Medical Glossary

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Printed from: Clarke's Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, London: Pharmaceutical Press. Electronic version, 2005.

Medical Glossary

Abdominal: relating to the abdomen (the part of the body between the pelvis and the chest).

Abscess: a localised collection of pus.

Absorption rate constant: a pharmacokinetic measurement used in describing the distribution of a drug.

Acetoacetylcoenzyme A thiolase: an enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of acetoacetyl coenzyme A from two

molecules of acetyl coenzyme A; it can also act as a thiolase, catalysing the reverse reaction.

Acetylation: addition of an acetyl group to a substance.

Acetylcholinesterase: a hydrolase enzyme found in red blood cells and other tissues that catalyses the cleavage of

acetylcholine to choline and acetate.

1-Acid glycoprotein: an acute phase protein found in blood plasma that is an indication of tissue necrosis and

inflammation.

Acidification of urine: administration of agents, such as ammonium chloride or ascorbic acid, to produce acidic

urine.

Acidosis: disturbance of acidbase balance of the body as a result of accumulation of acid and hydrogen ions or

depletion of the alkaline reserve.

Acrodynia:seePink disease.

Active metabolite: the pharmacologically active product of metabolism of a drug.

Acute renal failure: kidney failure of sudden onset.

Addiction: state of being physiologically and psychologically dependent on a drug.

Adenosine triphosphate: a nucleotide that occurs in all cells and acts as an energy store and is required for various

metabolic reactions, including the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, and to produce mechanical movement.

Adipose tissue: fatty tissue.

Adrenal medulla: the inner part of the adrenal gland that synthesises catecholamines.

Adrenergic nervous system: sympathetic nerves that liberate noradrenaline at their synapses.

Adrenocortical insufficiency: reduced secretion of corticosteroids by the adrenal cortex.

Agglutination: the clumping together of red blood cells or micro-organisms that is brought about by specific

antibodies called agglutinins.

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Antifungal: a drug, such as ketoconazole, that is used to treat fungal infections.

Antigen: a substance that is capable of initiating the production of a specific antibody (immunoglobulin) that reacts

with the antigen.

Antihistamine: a drug that antagonises the actions of histamine at H1 receptors and is used to treat type I

hypersensitivity reactions and to alleviate pruritus, nausea and vomiting.

Antihypertensive: a drug that reduces blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatory: a drug that is used to reduce inflammation, includes aspirin, NSAIDs and antirheumatic drugs.

Antiparkinsonian: a drug that stimulates dopamine receptors or enhances the actions of dopamine and is used to

treat Parkinsons disease.

Antipsychotic: a drug used in the treatment of psychoses (formerly called a major tranquilliser).

Antiserum: a serum, obtained from an animal that has previously been immunised against an antigen, which containsimmunoglobulins against the antigen.

Anti-ulcer: an agent that prevents formation of ulcers or promotes their healing.

Antivenom: a proteinaceous material containing antitoxins that is used as an antidote to poisoning by certain snakes

and arthropods.

Antiviral: a drug used in the treatment of a viral infection.

Anxiolytic: a drug that reduces anxiety.

Aorta: the artery that carries blood out of the left ventricle of the heart.

Aphonia: loss of voice.

Aphrodisiac: a drug that arouses sexual excitement.

Apnoea: cessation of breathing.

Arrhythmia: any variation from the normal rhythm of the heartbeat.

Arterial blood: oxygenated blood (bright red in colour).

Arthralgia: pain in a joint.

Aspartate aminotransferase: (aspartate transaminase, AST) an enzyme that catalyses the reversible transfer of an

amino group from aspartate to alpha-ketoglutarate to form glutamate and oxaloacetate.

Asphyxia: cessation of breathing that occurs as a result of hypoxia and hypercapnia induced by breathing air lacking




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Cholinesterase: an enzyme found in various tissues, including plasma, that catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine

into choline.

Chorea: brief, involuntary muscle contractions and an inability to sustain voluntary contractions.

Chronic interstitial nephritis: chronic inflammation of the interstitial renal tissue that leads to progressive fibrosis

and danger of renal failure.

Circulatory collapse:see Shock.

Circulatory shock:see Shock.

Cirrhosis: damage to cells of an organ resulting in fibrosis (usually applied to the liver).

Clearance: a pharmacokinetic term that usually refers to plasma clearance and is the rate at which plasma is cleared

of a substance by processes such as excretion by the kidneys, metabolism, or dialysis.

Clot: a semi-solid mass, as in a clot of blood or lymph.

Clotting factor: one of the substances in the blood (known as factors) that are essential to the clotting process.

CNS depressant: a substance that reduces activity of the central nervous system.

Coagulated blood: blood that has clotted.

Coagulation factor:see Clotting factor.

Cognition: the processes in the mind that are involved in perceiving, thinking and remembering.

Colic: acute abdominal pain.

Coma: a state of complete loss of consciousness from which the patient cannot be roused even by powerful

stimulation.

Competitive inhibition: reversible binding of a drug that results in inhibition of enzyme activity or antagonism at a

receptor site.

Complex partial epilepsy: a seizure with impaired consciousness in which the neuronal discharges remain localised

in one area of the brain.

