Outline drug nomenclature and drug access as defined by the FDA.
Interpret concepts in pharmacodynamics.
Explain the four major factors of pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Differentiate side effects and adverse (toxic) reactions.
Correlate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with pharmacological applications
Sample Answer
Understanding the lifecycle of a drug requires a firm grasp of how it is named, how it is regulated, and how it interacts with the biological systems of the human body.
1. FDA Drug Nomenclature and Access
The FDA recognizes three distinct names for every drug to ensure clarity in prescribing and safety in manufacturing.
Chemical Name: Describes the exact molecular structure (e.g., N-acetyl-p-aminophenol). This is primarily used by chemists and researchers.
Generic Name (Non-proprietary): The official name assigned by the USAN Council (e.g., acetaminophen). There is only one generic name for each drug.
Brand/Trade Name (Proprietary): The name under which the manufacturer markets the drug (e.g., Tylenol).