CMCC External Pharmacist Exam flashcards

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

Percentage w/v concentration

Expresses grams of solute per 100 mL of preparation; a 5% w/v solution contains 5 g in 100 mL, equivalent to 50 mg/mL.

Alligation method

Arithmetic technique mixing two strengths to reach a desired strength; the parts ratio equals the difference between higher and desired over desired and lower strengths.

Ratio strength interpretation

A 1:1000 ratio means 1 g or mL of solute in 1000 mL or g of product; dividing 100 by the denominator gives percent, so 1:1000 equals 0.1%.

Beyond-use date

The date after which a compounded or reconstituted preparation must not be used; it is set from the preparation date using stability data, preservative limits, and storage conditions.

Time-dependent killing

Antibacterial activity that depends on how long drug concentration stays above the minimum inhibitory concentration; beta-lactams and vancomycin are classic examples.

Concentration-dependent killing

Activity that increases with the peak concentration relative to the MIC; aminoglycosides show this pattern, supporting extended-interval dosing strategies.

Warfarin mechanism

Inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, blocking regeneration of reduced vitamin K and reducing hepatic synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.

ACE inhibitor cough

A dry cough caused by bradykinin accumulation when angiotensin-converting enzyme is inhibited; switching to an angiotensin receptor blocker usually resolves it.

Metformin lactic acidosis

A rare but serious accumulation of lactate associated with metformin use in severe renal impairment, hypoperfusion, or hypoxia; stop the drug and seek urgent assessment.

Naloxone reversal

A competitive opioid receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression from opioid overdose; repeated doses may be needed because its duration is shorter than many opioids.

First-order half-life

For first-order elimination, t½ equals 0.693 divided by the elimination rate constant; it is constant regardless of the starting concentration.

Arrhenius equation

k = A·e^(−Ea/RT), relating degradation rate constant to activation energy and temperature; higher temperature raises k and shortens shelf-life.

Stokes' law

Sedimentation velocity equals d²(ρp − ρl)g/18η; larger particles, greater density difference, and lower viscosity all increase settling in suspensions.

Prodrug

An inactive derivative converted in the body to the active drug, often used to improve absorption, stability, or tissue targeting.

Oleaginous base

A hydrocarbon ointment base such as petrolatum that is occlusive, anhydrous, and not washable with water; it prolongs contact but feels greasy.

Zero-order degradation

Degradation at a constant rate independent of concentration; concentration falls linearly with time and half-life equals initial concentration divided by twice the rate constant.

Informed consent elements

Valid consent requires patient capacity, disclosure of material risks and alternatives, comprehension, and voluntary agreement; it can be withdrawn at any time.

Beneficence and non-maleficence

Beneficence is acting for the patient's benefit; non-maleficence is avoiding harm. Both guide risk–benefit decisions in therapy selection and monitoring.

Controlled substance schedule II

A category with accepted medical use but high abuse potential and dependence risk; prescriptions face stricter limits, no routine refills, and tighter record-keeping.

Medication error reporting

A non-punitive system for documenting errors and near misses so causes can be analyzed and processes improved; reporting is a professional obligation.

Pharmacist scope of practice

The legally defined activities a pharmacist may perform, including dispensing, counseling, and sometimes prescribing under protocol; delegated tasks remain the pharmacist's responsibility.

Cardiac glycoside action

Digitoxin and digoxin inhibit sodium–potassium ATPase, raising intracellular calcium and increasing contractility; their narrow therapeutic index requires concentration monitoring.

Alkaloid definition

A basic, nitrogen-containing plant compound with pharmacological activity, such as morphine, quinine, atropine, and caffeine; often isolated by acid–base extraction.

St John's wort interaction

Induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, lowering concentrations of many drugs including oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, and some antiretrovirals.

Herbal standardization

Adjusting a botanical preparation to a defined marker compound or biological activity so that batches deliver consistent content despite natural variability.

Tannins

Polyphenolic plant constituents that bind and precipitate proteins, producing astringent effects; they can also reduce absorption of some drugs and iron.

Essential oils

Volatile, terpenoid-rich plant distillates used for flavor and topical or aromatic effects; store in tightly closed, light-resistant containers to limit oxidation.

Absolute bioavailability

The fraction of an extravascular dose reaching systemic circulation, calculated as (AUC oral × dose IV) divided by (AUC IV × dose oral).

Volume of distribution

A theoretical volume equal to dose divided by initial plasma concentration; it indicates the extent of tissue distribution and sets loading dose.

Clearance

The volume of plasma cleared of drug per unit time; it equals dose divided by AUC and determines the steady-state concentration during repeated dosing.

First-pass effect

Metabolism of an oral drug by gut wall or liver before it reaches systemic circulation, lowering oral bioavailability; it can be saturated at higher doses.

Therapeutic drug monitoring

Measuring plasma drug concentrations for drugs with narrow therapeutic index and clear concentration–effect relationships, such as digoxin, phenytoin, lithium, and vancomycin.

Inhaler technique counseling

Teach shake, full exhalation, lip seal, actuation at the start of a slow deep breath, about ten seconds of breath-hold, and mouth rinsing after corticosteroids.

Teach-back method

A counseling check in which the patient restates instructions in their own words, confirming understanding and revealing gaps that need correction.

Medication reconciliation

The process of obtaining a best possible medication history and comparing it with prescribed orders at care transitions to identify and resolve discrepancies.