| pharmacoepidemiology | The science concerned with the benefit and risk of drugs used in populations and the analysis of the outcomes of drug therapies. Pharmacoepidemiologic data come from both clinical trials and epidemiological studies with emphasis on methods for the detection and evaluation of drug-related adverse effects, assessment of risk vs benefit ratios in drug therapy, patterns of drug utilization, the cost-effectiveness of specific drugs, methodology of postmarketing surveillance, and the relation between pharmacoepidemiology and the formulation and interpretation of regulatory guidelines. (pharmacoepidemiol drug saf 1992;1(1); j pharmacoepidemiol 1990;1(1)) (12 Dec 1998) |
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| pharmacogenetics | The convergence of pharmacology and genetics dealing with genetically determined responses to drugs. For example, after the administration of a muscle relaxant commonly used in surgery, a patient may remains apneic incapable of breathing on their own for hours due to a genetically determined defect in metabolizing (processing) the muscle relaxant. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pharmacognosis | That branch of pharmacology which treats of unprepared medicines or simples. Synonym: pharmacography, and pharmacomathy. Origin: Gr. A drug + a knowing. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pharmacognosist | One skilled in pharmacognosy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pharmacognosy | <pharmacology, study> A subfield of pharmacology which studies natural drugs, including the study of their biological and chemical components, botanical sources, and other characteristics (economic, biochemical, biological, etc.). (09 Oct 1997) |
| pharmacography | See Pharmacognosis. Origin: Gr. A drug. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pharmacokinetic | Relating to the disposition of drugs in the body (i.e., their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination). (05 Mar 2000) |
| pharmacokinetics | <pharmacology, study> The action of drugs in the body over a period of time, including the processes of absorption, distribution, localisation in tissues, biotransformation and excretion. (18 Nov 1997) |
| pharmacolite | <chemical> A hydrous arsenate of lime, usually occurring in silky fibres of a white or grayish colour. Origin: Gr. Drug, poisonous drug: cf. F. Pharmacolithe. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pharmacologic | <pharmacology> Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. (18 Nov 1997) |
| pharmacologic mediators of anaphylaxis | Substances released from mast (and other) cells by the reaction of antigen and specific homocytotropic antibody on their surfaces; they include histamine, slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), bradykinin, and (in some species of animals) serotonin. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pharmacologist | One skilled in pharmacology. Origin: Cf. F. Pharmacologiste. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pharmacology | <study> The medical science that deals with the discovery, chemistry, effects, uses and manufacture of drugs. (09 Oct 1997) |
| pharmacology, clinical | The branch of pharmacology that deals directly with the effectiveness and safety of drugs in humans. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pharmacomania | <psychiatry> Morbid impulse to take drugs. Origin: pharmaco-+ G. Mania, frenzy (05 Mar 2000) |