admixture - An admixture is the resulting solution when a drug is added to a parenteral solution.

adverse drug event - An adverse drug event (ADE) is any undesirable experience temporally associated with the use of a medication.

agonist - An agonist is a chemical that can combine with a receptor in the body to cause a physiological reaction.

amebicide - An amebicide (or ameobicide) is a drug that can be used to kill ameobas/protozoans.

anabolic steroids - Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, having pronounced anabolic properties and relatively weak andronergic properties (i.e., producing masculine characteristics), which are used clinically mainly to promote growth and to repair body tissue in senility, debilitating illness, and convalescence. Anabolic steroids may also be referred to as andronergic-anabolic steroids.

anaphylaxis - Anaphylaxis is an extreme hypersensitivity to a drug or foreign protein. Anaphylaxis results in a potentially life threatening systemic reaction causing the constriction of the trachea, preventing proper respiration; this is sometimes referred to as anaphylactic shock.

antagonist - In medicine, an antagonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor within the body but does not produce a physiological response, blocking the action of agonist chemicals.

ante area - An area that is ISO class 8 or better where hand hygiene and garbing is performed. It also functions as a transition area between the buffer area and the rest of the facility.

anti-infective - For definition of anti-infective, see antimicrobial.

antibiotic - An antibiotic is any substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

antidote - Antidote, derived from the Greek antidoton where anti is a prefix that means against and doton means given. Therefore we can think of an antidote as being working against what has already been given. A more contemporary definition would be a remedy or other agent used to neutralize or counteract the effects of a poison or other deleterious agent.

antifungal - An antifungal is a drug that inhibits the growth of fungi.

antimicrobial - An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, protozoans or viruses. Classes of medications used to fight these types of infections include antibiotics, antifungals, amebicides, and antivirals.

antineoplastic agents - Antineoplastic agents are drugs that inhibit and combat the development of tumors.

antiviral - An antiviral is a medication that can inhibit the growth and reproduction of a virus. This is different from a viricide, which actually deactivates virus particles outside the human body.

arthritis - Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint or joints causing pain and/or disability, swelling and stiffness, and due to various causes such as infection, trauma, degenerative changes or metabolic disorders.

aseptic techniques - Aseptic techniques are techniques or methods that maintain the sterile condition of products.

athlete's foot - Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, usually between the toes, caused by the pathogen fungi, tinea pedis.

automated compounding device (ACD) - An automated compounding device is a machine used to prepare CSPs (e.g., PN).

B

bacteria - A bacterium (singular form of bacteria) is a single celled microorganism without a nucleus. Bacteria treated by antibiotics are usually broken into two categories, gram-positive and gram-negative.

bactericidal - Bactericidal drugs are drugs that actually kill the bacteria.

bacteriostatic - Bacteriostatic drugs are drugs that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

bank identification number (BIN) - On a health insurance card a BIN is a six digit number used to identify a specific plan from a carrier making it easier for the PBM to process your prescription online. No actual bank is involved in this part of the process, the name is a hold over from early electronic banking jargon.

batch preparation - A batch preparation is one in which multiple identical units are prepared in a single operation in anticipation of prescriptions.

behind the counter (BTC) - These are medications that do not require a prescription, but can only be obtained at the pharmacy counter. Examples of this include:

• products containing pseudoephedrine,
• emergency birth control,
• insulins, and
• some states allow cough syrups with small amounts of codeine.

beta-lactam - Many antibiotics have a beta-lactam (β-lactam) ring, a four-membered ring structure, which allows them to bind to the cell walls of many bacteria and inhibit cell wall synthesis. Antibiotics that have this structure (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams) are often referred to as beta-lactam antibiotics.

beta-lactamase - Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that can break the beta-lactam ring in some antibiotics (such as penicillins), and is responsible for their resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.

beta-lactamase inhibitors - A beta-lactamase inhibitor is a molecule used in conjunction with a beta-lactam antibiotic (such as a penicillin) to extend its spectrum of activity. Although beta-lactamase inhibitors have little or no antibiotic activity of their own, they instead inhibit the activity of beta-lactamases (a family of enzymes that break the beta-lactam ring in beta-lactam antibiotics) and allowing these antibiotics to still work.

bioavailability - Bioavailability is a measure of the rate and extent (amount) of active ingredient which reaches the general circulatory system.

bioequivalents - Bioequivalants are pharmaceutical equivalents which, when administered under similar conditions, will produce comparable bioavailabilities.

black box warning - A black box warning is a warning, surrounded by a black border, contained in prescription drug package inserts to indicate that the drug may cause serious or life-threatening effects.

blocker - See antagonist for definition.

