Author: Glossary

Vasodilator used to treat spasms of peripheral blood vessels (e.g., Raynaud’s sign acrocyanocis). A vasodilator drug, given by mouth for the treatment of peripheral vascular disorders, such as Raynaud’s disease. Side-effects include flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a fall in blood pressure on standing. The drug should not be given to patients with peptic ulcers…

Antidiabetic used in the treatment of adult-onset, stable diabetes mellitus. Adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, and weakness. A drug administered by mouth in the treatment of maturity-onset diabetes. Side-effects include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy.  

Oral antiarrhythmic useful as second-line therapy against ventricular arrhythmias, such as frequent premature ventricular contractions. Serious adverse effects have been reported, including blood disorders and changes in the patient’s level of consciousness; therefore this agent is recommended only when less dangerous drugs have failed.  

To adjust the concentration of a solution (such as an injectable drug) so that the smallest possible amount (or lowest concentration) of the active ingredient is used that will achieve the desired effect. To determine or estimate by titration.  

Tuberculin skin test in which a disc with several tines bearing tuberculin antigen is used to puncture the skin. The development of hardened skin around the area indicates active disease or previous exposure and the need for further testing.  

Disorder characterize by swelling of rib cartilage, causing pain; it may accompany a chronic respiratory disorder, but in many cases the cause is unknown and it resolves without treatment. A painful swelling of a rib in the region of the chest, over the junction of bone and cartilage. The cause is unknown and the condition…

Substance released by the hypothalamus that controls the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary gland.  

Crisis in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism in which the release of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream causes rapid pulse, fever, respiratory distress, and restlessness, leading to delirium, heart failure, and death. Treatment is by antithyroid drugs. A rare but often life threatening medical emergency resulting from untreated hyperthyroidism. It is marked by fevers, sweating, restlessness, irritability, tachycardia,…

Administration of a pharmacological agent with the intention of causing thrombolysis of an abnormal blood clot, such as in the coronary (myocardial infarction) or pulmonary (pulmonary embolism) arteries. Available agents include streptokinase, urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, and APSAC. These preparations may be given either intravenously or directly into the blocked artery (intra-arterial). The use of…

Process of breaking up and removing blood clots, during which fibrin is dissolved. This is a normal and ongoing process in the body. The principles of thrombolysis have been utilized therapeutically via administration of drugs that dissolve blood clots associated with disease (e.g., such as in a coronary artery during an acute myocardial infarction). The…