Concretion: a deposit of hard material in a natural cavity or in tissue.

Congener: something that is closely related to another thing or shares the same functions.

Conjugation reaction: a type of metabolic reaction that involves the addition of an endogenous group to a drug

molecule to produce a more polar substance that is more readily excreted by the body.




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Conjunctiva: the delicate transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed part of the eyeball.

Convulsion: involuntary contraction of the voluntary muscles.

Corticosteroid: one of the 21-carbon steroids synthesised by the adrenal cortex which may possess either mainly

glucocorticoid actions (effects on carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism) or mineralocorticoid actions (effects on

fluid and electrolyte balance).

Cotinine: the major urinary metabolite of nicotine.

Coumarin anticoagulant: any derivative of coumarin or any compound that acts like coumarin as an indirect

anticoagulant, such as warfarin.

Cramp: an involuntary, painful, spasmodic muscle contraction.

Creatine: an amino acid found mainly in skeletal muscle.

Creatinine: a breakdown product of the decomposition of creatine that is excreted in the urine.

Creatinine clearance: renal clearance of endogenous creatinine (commonly used to provide an estimate of

glomerular filtration rate).

Cyanosis: a bluish coloration of skin and mucous membranes caused by excessive amounts of deoxyhaemoglobin

(reduced haemoglobin) in the blood.

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor: a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as celecoxib, that selectively

inhibits the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase-2 and is used in the management of rheumatic disorders.

CYP3A: one of the forms of cytochrome P450.

Cysteine: a sulfur-containing non-essential amino acid produced by the hydrolysis of proteins.

Cytochrome a-a3 complex: a complex formed in the electron transport chain that transfers electron to oxygen,

reducing it to water.

Cytochrome P450: an enzyme found in the cells of most tissues that catalyses a wide range of oxygenation reactions

that are responsible for the detoxification of many drugs.

Cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase:see Cytochrome P450.

Cytochrome-P450 IID6: one of the forms of cytochrome P450.

Cytosolic: relating to or contained in the cytosol (liquid medium of the cytoplasm).

Deacetylation: removal of an acetyl group.

Dealkylation: removal of an alkyl group.




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Deamination: removal of an amine group.

Deletion: in genetics, the loss of any part of the genetic material on a chromosome.

Delirium: an acute transient mental disturbance that may be characterised by hallucinations or illusions.

Dementia: a deterioration of cognitive processes or intellectual abilities including memory, judgement, language and

abstract thinking.

Demethylation: removal of a methyl group.

Dental caries: tooth decay.

Dependency: a state in which there is a compulsive or chronic need, usually for a drug.

Depolarising substance: a substance that reduces the voltage across a biological membrane.

Depressant: a substance that reduces energy and activity by causing muscular relaxation.

Dialysis: a general term used to describe the removal of waste products and excess water from a patient by diffusion

through a semi-permeable membrane, examples of specific procedures include peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis.

Dialysis dementia: a dementia formerly seen in dialysis patients associated with high levels of aluminium in the

dialysis fluid or with aluminium-containing antacids given to control phosphorus levels.

Diaphorase: any flavoprotein that catalyses the oxidation of the cofactors NAD or NADP (see below) using a non-

physiological compound (such as methylene blue) as an electron acceptor.

Diaphoresis:see Sweating.

Diaphragm: the dome-shaped muscular membrane that separates the thorax from the abdomen.

Diarrhoea: increased frequency and liquidity of the stools.

Diffuse intravascular coagulation:see Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

Diplopia: double vision.

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy: a bleeding disorder where there is widespread microvascular thrombosis

with tissue and organ ischaemia combined with spontaneous bruising and bleeding.

Diuresis: increased production of urine.

Diuretic: an agent that promotes diuresis.

DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid, the primary genetic material of cellular organisms.




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Dopamine receptor: one of several types of receptor that are stimulated by the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Drug compliance: the degree to which a patient complies with instructions for taking their prescribed medicines.

Drug conjugate: the product of a drug metabolism reaction in which the drug is combined with another moiety such

as a sugar or amino acid.

Drug receptor:see Receptor.

Drug tolerance: the requirement for larger doses of a drug to maintain a constant response or a diminution of

response to repeated constant doses of a drug.

Duodenal ulcer: a peptic ulcer (a distinct break in the gastro-intestinal mucosa) in the duodenum.

Dysarthria: impaired speech due to loss of muscular control.

Dysautonomia: dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

Dysphagia: difficulty in swallowing.

Dysphoria: disquiet, malaise, restlessness.

Dyspnoea: difficulty in or laboured breathing.

Eating disorder: a disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, where an abnormal feeding habit is accompanied by

psychological factors.

Eczema: a term used, often synonymously with dermatitis, to refer to a variety of skin conditions characterised by

redness, inflammation and itching.

EEG:see Electroencephalogram.

Egestion: the casting out of indigestible material.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): a graphic tracing that represents the electrical currents produced by contraction of the

heart muscle.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): a recording of the electrical impulses generated by nerve cells in the brain.

Elimination: a pharmacokinetic term used to describe the removal of a drug from the body, for example by

metabolism or excretion in urine or faeces.