Board of Pharmacy (BOP) - Each state has its own board of pharmacy. The BOP sets standards, roles, and requirements for pharmacy personnel and practice setting in their state.

brand name - This is the manufacturers trademark designation. Each brand name is owned by the company and begins with a capital letter, and it is protected by a trademark. Drugs often have several brand names. The terms trade name and proprietary name may also be used interchangeably with brand name.

buffer area - An area that is required to be ISO class 7 or better. A primary engineering control (PEC) such as a laminar airflow workbench would be located in this area.

C

cancer - Cancer is a disease in which the cells of a tissue undergo uncontrolled (and often rapid) proliferation.

candidiasis - Candidiasis (or thrush) is a fungal infection (mycosis) commonly referred to as a yeast infection. Candidiasis encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases.

cart-fill - Cart-fill (sometimes listed as cartfill) is the process of providing patients with a short term supply of all the medications they need (typically 24 hours worth). This process is commonly practiced in institutional settings.

cell - The basic unit of a living organism which is able to synthesize proteins and replicate itself.

cell membrane - A cell membrane is the semipermeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell.

cell wall - A cell wall is a thick, fairly rigid, layer formed around individual cells of bacteria, Archaea, fungi, plants, and algae (but not animals and other protists which generally have cell membranes without cell walls). The cell wall is external to the cell membrane and serves a structural function helping the cell maintain its shape and protecting the cell from damage.

chemical name - A chemical name is the chemical formula for a drug. Medications are commonly referred to by either their brand name or generic name, but drugs may also be referenced by their chemical name.

chronic - In medicine, the word chronic can be defined as a condition that lasts over an extended period of time.

classification - This is how a medication is grouped and is typically defined according to its use in treating a particular disease or disorder. A potential source of confusion is that many medications could be grouped multiple ways. An example of this is aspirin, which can be classified as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

closed formulary - Under a closed formulary, the drug inventory is limited to a list of approved medications.

communication - Communication is the activity of providing information through the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, visuals, signals, writing, electronic means, or by behavior. This information is exchanged between two or more people.

compounded sterile preparations (CSP) - Compounded sterile preparations are admixtures that need to be assembled under aseptic conditions to prevent contamination.

computer cracker - A computer cracker is someone who makes unauthorized use of a computer, especially to tamper with data or programs. The media commonly refers to these individuals as hackers.

computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) - Computerized prescriber order entry, also called computerized physician order entry, is a process of electronic entry of practitioner instructions for the treatment of patients under their care. CPOE systems are used for processing orders in institutional settings.

contraindication - A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment.

controlled substances - Controlled substances are medications with restrictions due to abuse potential. There are 5 schedules of controlled substances with various prescribing guidelines based on abuse potential counter balanced by potential medicinal benefit as determined by the Drug Enforcement Administration and individual state legislative branches.

coring - Coring occurs when a needle damages the rubber closure of a parenteral container causing fragments of the closure to fall into the container and contaminate its contents.

D

database - A database is an organized collection of data.

database management system (DBMS) - A database management system (DBMS) is a software system designed to allow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of databases.

