Author: Glossary
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Drusen
Small, yellowish deposits found between the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s membrane. In the realm of ophthalmology, there exists a condition characterized by the accumulation of clumps of pigment beneath the retina. This occurs when waste products accumulate at a faster rate than they can be eliminated. These pigment clumps, known as drusen, serve as…
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Drunkalogue
A colloquial term for a personal history of one’s addiction to alcohol and its consequences, often recited at a meeting with other alcoholics. The recital is often used for therapeutic purposes, e.g., it defines the speaker as an alcoholic and details the ways in which alcoholism has harmed or continues to harm the person seeking…
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Drum
The membrane of the tympanic cavity; the tympanum or cavity of the middle ear. The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane.
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Drug withdrawal
The removal from the market of a therapeutic agent that had been previously approved for use in patient care. Drug withdrawals affect millions of patients annually. They usually result from the aftermarket recognition of adverse drug reactions that were not noted during the drug approval process. Prominent examples of drug withdrawals include: Bextra, Fen/Phen, and…
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Mandated drug testing
The enforced testing of individuals for evidence of drug or alcohol use or abuse. Some state or federal regulatory or licensing agencies require random drug testing of employees in specific industries to ensure public safety and to prevent on-the-job injuries. In addition, some health care professionals who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse…
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Drug substitution
In pharmacy dispensing, the replacement of one drug by another. Typically a generic drug, or a drug available in a restricted formulary, is substituted for a brand-name drug.
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Drug screen
A clinical laboratory procedure that checks a patient’s blood or urine sample for presence of certain drugs such as barbiturates, opioids, or amphetamines. Also called a tox screen.
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Drug-resistant
Unaffected by chemotherapy.
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Drug reaction
Adverse and undesired reaction to a substance taken for its pharmacological effects. An estimated 15% of hospitalized patients develop toxic or allergic drug reactions.
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Drug product problem reporting program
A program managed by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., that informs the product manufacturer, the labeler, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of potential health hazards and defective drug products. The reports may be submitted by any health professional.