Elimination rate constant: a pharmacokinetic definition describing the rate of clearance of a drug.

Emesis:see Vomiting.

Emetic: an agent that causes vomiting.




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Emetic chemoreceptor: the vomiting centre in the brain, stimulation of which produces vomiting.

Emphysema: an abnormal accumulation of air in tissues or organs; often refers to pulmonary emphysema where

there is distension of the alveoli of the lungs.

Encephalopathy: degenerative disease of the brain.

Endocytosis: the uptake of a substance by a cell by invagination of its membrane and formation of a vesicle.

Endogenous: arising from causes within the organism.

Endotoxin: a heat-stable toxin associated with the outer membranes of certain gram-negative bacteria that are not

secreted by the cells but are only released when the cells are disrupted.

End-stage renal failure: chronic renal failure that is irreversible.

Enterohepatic recirculation: a recycling of a drug/metabolite that can occur if the compound is excreted in the bile

and then undergoes metabolism by the gut flora and is reabsorbed and is subject to metabolism in the liver, excretionin the bile, etc.

Enzymatic hydrolysis: the splitting of a compound by the addition of water and facilitated by an enzyme.

Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: a syndrome, sometimes fatal, of eosinophilia (increased white blood cells in the

blood) combined with severe generalised myalgia that has been reported in patients taking preparations containing

tryptophan.

Epidermal: relating to the external layer of the skin.

Epithelium: the tissue covering internal and external surfaces of the body.

Epigastric: referring to the region of the abdomen lying over the stomach.

Epilepsy: a group of syndromes that are characterised by recurrent epileptic seizures; an epileptic seizure is a

paroxysmal discharge of cerebral neurones that may manifest as various clinical signs, including impairment or loss

of consciousness, abnormal motor phenomena, or sensory or autonomic disturbances.

EPO:see Erythropoietin.

Ergotism: poisoning from eating ergotised grain or from misuse of medicinal ergot.

Erythema: reddening of the skin.

Erythrocytes (red blood cells): non-nucleated cells in circulating blood that contain haemoglobin.

Erythropoietin (EPO): a glycoprotein hormone secreted chiefly by the kidney in the adult and by the liver in the

fetus, which acts on the bone marrow cells to stimulate red blood cell production; an erythropoietin that is produced

by recombinant DNA technology is available for clinical use.




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Esterase: an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of an ester to produce an alcohol and an acid.

Eumelanin: a type of melanin (black pigment) found in darkly coloured skin and hair.

Euphoria: an exaggerated feeling of well-being (physical and mental).

Exogenous: from outside the organism.

Extracellular: outside the cell.

Extrapyramidal: referring to the parts of the central nervous system that are involved in motor activities but which

are outside the pyramidal tract.

Extravascular: situated or occurring outside a blood vessel.

F-actin: a polymerised form of actin, a protein that makes up muscle fibres.

Factor V: a clotting factor found in plasma but not in serum that catalyses the cleavage of prothrombin to the activethrombin.

Factor X: a clotting factor that is involved in both the intrinsic and the extrinsic pathways of blood coagulation.

Faeces: the excrement discharged from the intestines consisting of bacteria, cells exfoliated from the intestines,

secretions (mainly from the liver) and a small amount of food residue.

Fatty acid: a straight chain monocarboxylic acid that occurs in fats.

Femoral: relating to the femur or thigh.

Ferrochelatase: an enzyme found in mitochondria that catalyses the insertion of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX

to form haem.

Fetal: relating to the fetus.

Fetus: the postembryonic developing child in utero (i.e. from 9 weeks after fertilisation until birth).

Fever: elevation of the body temperature above normal.

Fibrin: the insoluble protein matrix that forms part of a blood clot and is formed from soluble fibrinogen by the

enzymatic action of thrombin.

Fibrinogen: a soluble plasma protein that is converted to insoluble fibrin by the action of thrombin.

First-pass metabolism: metabolism of an orally taken drug that occurs in the gastro-intestinal tract or in the liver

before the drug enters the systemic circulation.

Fit: colloquial term for an epileptic seizure.




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Flaccid paralysis: a paralysis that is accompanied by loss of muscle tone and absence of tendon reflexes.

Free drug: drug in the bloodstream that is not bound to plasma proteins.

Fresh frozen plasma: a preparation prepared from centrifuged donated whole blood that is used clinically to replace

clotting factors or other plasma proteins.

G-actin: a globular form of actin, a protein that makes up muscle fibres.

Gangrene: death of tissue, usually as a result of inadequate blood supply, that is followed by bacterial infection and

putrefaction.

Gastric aspiration: inhalation of the stomach contents into the lungs.

Gastric lavage: irrigation of the stomach.

Gastric ulcer: a peptic ulcer (an ulceration of the mucous membrane) occurring in the stomach.

Gastroenteritis: an acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by

bacterial infection, with symptoms including nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weakness.

Gene: a segment of a DNA molecule that contains all the information required for synthesis of a product (polypeptide

chain or RNA molecule).

Genome: the complete set of hereditary factors as in chromosomes.

Genomics: the study of the structure and function of the genome.