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses.

dependence - Dependence is a physiological need for a drug related to prolonged use. Commonly dependence is associated with addiction, but sometimes there are other underlying reasons for dependence such as an organ system requiring an exogenous chemical to continue functioning correctly.

dietary supplements - A dietary supplement is intended to supply nutrients, (vitamins, minerals/electrolytes, and amino acids) that are missing or not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person's diet. This category may also include herbal supplements.

diluent - A diluent is a solvent that dissolves a lyophilized powder or dilutes a solution.

direct purchasing - Direct purchasing entails ordering medications directly from the original drug manufacturer. This typically requires completion of a purchase order - generally, a preprinted form with a unique number, on which the product name(s), amount(s), and price(s) are entered.

dispense as written (DAW) codes - DAW codes are used to provide a quick explanation of whether or not a generic version of the medication is allowed to be dispensed, and if not then why and whom deemed the brand name product to be necessary. A DAW code of '0' applies to most prescriptions as they allow for generic substitution and patients are generally willing to receive the more affordable version. If a physician requires a specific medication to be dispensed, they will typically note this on the prescription. This is considered a DAW code of '1'. Sometimes a patient may request that they receive a brand name product even if a prescriber allowed for generic substitution. This would be classified as a DAW code of '2'. Other DAW codes are less frequently used. The following is a succinct list of the other DAW codes; 3 = substitution allowed - pharmacist selected product dispensed, 4 = substitution allowed - generic drug not in stock, 5 = substitution allowed - brand drug dispensed as generic, 6 = override, 7 = substitution not allowed - brand drug mandated by law, 8 = substitution allowed - generic drug not available in marketplace, and 9 = Other.

dosage form - A dosage form is the physical form of a dose of medication, such as capsule, patch, or injection. The route of administration is dependent on the dosage form of a given drug. As an example, persistent vomiting may make it difficult to use an oral dosage form; therefore, an antiemetic in suppository form may be desirable.

dose - A dose of medication is simply a quantification of how much is taken at a time and may or may not relate to the frequency with which it is used.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a United States Department of Justice law enforcement agency, a federal police service tasked with enforcing the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

E

e-prescribing - E-prescribing is the computer-based electronic generation, transmission and filling of a medical prescription, taking the place of paper and faxed prescriptions. E-prescribing allows a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to electronically transmit a new prescription or renewal authorization to a community or mail-order pharmacy.

enzyme - An enzyme is a globular protein that catalyzes a biological chemical reaction. Enzymes typically end in -ase.

eukaryote - A eukaryote is any single-celled or multicellular organisms whose cells contain at least one distinct nucleus.

excipient - An excipient is anything in a medication other than its active ingredient. Common categories for excipients include antiadherents, binders, coatings, disintegrants, fillers, flavors and colors, glidants, lubricants, preservatives, sweeteners, and printing inks.

extemporaneous compounding - Extemporaneous compounding can be defined as the preparation, mixing, assembling, packaging, and labeling of a drug product based on a prescription from a licensed practitioner for the individual patient in a form that the drug is not readily available in (extemporaneous = impromptu, compounding = the act of combining things).

F

fetus - A fetus is a human embryo after the eighth week of pregnancy.

first-pass effect - The first-pass effect is a phenomenon of drug metabolism whereby the concentration of a drug is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation. It is the fraction of lost drug during the process of absorption which is generally related to the liver and gut wall. Notably, drugs that experience a significant first-pass effect may be more suitable for parenteral administration.

Food and Drug Administration - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation, and by regulating the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products.

formulary - A formulary is a list of medications available for use within a health care system. There are two major types of formularies: open formularies and closed formularies.

fungus - A fungus (the plural form is fungi) is any member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that have cell walls containing chitin. Common examples of fungi include microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat because they are eukaryotes, like animal cells.

G

generic name - This is the official non-proprietary name assigned by the manufacturer with the approval of the USAN (United States Adopted Name) Council. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that each drug has a generic name, even if currently it is only available as a brand name product. A generic name may also be referred to as the non-proprietary name.

generic substitution - Generic substitution is the act of dispensing a different branded or unbranded drug product for the drug prescribed. “Generic substitution,” “brand interchange,” and “drug product selection” are but a few of the more common names used to mean the same thing.

geometric dilution - Geometric dilution, also called geometric incorporation, is the process by which a homogeneous mixture of even distribution of two or more substances is achieved. When using this method, the smallest quantity of active ingredient is mixed thoroughly with a proportion quantity of the diluent or base on the ointment slab. More diluent (base) is added in amounts proportionate to the volume of the mixture on the ointment slab. This process is repeated until all of the ingredients are incorporated in the mixture.

gram-negative - Gram-negative bacteria can not retain the crystal violet stain (like gram-positive bacteria do). Instead, they they take up the counterstain (safranin or fuchsin) causing them to appear red or pink.

gram-positive - Gram-positive bacteria are those that are stained dark blue or violet by Gram staining. Gram-positive organisms are able to retain the crystal violet stain because of the high amount of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. Gram-positive cell walls typically lack the outer membrane typically found in gram-negative bacteria.

