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ARTICLE
PHARMACY
Pharmacy: Pharmacy derived its name from the word
Pharmakon means A Drug. Pharmacy is concerned
with the manufacture, formulation, quality control, and
dispensing of medicaments used to treat disease. The
majority of modern medicaments consist of tablets,
capsules, and injections, all produced under stringent
conditions.
5.
6.
7.
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9.
Hospital Pharmacy
Community Pharmacy
Academics
Regulatory Affairs
Documentation, Library Information Services
& Pharmacy
10. Journalism
11. Consultancy
12. Opportunities Abroad
Drug: A chemical substance used in the treatment,
cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to
otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being.
Crude Drug: Natural substances of plant, animal or
mineral origin; which process therapeutic properties &
pharmacological actions & which have undergone no
treatment other than collection & drying.
Official Drugs:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Un-Official Drugs:
Non-Official Drugs:
Basic Pharmacy
Any drug which has a definite dosage form, dose,
therapeutic mode of action and used for the treatment
of disease is called medicine.
Medication: A medication or medicine is a drug taken to
cure or ameliorate any symptoms of an illness or
medical condition, or may be used as preventive
medicine that has future benefits but does not treat any
existing or pre-existing diseases or symptoms.
Dispensing of Medication: It is often regulated by
governments into 3 categories
i.
ii.
iii.
Drug Design:
Drug Development:
Basic Pharmacy
A
Abradant: An agent that removes an external layer, such
as dental plaque. [Pumice]
Basic Pharmacy
sympatholytic drug. [Phentolamine, alpha adrenergic
antagonist; Propranolol, beta adrenergic antagonist]
Basic Pharmacy
Anti-filarial: A drug that kills or inhibits pathogenic
filarial worms. [Diethylcarbamazine]
Anti-flatuent: A drug that reduces gastrointestinal gas.
[Simethicone]
Anti-fungal, Systemic: A drug that kills or inhibits
pathogenic fungi. [Griseofulvin]
Anti-fungal, Topical: A drug applied externally to kill or
inhibit pathogenic fungi. [Tolnaftate]
Anti-glaucoma Agent: A drug that lowers intraocular
fluid pressure, used to treat glaucoma. [Methazolamide
reduces fluid formation; Isofluorophate promotes fluid
drainage]
Anti-gonadotropin: A drug that inhibits anterior
pituitary secretion of gonadotropins, used to suppress
ovarian malfunction. [Danazol]
Anti-gout Agent: A drug that reduces tissue deposits of
uric acid in chronic gout or suppresses the intense
inflammatory reaction of acute gout. [Allopurinol for
chronic gout; Indomethacin for acute gout]
Anti-hemophilic: A drug that replaces blood clotting
factors absent in the hereditary disease hemophilia.
[Anti-hemophilic factor]
Anti-herpes Agent: A drug that inhibits replication of
Herpes simplex virus, used to treat genital herpes.
[Acyclovir]
Anti-histaminic: A drug that antagonizes histamine
action at H1 histamine receptors, useful in suppressing
the
histamine-induced
symptoms
of
allergy.
[Chloropheniramine]
Anti-hyperlipidemic: A drug that lowers plasma
cholesterol and lipid levels. [Clofibrate]
Anti-hypertensive: A drug that lowers arterial blood
pressure, especially the elevated diastolic pressure of
hypertension. [Guanethidine]
Anti-hypocalcemic: A drug that elevates plasma Ca
level, useful in treating hypocalcaemia. [Parathyroid
injection]
Anti-hypoglycemic: A drug that elevates plasma glucose
level, useful in treating hypoglycemia. [Glucagon]
Anti-infective, Topical [or Local]: A drug that kills or
inhibits pathogenic microorganisms and is suitable for
sterilizing skin and wounds. [Povidone iodine liquid
soap]
Anti-biotics
Anti-virals
Anti-fungals
Anti-parasitics
Basic Pharmacy
Anti-neoplastic: A drug that attacks malignant
[neoplastic] cells in the body. [Chlorambucil, alkylating
agent]
that
suppresses
coughing.
Basic Pharmacy
Beta Receptor Agonist: A drug that activates
sympathetic nervous system beta receptors, e.g. to
induce bronchodilation. [Isoproterenol]
Basic Pharmacy
Decongestant, Nasal: An adrenergic drug used orally or
topically to induce vasoconstriction in nasal passages.
[Phenylephrine]
Basic Pharmacy
Hemostatic, Local: A drug applied to a bleeding surface
to promote clotting or to serve as a clot matrix.
[Thrombin, clot promoter, Oxidizer Cellulose, clot
matrix]
Haemostatic, Systemic: A drug that stops bleeding by
inhibiting systemic fibrinolysis. [Aminocaproic Acid]
Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist: A drug used to
combat the histamine-induced symptoms of allergy;
anti-histamine [Chlorpheniramine]
Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonist: A drug that inhibits
histamine-mediated gastric acid secretion, used to treat
peptic and duodenal ulcers. [Cimetidine]
Basic Pharmacy
preparations are available in the form of tablets,
capsules, pastilles, powders, liquids and injectable
formulations. Multivitamin supplements are commonly
provided in combination with minerals.