Genotype: the complete genetic constitution of an individual.

Gilberts syndrome: an inborn error of bilirubin metabolism where blood concentration of unconjugated bilirubin is

raised but there is no blood abnormality or liver damage.

Gingival sulci: a shallow V-shaped space around the tooth.

-Globulin: one of the globulins present in serum that constitute the majority of plasma protein.

Glomerulopathy: any disease of the glomeruli of the kidneys.

Glomerulus: a functional unit of the kidney that collects the filtrate from the blood capillaries and directs it into the

kidney tubule.

Glucocorticosteroid: any of the corticosteroids that regulate carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.

Gluconeogenesis: synthesis of glucose from protein or fat that occurs when there is insufficient carbohydrate

available.




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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: an enzyme that catalyses the oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate to a lactone,

reducing NADP+ to NADPH, which in turn maintains levels of reduced glutathione in cells.

Glucuronidase: an enzyme that catalyses the cleavage of terminal glucuronic acid residues from a variety of-

glucuronides; it is present in the intestine where it can hydrolyse glucuronide conjugates and therefore can contribute

to the recycling that is seen with some compounds (see Enterohepatic recirculation).

Glucuronidation: addition of glucuronic acid to form a conjugate (see Glucuronide conjugate).

Glucuronide conjugate: a water-soluble compound formed during metabolism of a drug that is a result of

combination with -D-glucuronic acid.

Glucuronyl transferase: an enzyme that catalyses the transfer of glucuronic acid to a substrate to form a glucuronide

congugate.

Glutathione: a tripeptide, found in many tissues but especially in the liver, which acts as a cofactor for enzymes and

also detoxifies harmful compounds.

Glutathione peroxidase: an enzyme found in high levels in the liver that catalyses the detoxifying reduction of

peroxides (such as hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxides) via oxidation of glutathione.

Glutathione S-transferase: an enzyme that catalyses the conjugation of a wide variety of substances with

glutathione.

Glycosuria: glucose in the urine.

Granuloma: an imprecise term for any small nodule formed by inflammatory cells.

Granulopenia: a reduction in the number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood.

Growth hormone: an anabolic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that promotes growth of skeletal, muscular

and other tissues; a growth hormone produced by recombinant DNA technology is available for clinical use.

Habituation: an older term used in describing drug dependency.

Haem: the iron protophorphyrin group that is the pigment-carrying part of haemoglobin.

Haematocrit: the proportion of the volume of a blood sample that is red blood cells.

Haematuria: blood in the urine.

Haemocyanin: a blue pigment found in the blood plasma of many molluscs and arthropods that can bind oxygen.

Haemodialysis: the removal of waste products from the blood by passing the blood through a dialysis machine.

Haemofiltration: the removal of waste products from the blood by passing the blood through filters outside the body

and returning the blood to the patient.




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Haemoglobin: the red oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells that comprises an iron-containing group called

haem combined with globin; it has the ability to reversibly bind oxygen.

Haemolysis: breakdown of red blood cells causing release of haemoglobin.

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome: a syndrome (seen predominantly in children) in which intravascular platelet

clumping occurs mainly in the renal vasculature causing renal impairment.

Haemorrhagic colitis: a bloody diarrhoea caused by a strain ofEscherichia coli that is generally self-limiting but

may be complicated by haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Haemorrhagic diathesis: a predisposition to abnormal clotting and bleeding.

Haemostatic: an agent that stops bleeding.

Hair follicle: the sheath in which a hair grows.

Half life (plasma half life): the time required for the drug plasma concentration to fall to half of a certain measuredconcentration.

Hallucination: a false perception of an object that occurs in the absence of such an object.

Hallucinogen: an agent capable of producing hallucinations.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin): a hormone produced by the placenta.

Heart block: impairment of conduction of the normal sinus node impulse through the heart.

Heparinised blood: blood that has had heparin added to it to increase the clotting time.

Hepatic clearance: removal of a drug from the blood by metabolism in the liver.

Hepatic dysfunction: impaired functioning of the liver.

Hepatic encephalopathy: a degenerative disease of the brain that usually occurs as a consequence of advanced liver

disease; disturbances of consciousness occur that may progress to coma.

Hepatic failure: liver failure.

Hepatic portal system: the blood supply of the liver.

Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver.

Hepatobiliary: affecting the liver and the bile or bile ducts.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: cancer of the liver cells.




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Hepatocyte: a liver cell.

Hepatolenticular degeneration: a rare autosomal disease of impaired excretion of excess copper which leads to

copper accumulation in the liver, brain and other organs including the kidneys and corneas; also known as Wilsons

disease.

Hepatorenal: relating to the liver and the kidneys.

Hepatotoxicity: having a destructive or harmful effect on liver cells.

Histamine: a naturally occurring substance found in all body tissues that has several functions including capillary

dilatation, smooth muscle contraction, increased gastric secretion and acceleration of heart rate.

Homeostasis: the tendency to maintain a stable internal environment, such as constant body temperature or blood

pressure.

Homogeneous: of the same quality or consistency throughout.

Homogenous: having a similar structure because of descent from a common ancestor.