H

hazardous drugs - Hazardous drugs are drugs that are known to cause genotoxicity, which is the ability to cause a change or mutation in genetic material; carcinogenicity, the ability to cause cancer in animal models, humans or both; teratogenicity, which is the ability to cause defects on fetal development or fetal malformation; and lastly hazardous drugs are known to have the potential to cause fertility impairment, which is a major concern for most clinicians. These drugs can be classified as antineoplastics, cytotoxic agents, biologic agents, antiviral agents and immunosuppressive agents.

health information exchange (HIE) - Health information exchange (HIE) is the mobilization of healthcare information electronically across organizations within a region, community or hospital system.

HEPA filter - A HEPA filter is a high efficiency particulate air filter.

hepatitis - Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, often caused by a virus. There are various types of hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E, and possibly a hepatitis G).

hepatotoxic - The term hepatotxic simply means toxic to the liver.

herpes - Herpes is a viral infection, caused by the Herpes simplex virus, marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes or on the genitals. There are various forms of herpes such as oral herpes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (chicken pox), and various other less frequently occurring forms such as ocular herpes.

Hippocratic Oath - The Hippocratic Oath is an oath traditionally taken by physicians pertaining to the ethical practice of medicine. It is widely believed that the oath was written by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, in the 4th Century B.C., or by one of his students. Although mostly of historical and traditional value, the oath is considered a rite of passage for practitioners of medicine.

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a slowly replicating retrovirus that causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive.

hypertonic - A hypertonic solution has a greater osmolarity than that of blood

hypotonic - A hypotonic solution has a lesser osmolarity than that of blood

I

idiosyncratic reaction - An idiosyncratic reaction is a reaction to a medication that is unusual/unpredictable, and is specific to a particular patient.

indication - This is the primary condition(s) treated by a particular drug. This may include both FDA approved uses as well as off-label (generally based on scientific studies but lacking FDA approval) medication uses.

influenza - Influenza is an acute contagious disease of the upper airways and lungs, caused by a virus, which rapidly spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics. In layman's terms, it is commonly referred to as "the flu".

inscription - The inscription is also called the body of the prescription, and provides the names and quantities of the chief ingredients of the prescription. Also in the inscription you find the dose and dosage form, such as tablet, suspension, capsule, syrup.

interactions - Medications have the potential to interact with other medications, dietary supplements, and constituents of various foods. Medications may also interact with various diseases.

inventory - Inventory is simply the entire stock on hand for sale at a given time.

ions - Ions are molecular particles that carry electric charges.

ISO Class - The International Organization for Standardization has established various levels of air cleanliness. The lower the number the fewer particles that are suspended in it and the cleaner the air is. The ISO classes commonly discussed in sterile compounding are ISO Class 5 (3,520 particles of 0.5 micron or larger in a cubic meter), ISO Class 7 (352,000 particles of 0.5 micron or larger in a cubic meter), and ISO Class 8 (3,520,000 particles of 0.5 micron or larger in a cubic meter).

isotonic - An isotonic solution has an osmolarity equivalent to that of blood

J

K

L

laminar airflow - Laminar airflow provides continuous air movement at a uniform rate in one direction.

legend drug - Legend drugs are medications that require a prescription prior to dispensing. These medications may or may not be considered abusable, but consultation with a medical professional that has prescribing authority is necessary due to the complex health conditions that these medications may be able to treat or ameliorate. Often, you will see the phrase "Rx only" used to denote legend drugs.

levigation - Levigation is the process of reducing particle size of a solid by triturating it in a mortar or spatulating it on an ointment slab or pad with a small amount of a liquid called a levigating agent. Levigating agents make incorporating solids easier, and they make a smooth, elegant preparation.

lot number - A lot number is an identification number assigned to a particular quantity (or lot) of material from a single manufacturer made in a specific batch. Sometimes also called a batch number or control number.

lyophilized - Lyophilized powders are simply freeze-dried powders.

