| A | B |
|---|
| absorption | The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream. |
| action | The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body. |
| activated charcoal | An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. Charcoal is ground into a very fine powder that provides the greatest possible surface area for binding medications that have been taken by mouth; it is carried on the EMS unit. |
| adsorption | The process of binding or sticking to a surface. |
| aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA) | A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping). |
| contraindications | Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate, for example, a condition in which a medication should not be given because it would not help or may actually harm a patient. |
| dose | The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient''s size and age. |
| epinephrine | A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction. |
| gel | A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes. |
| generic name | The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its "trade names"); the name is not capitalized. |
| hypoglycemia | An abnormally low blood glucose level. |
| indications | The therapeutic uses for a specific medication. |
| inhalation | Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route. |
| intramuscular (IM) injection | An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route. |
| intraosseous (IO) | Into the bone; a medication delivery route. |
| intravenous (IV) injection | An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route. |
| metered-dose inhaler (MDI) | A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled. |
| nitroglycerin | A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing arteries to dilate; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication. |
| oral | By mouth; a medication delivery route. |
| oral glucose | A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit. |
| over-the-counter (OTC) medications | Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription. |
| oxygen | A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without oxygen. |
| per os (PO) | Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral. |
| per rectum (PR) | Through the rectum; a medication delivery route. |
| pharmacology | The study of the properties and effects of medications. |
| polypharmacy | Simultaneous use of many medications. |
| prescription medications | Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician''s order. |
| side effects | Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones. |
| solution | A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand. |
| subcutaneous (SC) injection | Injection into the tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route. |
| sublingual (SL) | Under the tongue; a medication delivery route. |
| suspension | A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve. |
| topical medications | Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route. |
| trade name | The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized. |
| transcutaneous | Through the skin; a medication delivery route. |
| transdermal medications | Medications that are designed to be absorbed through the skin (transcutaneously). |