Hormone: a chemical substance produced by an endocrine gland and circulated in the bloodstream that regulates the

activity of an organ or tissues.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin:see HCG.

Hyaluronidase: an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of hyaluronic acid.

Hydrolysis: the splitting of a compound by the addition of water.

Hydrophilic: a substance that has an affinity with water.

Hydroxylation: addition of a hydroxyl group.

Hyperaemia: an increase of blood in an area.

Hyperaesthesia: excessive sensitivity.

Hyperbaric oxygen: oxygen under greater than atmospheric pressure.

Hyperbilirubinaemia: excessive bilirubin in the blood, which may lead to jaundice.

Hyperimmune: having large quantities of specific antibodies in the serum.

Hyperinsulinaemia: excessively high blood insulin levels.

Hyperkalaemia: abnormally high potassium concentration in the blood.




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Hyperkeratosis: thickening of the stratum corneum of the skin.

Hypermagnesaemia: abnormally high magnesium concentration in the blood.

Hypernatraemia: abnormally high sodium concentration in the blood.

Hyperpigmentation: excessive pigmentation of the skin.

Hypertension: a higher than normal arterial blood pressure.

Hyperthermia: abnormally raised core body temperature (to above 37.2).

Hyperventilation (hyperpnoea): increased breathing that results in reduced carbon dioxide tension and alkalosis.

Hypnotic: a drug used to induce sleep.

Hypocalcaemia: low blood calcium concentration.

Hypoglycaemia: decreased concentration of glucose in the blood that may produce symptoms of anxiety, cold sweat,

hypothermia and delirium or coma (hypoglycaemic coma).

Hypoglycaemic agent: an agent that controls blood sugar levels and is used in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Hypoglycaemic coma:see Hypoglycaemia.

Hypokalaemia: low potassium concentration in the blood.

Hyponatraemia: low sodium concentration in the blood.

Hypophosphataemia: decreased amounts of phosphates in the blood; signs include haemolysis, weakness and

convulsions.

Hypotension: abnormally low blood pressure.

Hypothermia: a below normal core body temperature (35 or lower).

Hypotonia: reduced tone of the skeletal muscles.

Hypotonic: displaying hypotonia; solution with a low osmotic pressure.

Hypoventilation: reduced breathing that results in increased carbon dioxide tension.

Hypoxia: low oxygen level in the tissues despite adequate perfusion by blood.

Iatrogenic: any adverse condition that is a result of treatment by a doctor.

Idiosyncrasy: an abnormal individual reaction to a drug or protein or other administered agent.




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IgE: one of the immunoglobulins that act as antibodies.

Iliac: relating to the ilium, part of the hip bone.

Immune response: the response of the immune system to an antigenic stimulus.

Immunogen: a substance capable of inducing an immune response.

Immunoglobulin: one of the 5 classes of glycoproteins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM) that function as antibodies.

Immunostimulant: an agent capable of stimulating immune responses.

Immunosuppressant: an agent that can suppress immune responses, such as a corticosteroid or ciclosporin.

Immunotoxic: toxic to or toxicity involving the immune system.

Immunotoxin: a molecule formed by coupling a toxin to an antibody.

Impotence: failure to initiate an erection or to maintain an erection until ejaculation.

In vitro: in the test tube.

In vivo: in living tissue.

Incontinence: inability to control defaecation or urination.

Induce (metabolism): increase/enhance metabolism of a substance.

Inferior vena cava: the main trunk vein that supplies the lower limbs.

Ingestion: the taking in of food/medicines by mouth.

Inhaler: an apparatus for administering a vapour or volatilised medication by inhalation.

Insomnia: inability to sleep; abnormal wakefulness.

Insulin-like growth factor I: one of a group of polypeptide hormones believed to be responsible for many of the

anabolic effects of growth hormone.

Interferon alfa: one of a large family of glycoproteins that are produced by virus-infected cells and that confer

protection on uninfected cells of the same species.

Interleukin-2: a glycoprotein that stimulates the proliferation of T lymphocytes and therefore amplifies the immune

response to an antigen.

International Normalised Ratio: a standardised form of the prothrombintime ratio that allows for accurate

monitoring of patients taking anticoagulant therapy.




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Interstitial nephritis: inflammation of the interstitial tissue of the kidney.

Intoxication: Poisoning.

Intracellular: within a cell.

Intramuscular: within a muscle.

Intraperitoneal: within the peritoneal cavity (abdominal and pelvic cavities).

Intravascular: within a blood vessel.

Intravenous: within a vein.

Isoform: proteins that have the same function and similar structure but are specific to different tissues.

Jaundice: a condition characterised by hyperbilirubinaemia. Mild forms are only detectable chemically; more severe

forms present with yellow discoloration of sclerae, skin and mucous membranes that results from deposition of bilepigment.

Jejunum: the portion of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum.

Keratin: a protein that is one of the main constituents of skin, hair and nails.

Keshan disease: a fatal disease of the heart muscle caused by dietary deficiency of essential trace elements.

Ketosis: accumulation of ketone bodies in the bloodstream and body tissues due to incomplete metabolism of fatty

acids.