M

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - OSHA-required notices on hazardous substances which provide hazard, handling, clean-up, and first aid information.

medication errors - A medication error is any incorrect or wrongful administration of a medication, such as a mistake in dosage or route of administration, failure to prescribe or administer the correct drug or formulation for a particular disease or condition, use of outdated drugs, failure to observe the correct time for administration of the drug, or lack of awareness of adverse effects of certain drug combinations.

MedWatch - MedWatch is the Food and Drug Administration’s reporting system for an adverse event.

meningitis - Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, characterized by headache, neck stiffness and photophobia and also fever, chills, vomiting and myalgia. Various microbial organisms may be responsible for meningitis including bacterial, viral, and fungal.

mondegreen - A mondegreen is the mishearing or misinterpretation of a phrase as a result of near-homophony, in a way that gives it an unintended meaning.

N

National Drug Code (NDC) - Each medication is assigned a unique 10-digit, 3-segment number. This number, known as the National Drug Code (NDC), identifies the labeler or vendor, product, and trade package size.

• The first 4 or 5 digits indicate the manufacturer
• The second 3 or 4 indicate the medication, strength, and dosage form
• The third set of numbers always has 2 digits and indicates the package size

National Provider Identifier (NPI) - A National Provider Identifier is a unique 10-digit identification number issued to health care providers (physician, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, etc.) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). An NPI is a required identifier for Medicare services, and is also used by other payors, including commercial healthcare insurers. If you need to check a find/verify a particular providers NPI, you may look it up at http://www.npinumberlookup.org.

negative pressure room - If a pharmacy prepares more than a low volume of hazardous drugs the appropriate type of PEC should be located within a negative pressure room. A negative pressure room has a has a lower pressure than adjacent rooms and therefore the net flow of air is into the room.

nosocomial infection - A nosocomial infection is an infection acquired while in the hospital.

O

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - OSHA is a government agency within the United States Department of Labor responsible for maintaining safe and healthy work environments.

off-label uses - Off-label use is the use of a medication in a manner different from that approved by the FDA including:

• for an unapproved indication,
• in an unapproved age group,
• unapproved dosage, or
• unapproved form of administration.

open formulary - An open formulary implies that the pharmacy must stock, or have ready access to, all drugs that may be written by the prescribers in their practice area.

orphan disease - An orphan disease is a disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States or low prevalence is taken as prevalence of less than 5 per 10,000 in the community. Often, an orphan disease is simply referred to as a rare disease.

osmolarity - Osmolarity, also called osmotic pressure, is a characteristic of a solution determined by the number of dissolved particles in it.

over the counter (OTC) - Over the counter medications are drugs that do not require the use of a prescription for a patient to obtain it. These medications are generally considered sufficiently safe for a patient to acquire and self medicate with by following the instructions included on the vial.

P

parenteral - A parenteral can be defined as any administration route not involving the GI tract, but it is used more commonly used in reference to routes that require sterile preparations (injectable routes, ophthalmic, and inhalation).

parenteral nutrition (PN) - Parenteral nutrition is a complex solution with two base solutions (amino acids and dextrose) and additional micronutrients. Lipids may or may not also be present in parenteral nutrition.

patient package insert - A patient package insert or medication guide is a document provided along with a prescription medication to provide additional information about that drug.

perpetual inventory - A perpetual inventory is a system that maintains a continuous count of every item in inventory so that it always shows the stock on hand. Some pharmacies maintain perpetual inventories on all products while others only do this with their schedule II medications.

personal protective equipment (PPE) - Personal protective equipment is worn by an individual to provide both protection to the wearer from the environment or specific items they are manipulating, and to prevent exposing the environment or the items being manipulated directly to the wearer of the PPE.

