Greek Pharmacist License flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Lipinski Rule of Five

Drug-likeness rule: molecular weight ≤500, logP ≤5, hydrogen-bond donors ≤5, acceptors ≤10. Two or more violations predict poor oral absorption.

Henderson–Hasselbalch equation

Relates pH and pKa: pH = pKa + log([A⁻]/[HA]) for acids. Determines the ionised fraction, which governs absorption across membranes and renal reabsorption.

CYP3A4

Major hepatic and intestinal cytochrome P450 enzyme metabolising over half of all drugs. Inhibition raises substrate levels; induction lowers them, causing clinically important interactions.

Prodrug

Inactive chemical derivative converted in vivo to the active drug, usually by hydrolysis or enzymatic metabolism. Used to improve absorption, stability, or targeting, as with enalapril and oseltamivir.

Cardiac glycosides

Plant compounds such as digoxin from Digitalis species. They inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, increasing intracellular calcium and contractility. They have a narrow therapeutic index requiring monitoring.

St John's wort

Hypericum perforatum extract containing hyperforin. It induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing levels of oral contraceptives, ciclosporin, and warfarin.

Alkaloids

Basic nitrogen-containing natural products, often pharmacologically active. Examples include morphine, quinine, atropine, and vincristine, extracted from plants and used clinically.

Noyes–Whitney equation

Describes dissolution rate as proportional to surface area, diffusion coefficient, and solubility, and inversely to diffusion layer thickness. Smaller particles dissolve faster.

Stokes' law

Sedimentation velocity equals 2r²(ρp − ρm)g/9η. Larger particles and greater density differences settle faster; higher viscosity slows settling in suspensions.

Bioavailability

Fraction of an administered dose reaching systemic circulation unchanged. Absolute bioavailability compares oral with intravenous AUC, corrected for dose.

HLB system

Hydrophile–Lipophile Balance scale from 0 to 20. Values 3–6 favour water-in-oil emulsions; 8–18 favour oil-in-water emulsions; 15–18 act as solubilisers.

Geometric dilution

Compounding technique for potent drugs: mix the small quantity of active ingredient with an equal volume of diluent, then repeatedly double the mixture until uniformly distributed.

Moist heat sterilisation

Autoclave sterilisation at 121 °C and 15 psi for 15 minutes. Effective against bacteria and spores; unsuitable for heat-labile drugs and moisture-sensitive materials.

Zero-order release

Drug release at a constant rate independent of concentration, as in osmotic pump systems. Maintains stable plasma levels and avoids peak–trough fluctuations.

Therapeutic index

Ratio of toxic dose to effective dose (TD50/ED50). A narrow index, as with digoxin, warfarin, and lithium, requires therapeutic drug monitoring.

Competitive antagonist

Binds reversibly at the agonist site, shifting the dose–response curve right without reducing maximal effect. Higher agonist concentrations can overcome the blockade.

N-acetylcysteine

Antidote for paracetamol overdose. It replenishes glutathione and detoxifies the reactive metabolite NAPQI. Most effective when given within eight hours of ingestion.

Volume of distribution

Apparent volume relating dose to plasma concentration (Vd = Dose/C0). Large values indicate extensive tissue distribution; low values indicate confinement to plasma.

Metformin

First-line oral drug for type 2 diabetes that reduces hepatic glucose production. Taken with meals; contraindicated when eGFR falls below 30 due to lactic acidosis risk.

INR monitoring

International Normalised Ratio standardises prothrombin time for warfarin monitoring. Target is usually 2–3 for atrial fibrillation and 2.5–3.5 for mechanical heart valves.

Heart failure quadruple therapy

For reduced ejection fraction: ACE inhibitor or ARNI, beta-blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and SGLT2 inhibitor. Each class reduces mortality and hospitalisation.

Teach-back method

Counselling technique where the patient restates instructions in their own words. Confirms understanding of dosing, side effects, and when to seek help.

High-alert medications

Drugs with heightened risk of serious harm when misused, including insulin, anticoagulants, opioids, and concentrated electrolytes. Require double-checking and clear labelling.

Inhaler technique

Shake, exhale fully, actuate while inhaling slowly and deeply, hold breath about ten seconds. Rinse mouth after inhaled corticosteroids to prevent oral candidiasis.

National Organization for Medicines

Greek regulator (EOF) responsible for marketing authorisation, pharmacovigilance, and inspection of medicinal products. Works with the European Medicines Agency.

Narcotic prescription rules

Controlled drugs require special prescription forms with limited duration and quantity. Pharmacists must record dispensing in registers and retain records as required by law.

Type B adverse reaction

Unpredictable, idiosyncratic reaction unrelated to dose, such as anaphylaxis or agranulocytosis. Often immune-mediated and detected only after marketing.

Signal detection

Identification of new or changed adverse event patterns using disproportionality statistics such as PRR and ROR. Signals require causality assessment and regulatory action.

Periodic safety update report

Post-authorisation document submitted to regulators summarising worldwide safety data, benefit–risk balance, and proposed risk minimisation measures for a marketed medicine.

Michaelis–Menten kinetics

v = (Vmax·[S])/(Km + [S]). Km equals the substrate concentration at half-maximal velocity; a low Km indicates high enzyme affinity for substrate.

Bohr effect

Rightward shift of the haemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve caused by increased CO₂, H⁺, temperature, and 2,3-BPG. Enhances oxygen release in metabolically active tissues.

Cockcroft–Gault equation

Estimates creatinine clearance from age, weight, sex, and serum creatinine. Used to adjust renally cleared drug doses in clinical practice.