Kidneys: the two organs in the lumbar region that filter the blood and excrete waste products in urine and regulate the

concentrations of various ions in the extra-cellular fluid.

Kinin: any of a group of polypeptides found in plasma, such as bradykinin, that cause vasodilatation of most vessels

but vasoconstriction of the pulmonary vessels and also alter vascular permeability.

Lacrimation: tear formation.

Lactic acidosis: a metabolic acidosis that occurs when cellular respiration is impaired (in conditions such as shock

and septicaemia) producing a build up of lactic acid in the blood.

Laryngeal: relating to the larynx (voice box).

Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx (voice box).

Laxative: an agent that promotes bowel evacuation.

Leptomeningeal: relating to the leptomeninges (the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord).




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Leptomeningeal carcinoma: cancer of the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord),

specifically the pia mater and arachnoid membranes.

Leukocyte: a white blood cell; there are several different types that are classified into two large groups, granular

leukocytes (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils), and non-granular leukocytes (lymphocytes, and monocytes).

Leukopenia: reduction in the number of leukocytes in the blood below about 5000/mm3.

Lipid: a fat or fat-like substance that is characterised by being insoluble in water.

Lipid-lowering drug: a drug that reduces cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood and is used to treat

hyperlipidaemias and to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Lipophilic: having an affinity for fat.

Loading dose: a large initial dose that is sometimes given so that therapeutic steady-state plasma concentrations are

reached more quickly.

Local anaesthetic: an anaesthetic that produces reversible loss of function or sensation near to their site of

application or injection by diminishing nerve impulse conduction.

Locus: in anatomy, a general term for a site in the body; in genetics, the position of a gene on a chromosome.

Lyme disease: an infectious disease, caused byBorrelia burgdorferi and transmitted largely byIxodes ticks, that is a

multi-system disease affecting the skin in the initial stages (erythema migrans), followed by variable effects on the

nervous system, heart and joints.

Lymphatic: pertaining to lymph or a lymph vessel; by extension, the term is used alone to designate a lymphatic

vessel or, in the plural, to designate the lymphatic system.

Lymphocyte: a type of white blood cell; there are two types, B lymphocytes that provide humoral immunity, and T

lymphocytes that are responsible for cellular immunity.

Lymphocytosis: an increase in normal lymphocytes in the blood.

Lysozyme: an enzyme found in saliva and tears that acts as an antiseptic.

Macrocyte: an abnormally large red blood cell.

Malaise: a vague feeling of illness and discomfort.

Malate dehydrogenase: an enzyme found in the mitochondria and cytosol that catalyses the oxidation of L-malate to

oxaloacetate.

Mania: undue elation with hyperexcitability and hyperactivity that occurs usually as a phase of bipolar disorder

(manic depression).




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Manic-depressive disorder:see Bipolar disorder.

Meconium: a dark greenish-black viscous substance that forms the first bowel movement in newborns.

Mees lines: white lines on the fingernails that can be a sign of poisoning with trace elements and arsenic.

Melanin: a black pigment found in skin, hair and the choroid of the eye.

Meningitis: inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain) usually caused by

either bacterial or viral infection.

Mercapturic acid: a cysteine conjugate excreted in the urine that is the end-product of metabolism of a glutathione

conjugate.

Metabolic acidosis: disturbance of the acidbase balance due to loss of base or accumulation of (non-carbonic) acid.

Metabolism: the chemical processes that occur in the maintenance of living tissues i.e. synthesis of new tissue

(anabolism) and breakdown of old tissue (catabolism); also used to describe the chemical transformation undergoneby drugs in the body (biotransformation).

Metabolism inducer: a substance that can enhance the rate of metabolism by increasing the numbers of metabolising

enzymes.

Metabolite: any product of metabolism.

Metallothionein: a protein that is involved in the transport of metals, such as zinc, within the body.

Methaemoglobin: a brown pigment that is a form of haemoglobin (but which is unable to transport oxygen) in which

the haem portion is oxidised from the ferrous to ferric state.

Methaemoglobinaemia: the presence of methaemoglobin in the blood; symptoms depend on the amount of

methaemoglobin present and can range from breathlessness on exertion through to cyanosis, fatigue, nausea and

vomiting, and drowsiness which can progress to stupor and coma.

Methylation: the addition of a methyl group to a compound.

Methyltransferase: an enzyme that catalyses the transfer of a methyl group from one compound to another.

Microflora: micro-organisms present in or characteristic of a specific location.

Microsomal enzyme: a general term used for the enzymes found in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of cells that

are responsible for the metabolism of foreign compounds, the major one being the cytochrome P450 system.

Minor tranquilliser: the old term for an anxiolytic sedative, such as diazepam, used for treating anxiety disorders.

Miosis: contraction of the pupils.




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Narcotic: an agent that produces deep sleep, applied especially to the opioids.

Nasal septum: the partition between the nasal cavities.

Nausea: a feeling of sickness.

N-dealkylation: removal of an alkyl group from a compound where the alkyl group is attached to a nitrogen atom.

Necropsy: examination of a body after death.

Necrosis: localised death of tissue.

Neonatal: the first four weeks after birth.

Neonate: newborn infant up to four weeks old.

