ABSTRACT
Definitions of the terms used in pharmacology are given. The types of drugs and their form, function and administration are discussed. The pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion), pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacogenetics of drugs are explained. The terms target tissue and non-target tissue are defined in terms of drug activity. Biotransformation of drugs, agonists, antagonists, competitive antagonists and partial agonists are explained. The concepts of drug half-lives, first pass metabolism, bioavailability, therapeutic window, interactions, toxicology tolerance, dependence and side-effects are discussed. Biosimilar medications and drug names are discussed. Drug calculations are explained, and the use of drugs by the elderly is discussed.