Muscle Relaxant, Skeletal: A drug that inhibits
contraction of voluntary muscles. [Dantrolene,
Succinylcholine]
Muscle Relaxant, Smooth: A drug that inhibits
contraction of visceral smooth muscles. [Aminophylline]
Mydriatic: An adrenergic drug used topically in the eye
to induce dilation of the pupil [mydriasis].
[Phenylephrine]
N
Narcotic: A drug that induces action by reacting with
opioid receptors of the CNS, or a drug legally classified
as a narcotic with regard to prescribing regulations.
Narcotic Antagonist: A drug that reacts with opioid
receptors asymptomatically, used to terminate the
action of narcotic drugs. [Naloxone]
Neuromuscular Blocking Agent: A drug that paralyzes
skeletal muscles by preventing transmission of neural
impulses to them. [Succinylcholine]
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug: An analgesic,
anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits prostaglandin
synthesis. [Indomethacin]
NSAID: see Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug.
O
Opioid: see Narcotic.
Opioid Antagonist: see Narcotic Antagonist.
Oxytoxic: A drug that stimulates uterine motility, used
in obstetrics to initiate labor or to control postpartum
hemorrhage. [Oxytocin]
Osmotic diuretic: An osmotic diuretic is a type of
diuretic that inhibit reabsorption of water and sodium.
Osmotic diuretics works by increasing blood flow to the
kidney. This washes out the cortical medullary gradient
in the kidney.
P
Parasympatholytic: A drug that inhibits response to
parasympathetic
nerve
impulse
and
to
parasympathomimetic drugs; an anti-cholinergic drug.
[Atropine]
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Basic Pharmacy
symptoms such as inflammation; a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug. [Ibuprofen]
Protectant: A topical drug that provides a physical
barrier to the environment. [Zinc Gelatin, skin
protectant; Methylcellulose, ophthalmic protectant]
Proteolytic, Injectable: An enzyme drug for injection
into herniated lumber intervertebral discs to reduce
interdiscal pressure. [Chymopapain]
Prothrombogenic: A drug with vitamin K activity, useful
in treating the hypoprothrombinemia of vitamin K
deficiency or overdosage with a vitamin K antagonist.
[Phytonadione]
Psychedelic: A drug [especially a street drug] that
induces vivid sensory phenomena and hallucinations.
[Mescaline]
Psychotherapeutic: A drug used to treat abnormal
metal or emotional processes. [Chlorpromazine,
Haloperidol]
R
Rauwolfia Alkaloid: A plant principle derived from
Rauwolfia serpentina and related species, with antihypertensive and anti-psychotic actions. [Reserpine]
Radiographic Agent: see X-Ray Contrast Medium.
Radiopharmaceutical: A drug containing a radioactive
isotope, used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
125
131
[Iodinated Albumen with I or I]
Resin, Electrolyte Removing: see Ion Exchange Resin.
Rubefacient: A topical drug that induces mild skin
irritation with erythema, used as a toughening agent.
[Rubbing Alcohol]
S
Salt Substitute: A sodium-free substance, alternative to
sodium chloride, used for flavoring foods. [Potassium
Chloride]
Scabicide: An insecticide suitable for eradication of the
itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei [scabies]. [Lindane]
Sclerosing Agent: An irritant drug suitable for injection
into varicose veins to induce their fibrosis and
obliteration. [Morrhuate Sodium Injection]
Sedative: A central nervous system depressant used to
induce mild relaxation. [Phenobarbital]
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Basic Pharmacy
Toxoid: A modified anti-gen from an infectious organism
used as a vaccine. [Tetanus Toxoid]
Tranquilizer: A drug [such as anti-psychotic] used to
suppress an acutely disturbed emotional state.
[Trifluroperazine, anti- psychotic]
Tranquilizer, Minor: An old term for an anxiolytic drug.
Tricyclic Anti-depressant: An anti-depressant that
contains the Tricyclic Phenothiazine nucleus in its
chemical structure. [Imipramine]
Tuberculostatic: see Anti-tubercular.
X
Xanthine Alkaloid: A plant principle chemically related
to xanthine, with CNS stimulant, smooth muscle
relaxant, and diuretic actions. [Caffeine]
X Ray Contrast Medium: A drug opaque to x-rays that
assists visualization of an internal organ during
radiographic examination. [Barium Sulfate, Iopanoic
Acid]
PHARMACEUTICAL DEFINATIONS
U
Uricosuric: A drug that promotes renal excretion of uric
acid, useful in treating chronic gout. [Probenecid]
Uterine Contraction: An obstetric drug used after
placenta delivery to induce sustained uterine
contraction to reduce bleeding. [Methylergonovine]
Uterine Contraction Inhibitor: A drug that inhibits
uterine muscle contraction, used in preterm labor to
prolong gestation. [Ritodrine]
V
Vaccine: An anti-gen containing drug used to induce
active immunity against an infectious disease. [Hepatitis
B vaccine, Rabies Vaccine]
Vasoconstriction: A drug that narrows arterioles, usually
to elevate blood pressure. See Vasopressor.