Neoplastic disease: generally used to refer to malignant neoplasms (cancers).

Nephrotoxicity: toxicity to kidney cells.

Neuroleptic: a drug that acts on the nervous system and is used in the treatment of psychoses (antipsychotic).

Neurological: relating to the nervous system.

Neuromuscular blocking drug: a drug that affects transmission at the neuromuscular junction and is used to produce

muscle relaxation in anaesthesia.

Neuromuscular junction: the junction between the skeletal muscle fibre and the nerve that innervates it.

Neuropathy: damage to the peripheral nervous system.

Neurotoxic: toxic to the nervous system.

Neurotoxin: a toxin that is poisonous or destructive to nervous tissue.

Neurotransmitter: an endogenous substance involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, such as adrenaline.

Non-compliance: failure of the patient to comply with the dosage instructions for his/her medication.

N-oxidation: formation of anN-oxide.

NSAID: a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Nystagmus: repetitive involuntary and jerky movement of the eyeball.

Organophosphorous insecticide: an insecticidal compound that contains phosphorus bound to an organic

compound.




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Ocular: relating to the eye.

O-dealkylation: metabolism of an aromatic alkyl ether to give a phenol and corresponding aldehyde.

Oedema: the presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the tissues of the body.

Oesophagus: the tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach.

Oestrogens: a steroidal hormone that controls the development and maintenance of the female sex organs, secondary

sex characteristics, and mammary glands as well as certain functions of the uterus.

Olfactory nerve: the nerve supplying the nose.

Opiate: an agent derived from opium.

Opioid: a narcotic with the same properties as an opiate but that is not derived from opium.

Opisthotonus: a spasm with extreme extension of the body with the head and the heels being bent backwards and thebody bowed forwards.

Optic neuritis: inflammation of the optic nerve.

Oral adsorbent: a substance, such as activated charcoal, that is given by mouth to bind poisons in the gastro-

intestinal tract thereby reducing their absorption.

Oral contraceptive: an oestrogen and progestogen or progestogen-only preparation that is taken by mouth for

contraception.

Organic aciduria: excessive excretion of one or more organic acids in the urine.

Osteoporosis: loss of bone density.

Ototoxicity: causing damage to the ear.

Oxyhaemoglobin: oxygenated haemoglobin.

P450 enzymes:see Cytochrome P450.

Paediatric: relating to paediatrics; the branch of medicine that deals with the child.

Pancytopenia: reduced amounts of platelets, and red and white cells in the blood.

Papillary necrosis (renal): death of the tissue that forms the papillae in the medulla of the kidneys.

Papule: a small circumscribed elevation of the skin.

Paraesthesia: an abnormal touch sensation (often without any external stimulus), such as tingling, burning or




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prickling.

Paralysis: loss or impairment of motor function that may be due to damage to the nerves or muscular mechanisms.

Paranoia: behaviour characterised by delusions of persecution or of grandeur, or a combination of the two.

Parasympathetic system: a part of the autonomic nervous system.

Parent drug: the administered drug that undergoes metabolism to form an active metabolite.

Parenteral: administration of a drug (or exposure to a substance) by a route other than the gastro-intestinal tract.

Parkinsons disease: a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease with reduced brain dopamine activity

characterised by tremor, impaired voluntary movement, and loss of postural reflexes.

Parotid gland: the salivary gland.

Pathogenesis: the development and origin of disease.

Pathognomonic: a sign or a symptom that is distinctive to a particular disease and therefore allows a diagnosis to be

made.

Peptide: a molecule made up of two or more amino acids.

Pericardial: relating to the pericardium, the membranous sac that surrounds the heart.

Perimortem: the time immediately before and after death.

Peripheral blood: blood in the systemic circulation.

Peripheral neuritis: inflammation of a peripheral nerve.

Peristalsis: waves of contraction and relaxation that pass along the intestines and that move the contents along.

Peritoneal dialysis: removal of waste products from the blood by irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with a dialysis

solution.

Perspiration:see Sweating.

P-glycoprotein: a cell surface protein found in many cells, including tumour cells where it aids transport of anti-

cancer drugs out of the tumour cell and is therefore responsible for drug resistance.

Pharmacodynamics: the study of the effects of drugs and the mechanisms of their actions and the correlation of

these with their chemical structure.

Pharmacogenetics: the study of the relationship between genetic factors and the effects produced by drugs (often

refers to side effects produced by drugs).




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Pharmacokinetics: the study of the absorption, distribution and clearance (metabolism and excretion) of drugs with

respect to time.

Pharmacological: relating to the properties and reactions of drugs.

Pharyngitis: inflammation of the throat.

Phase I metabolism: alteration of the foreign molecule (drug) so that a functional group is added or uncovered that

can then undergo conjugation in a phase II metabolic reaction.

Phase II metabolism: a conjugation reaction (addition of another moiety) that generally increases the water solubility

of the product enabling its excretion in the bile or urine.

Phenothiazine: any of a group of antipsychotic agents derived from the phenothiazine structure.

Phenotype: the physical, biochemical and physiological make-up of an individual (includes genetically and

environmentally determined traits).

Pheomelanin: a sulfur-containing type of melanin found in red hair.