pharmaceutical alternatives - Drug products are considered pharmaceutical alternatives if they contain the same therapeutic moiety, but are different salts, esters, or complexes of that moiety, or are different dosage forms or strengths (e.g., tetracycline hydrochloride, 250 mg capsules vs. tetracycline phosphate complex, 250 mg capsules; quinidine sulfate, 200 mg tablets vs. quinidine sulfate, 200 mg capsules). Data are generally not available for FDA to make the determination of tablet to capsule bioequivalence. Different dosage forms and strengths within a product line by a single manufacturer are thus pharmaceutical alternatives, as are extended-release products when compared with immediate-release or standard-release formulations of the same active ingredient.

pharmaceutical equivalents - Drug products are considered pharmaceutical equivalents if they contain the same active ingredient(s), are of the same dosage form, route of administration and are identical in strength or concentration (e.g., chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride, 5 mg capsules). Pharmaceutically equivalent drug products are formulated to contain the same amount of active ingredient in the same dosage form and to meet the same or compendial or other applicable standards (i.e., strength, quality, purity, and identity), but they may differ in characteristics such as shape, scoring configuration, release mechanisms, packaging, excipients (including colors, flavors, preservatives), expiration time, and, within certain limits, labeling.

pharmaceutical substitution - Pharmaceutical substitution is the act of dispensing a pharmaceutical alternative for the drug product prescribed (e.g., different salt [codeine phosphate for codeine sulfate], different ester [testosterone propionate for testosterone enanthate], different dosage form [ampicillin suspension for ampicillin capsules]).

pharmacodynamics - Pharmacodynamics is a branch of pharmacology that studies the effects and modes of action of drugs upon the body.

pharmacokinetics - Pharmacokinetics is a branch of pharmacology concerned with the rate at which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated (ADME) by the body.

pharmacology - The term pharmacology is derived from two Greek words "pharmakon" and "logos". Pharmakon can mean sacrament, remedy, poison, talisman, cosmetic, perfume or intoxicant, but in this case, it can be broadly defined as drug. Logos can be translated as a principle of order and knowledge. By combining the terms you can see that pharmacology is concerned with the knowledge of drugs.

pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) - A PBM is a company that acts as an intermediary between the pharmacy and the insurance plan.

pharmacy informatics - Pharmacy informatics (a.k.a., pharmacoinformatics) is the use and integration of data, information, knowledge, technology, and automation in the medication use process. The goal of this integration is to improve health outcomes.

photosensitivity - Photosensitivity simply means sensitive to light. In medicine this can either mean that a medication is sensitive to light and need s to be protected form overexposure to the light or that a medication will cause a patient to be increasingly sensitive to the light (i.e., more likely to get sunburned).

positive pressure room - A room that has higher pressure than adjacent spaces and therefore has a net flow of air out of the room.

precipitate - A precipitate is an insoluble substance separated from a solution due to a reaction between incompatible substances.

pregnancy category - The pregnancy category of a pharmaceutical agent is an assessment of the risk of fetal injury due to the pharmaceutical, if it is used as directed by the mother during pregnancy. It does not include any risks conferred by pharmaceutical agents or their metabolites that are present in breast milk. The United States FDA has the following definitions for the pregnancy categories:

• Pregnancy Category A - Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
• Pregnancy Category B - Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies which have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
• Pregnancy Category C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
• Pregnancy Category D - There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
• Pregnancy Category X - Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

prescription origin code (POC) - Prescription origin codes (POC) were first created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help gather data on where prescriptions come from (0 = Unknown, 1 = Written, 2 = Telephone, 3 E-prescription, 4 = Fax). POCs are now mandatory for both Medicare and Medicaid patients and many other insurance companies require this as well.

primary engineering control (PEC) - A primary engineering control, which could include a room or device, provides an ISO Class 5 environment for compounding sterile products. Examples of primary engineering control may include laminar airflow workbenches (LAFW), compounding aseptic isolators (CAI), biological safety cabinets (BSC), compounding aseptic containment isolators (CACI), and clean rooms that create an ISO Class 5 environment.

prime vendor purchasing - Prime vendor purchasing involves an agreement made by a pharmacy for a specified percentage or dollar volume of purchases in exchange for being given lower acquisition costs.

prospective drug utilization review - Prospective drug utilization review (ProDUR) require state Medicaid provider pharmacists to review Medicaid recipients' entire drug profile before filling their prescription(s). The ProDUR is intended to detect potential drug therapy problems.