Vasodilator, Coronary: A drug that expands blood
vessels in the heart and improves coronary blood flow,
useful in treating angina pectoris; an anti-anginal drug.
[Nitroglycerin]
Vasodilator, Peripheral: A drug expands peripheral
blood vessels and improves blood flow to the
extremities of the body. [Minoxidil]
Vasopressor: An adrenergic drug administered to
constrict arterioles and elevate arterial blood pressure.
[Norepinephrine]
Vinca Alkaloid: A plant principle derived from Vinca
rosea and related species, with anti-neoplastic action.
[Vincristine]
Vitamin: An organic chemical essential in small amounts
for normal metabolism, used therapeutically to
supplement the vitamin content of foods.
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Basic Pharmacy
Batch Records: All documents associated with the
manufacture of a batch of bulk product or finished
product.
Bio-Burden: The total number of viable microorganism
on or in health care product prior to sterilization.
Bulk Product: Any product that has completed all
processing stages up to, but not including final
packaging.
Calibration: The rest of operations that established,
under specific condition, the relationship between
values indicated by an instrument or system for
measuring, recording, and controlling, or the values
represented by a material measure, and the
corresponding known values of a reference standard.
Change Control: A formal system by which qualified
representatives of appropriate disciplines review
proposed or actual changes that might affect the
validated status of facilities, systems, equipment or
process.
Changing Room: A room or suite of rooms designed for
the changing of clothes and from which a clean or
aseptic area is entered.
Clean Area: An area with defined environmental control
of particulate and microbial contamination constructed
and used in such a way as to reduce the introduction,
generation, and retention of contaminants within the
area.
Cleaning Validation: Documented evidence that has an
approved cleaning procedure will provide equipment or
area which is suitable for processing medicinal products.
Chemical Disinfectant: A chemical or chemical solution
capable of destroying microorganism through
dehydration, alkylation, protein denaturation, oxidation,
and wall permeability.
Critical Process: A process that may cause variation in
the quantity of a pharmaceutical product.
Critical Area: An area with defined environment control
of particulate and microbial contamination, construction
and used in such a way as to reduce the introduction,
generation and retention of contaminants within the
area.
Critical Surfaces: Surfaces which come into contact with
sterilized product or containers that may lead to
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Basic Pharmacy
installations,
environment.
personnel,
documentation
and
Aim of Packaging:
Protection
Identification
Presentation
Components of Packaging:
Container
Closure
Carton / Outer
Box
Environmental
Hazard
Biological Hazard
Chemical Hazard
Abrasion
Puncture or Piercing
Moisture
Temperature
Pressure
Light
Atmospheric Gases
Solid airborne
contamination
Microbiological
Other form of infestation
Pilferage & Adulteration
risks
Chemical interactions
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Basic Pharmacy
introduced in accordance with
procedures do not adversely
characteristics and product quality.
change control
affect process
Yield:
15
Basic Pharmacy
suspension or in the form of a paste, is filled into a onepiece shell.
Collodion: A liquid preparation composed of pyroxylin
dissolved in a solvent mixture of alcohol and ether and
applied externally.
Concentrate for Dip: A preparation containing one or
more active ingredients usually in the form of a paste or
solution; it is used to prepare a diluted suspension,
emulsion, or solution of the active ingredients for the
prevention and treatment of ectoparasitic infestations
of animals.
Creams: A semisolid dosage form containing one or
more drug substances dissolved or dispersed in a
suitable base.
D
Drops, Oral: A solution, emulsion, or suspension that is
administered in small volumes, such as drops, by means
of a suitable device.
E
Effervescent: A dosage form containing ingredients that
rapidly release CO2 when in contact with water.
Elixir: A clear, pleasantly flavored, sweetened hydroalcoholic liquid containing dissolved active ingredients
intended for oral use.
Emulsion: A two-phase system in which one liquid is
dispersed throughout another liquid in the form of small
droplets.
Excipient: An inactive ingredient of a dosage form.
Extract: A concentrated preparation of vegetable or
animal drug obtained by removal of the active
constituents with suitable menstrual, by evaporation of
all or nearly all of the solvent and by adjustment of the
residual mass or powder to the prescribed standards.
F
Fluidextract: A liquid preparation of vegetable drug
containing alcohol as a solvent, preservative, or both
and so made that unless otherwise specified in an
individual monograph, each milliliter contains the
therapeutic constituents of 1 g of the standard drug.
Foam: An emulsion packaged in a pressurized aerosol
container that has a fluffy, semisolid consistency when
dispensed.
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Basic Pharmacy
Molded Tablet: A tablet that has been formed by
dampening the ingredients and pressing them into a
mold, then removing and drying the resulting solid
mass.
Mouthwash: An aqueous solution used to rinse the oral
cavity.
O
Ointment: A semisolid preparation intended for external
application to the skin or mucous membrane.
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Basic Pharmacy
System: A dosage form developed to allow for uniform
release or targeting of drugs to the body.
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