protein - Proteins are large biological molecules, or macromolecules, consisting of one or more long chains of amino acids. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, replicating DNA, responding to stimuli, and transporting molecules from one location to another. Proteins differ from each other primarily in their sequence of amino acids, which is dictated by the nucleotide sequence of their genes, and which usually results in folding of the protein into a specific three-dimensional structure that determines its activity.

protozoa - Protozoan are usually single-celled and heterotrophic eukaryotes containing non-filamentous structures that belong to any of the major lineages of protists. They are restricted to moist or aquatic habitats.

purchasing - Purchasing is the ordering of products for use or sale by the pharmacy, and is usually carried out by either an independent or group process.

pyrogens - Pyrogens are chemicals produced by microorganisms that can cause pyretic (fever) reactions in patients

Q

quality assurance (QA) - Quality assurance refers to the activities implemented so that requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled without error.

quality control (QC) - Quality control is the process of routinely checking/monitoring products to verify accuracy and/or appropriateness. Quality control typically looks at specific items at a given moment in time.

quality improvement - Quality improvement is the process of devising a method (quality assurance) to address concerns identified as potential sources of medication errors.

query - In computing, a query is a precise request for information retrieval with database and information systems.

R

reconciliation - In pharmacy, the term reconciliation can have two different definitions. Reconciliation can involve correcting a pharmacy charge to correspond with the proper fees for the item dispensed. Reconciliation can mean evaluating the patient's response to a therapy and making the necessary changes to better ensure that the patient's medical treatment better coincides with their needs.

reference listed drug (RLD) - A reference listed drug is the original brand (or innovator) drug that the generic drug is based off of, in which the Orange Book will make its comparisons to.

reorder point - A reorder point provides minimum and maximum (a.k.a., par and max) stock levels which determine when a reorder is placed and for how much.

reverse distribution - Reverse distribution involves the returning of medications to specialized brokers for management, and may involve a monetary credit to the provider. Reasons for using reverse distribution may vary, but often include controlled substances, expired or short-dated medications, excessive stock, and improperly stored products.

rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and progressive disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. It is characterized by pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints, stiffness, weakness, loss of mobility and deformity. Tissues throughout the body can be affected, including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles.

ribonucleic acid (RNA) - Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a ubiquitous family of large biological molecules that perform multiple vital roles in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

ringworm - Ringworm (properly known as dermatophytosis) is a clinical condition caused by fungal infection of the skin in humans, pets such as cats, and domesticated animals such as sheep and cattle. The term "ringworm", commonly used to refer to such infections, is a misnomer, since the condition is caused by fungi of several different species and not by parasitic worms. The fungi that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive on skin that is warm and moist, but may also survive directly on the outsides of hair shafts or in their interiors.

risk evaluation and mitigation strategy - A risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) is a plan to manage a known or potential serious risk associated with a drug or biological product.

risk management - Risk management is intended to identify errors, assess the root cause(s), and implement procedures to reduce medication errors. Risk management also involves measuring outcomes to determine if successful and then making additional process changes as necessary.

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schedule II medications - Schedule II medications must be stocked separately in a secure place or distributed throughout your inventory, and require a DEA 222 form for reordering, whether using a triplicate paper version or an authorized electronic system. Their stock must be continually monitored and documented. Some states may place additional restriction on purchasing and storage requirements for these medications.

side effect - A side effect is an effect, whether therapeutic or adverse, that is secondary to the one intended. The term is predominantly employed to describe adverse effects, but it can also apply to beneficial consequences of the use of a drug. A side effect of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) is drowsiness, which would be an adverse effect is someone needed to be alert, but could be beneficial if they required help going to sleep.

signatura - The signatura (also called sig, or transcription), gives instructions on a prescription to the patient on how, how much, when, and how long the drug is to be taken. These instructions are preceded by the symbol “S” or “Sig.” from the Latin, meaning "write" or "label." Whenever translating the signatura into instructions for a patient, begin it with an action verb such as take, inhale, spray, inject, place, swish, or whatever other verb seems appropriate for the medication.

spatulation - Spatulation is the mixing of powders and semi-solids (ointments, creams, etc.) on an ointment pad or slab using a spatula. With this method there is no particle size reduction, so the powders to be mixed must be fine and of uniform size.

superscription - The superscription consists of the heading on a prescription where the symbol Rx is found. The Rx symbol comes before the inscription.

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tachycardia - Tachycardia is a rapid resting heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute.

teratogen - A teratogen is a drug/substance with the ability to cause defects on fetal development or fetal malformation.

The Joint Commission (TJC) - The Joint Commission, formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is a nonprofit organization that accredits more than 20,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States.

therapeutic alternates -Therapeutic alternates are drug products containing different therapeutic moieties which are of the same pharmacologic and/or therapeutic class that can be expected to have similar therapeutic effects when administered to patients in therapeutically equivalent doses.

therapeutic equivalents - Drug products are considered to be therapeutic equivalents only if they are available in the same dosage strength, dosage form, achieve the same blood levels, and if they can be expected to have the same clinical effect and safety profile when compared to the original innovator drug. To ensure that a specific generic product is considered to be a therapeutic equivalent, it is recommended that you refer to the Orange Book, a publication from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If the products being compared in the Orange Book are considered therapeutic equivalents, it will be given a Therapeutic Equivalence (TE) Code that begins with an "A". If the products are not considered therapeutic equivalents, they will be given a TE Code that begins with a "B". Sometimes these will be referred to as "A" ratings and "B" ratings. These ratings are typically two letters long and will sometimes include a number as well. Usually, a tablet or capsule that is therapeutically equivalent to the innovator drug will have a TE Code 'AB' (with the first letter establishing whether or not the drugs are therapeutically equivalent, and the second letter establishing dosage form category). If a number is included after the two letter code that must also match to be considered therapeutically equivalent.

therapeutic substitution - Therapeutic substitution is the act of dispensing a therapeutic alternate for the drug product prescribed. Examples are:

• chlorothiazide for hydrochlorothiazide
• cephradine for cephalexin

trituration - Trituration is a method to reduce particle size (comminution); it may also include the grinding together of two or more substances in a mortar to mix them as you should want a fine powder to make incorporation better. Trituration is achieved by firmly holding the pestle and exerting a downward pressure with it while moving it in successively larger circles starting at the center of the mortar, moving outward to the side of the mortar, then back again toward the center.

U

United States Pharmacopeia (USP) - The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the official pharmacopeia of the United States, published dually with the National Formulary as the USP-NF. Prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines and other healthcare products sold in the United States are required to follow the standards in the USP-NF. The USP also sets standards for food ingredients and dietary supplements. Chapters in the USP that are listed as below 1000 are considered enforceable, while chapters enumerated as 1000 or greater are considered guidelines. Therefore, USP 797 and USP 795 are considered enforceable, while USP 1075 and USP 1160 are simply considered guidelines for best practices.

USP 795 - USP Chapter 795, Pharmaceutical Compounding-Nonsterile Preparations, codifies the rules pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must follow when compounding nonsterile formulations intended for humans and animals.

USP 797 - USP Chapter 797, Pharmaceutical Compounding-Sterile Preparations, provides the first set of enforceable sterile compounding standards issued by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). USP Chapter 797 describes the procedures and requirements for compounding sterile preparations and sets the standards that apply to all settings in which sterile preparations are compounded.

USP 1075 - USP Chapter 1075, Good Compounding Practices, is intended to provide guidelines on applying best practices in compounding, both sterile and nonsterile.

USP 1160 - USP Chapter 1160, Pharmaceutical Calculations in Prescription Compounding, provides general information on the mathematical concepts required for compounding pharmaceutical preparations.

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Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System - Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a post-marketing safety surveillance program, collecting information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after administration of vaccines.

vaccines - A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease. A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism, and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins or one of its surface proteins.

virus - A virus is a submicroscopic infectious organism. It has a non-cellular structure consisting of a core of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat. It requires a living cell to replicate, and often causes disease in the host organism.

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wholesaler purchasing - Wholesaler purchasing enables the pharmacy to use a single source to purchase numerous products from numerous manufacturers. Most drug ordering of this fashion is done online.

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