Phosphodiesterase: an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of one of the ester linkages in a phosphodiester

compound.

Phospholipase: an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of an ester bond in a phospholipid.

Phospholipase A2: an esterase that catalyses the hydrolysis of a membrane phospholipid.

Piloerection: erection of the hair.

Pink disease: a disease of early childhood, usually caused by mercury poisoning, and characterised by pink,

swollen fingers and toes and other symptoms that include skin rashes, listlessness, irritability, failure to thrive and

photophobia.

Pituitary gland: a gland located at the base of the brain attached to the hypothalamus.

Pituitary hormone: one of the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, such as gonadotrophin or growth hormone.

Placental transfer: transfer of a substance from the mothers blood to the fetus blood by passage through the

placenta.

Plasma: the fluid fraction of blood; plasma is to be distinguished from serum (see below).

Plasma esterase: an enzyme that acts on ester bonds to produce an alcohol and an acid.

Pleural: relating to the pleura, the serous membrane that covers the surface of the lungs.

Polymerase: an enzyme that catalyses polymerisation, especially of nucleotides to polynucleotides.




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Polymorphic: occurring in several or many forms.

Polypeptide: a chain of amino acids.

Polyuria: excretion of an excessive volume of urine, as in diabetes mellitus.

Portal vein: the vein that supplies blood to the liver.

Positional nystagmus: nystagmus that occurs or is altered depending on the position of the head.

Postmortem: after death.

Precursor: in biological processes, a substance that undergoes transformation/degradation to form a more active

compound.

Presynaptic: situated just before the synapse (the join of two adjacent neurones).

Pre-systemic: occurring before the drug is in the systemic circulation.

Procollagen: a precursor of collagen, the protein that forms connective tissue.

Prodrug: an inactive drug that, after administration, is metabolised to produce the active pharmacological agent.

Prognosis: a forecast of the probable outcome of a disease.

Prophylaxis: an intervention that is aimed at the prevention of a disease.

Protease: an enzyme that catalyses the splitting of internal peptide bonds in a polypeptide or protein.

Protein: a nitrogenous organic compound that is composed of amino acids.

Protein binding: Non-covalent binding of a drug to a plasma protein (usually albumin).

Protein phosphatase: a hydrolase enzyme that catalyses the cleavage of phosphoryl groups from phosphoproteins.

Proteolysis: the breaking down of proteins into smaller polypeptides.

Proteolytic enzyme: an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of proteins.

Proteomics: the study of the proteome (the complete set of proteins produced from the information encoded in a

genome) under various conditions, as a means of understanding biological processes.

Prothrombin time: the time taken for a clot to form in plasma on the addition of thromboplastin and calcium.

Protozoal: relating to the Protozoa (unicellular organisms).

Provocation test: the administration of a chemical or antigen in order to assess for a response.




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Proximal renal tubule: part of the nephron in the kidney.

Pruritus: Itching.

Pseudocholinesterase: a plasma enzyme that is responsible for the metabolism and inactivation of succinylcholine.

Pseudohallucination: a hallucination that the subject knows is unreal and is generated within the mind.

Psychic: relating to the mind.

Psychoactive drug: a drug that has an effect on mental state (also called a psychotropic drug).

Psychological dependence: a substance dependence in which the drug is used to obtain relief from tension or

emotional discomfort rather than being associated with tolerance or withdrawal.

Psychomotor: relating to motor effects of cerebral or psychic activity.

Psychomotor skills: the motor effects of cerebral or psychic activity.

Psychosis: a severe psychiatric disorder in which there is disordered thinking and loss of contact with reality due to

delusions and/or hallucinations; there may also be mood and behavioural disturbances.

Psychotropic drug:see Psychoactive drug.

Ptosis: drooping of the upper eyelid.

Pulmonary: relating to the lungs.

Pulmonary fibrosis: chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the lungs.

Pulmonary oedema: accumulation of extravascular fluid in the lungs.

Pulse: the expansion of the arteries that is transmitted by the contraction of the left ventricle that is usually palpated at

the wrist.

Pupillary dilation: dilation of the pupils of the eye.

Purgative:see Laxative.

Putrefaction: the process of decomposition or rotting.

Pyrogenic: causing fever.

QT-time: a measure on the electrocardiogram recording between the Q and the T points of the action potential.

Receptor: a molecular structure within a cell or on its surface that binds a specific substance or drug to elicit a

specific physiologic effect.




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Recombinant EPO:see Erythropoietin.

Recombinant growth hormone:see Growth hormone.

Rectal: relating to the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine that ends in the anal canal.

Red blood cells:see Erythrocytes.

Red cells:see Erythrocytes.

Reduced haemoglobin (deoxyhaemoglobin or deoxygenated haemoglobin): haemoglobin that is formed when

oxyhaemoglobin releases its oxygen.

Reflux (gastric): a backward flow; usually refers to gastric reflux where the stomach contents reflux back into the

oesophagus.

Regime: a regulated programme of an activity, such as exercise, diet or medication.

Regurgitation:see Vomiting.

Renal carcinoma: cancer of the kidney.

Renal clearance: clearance of a drug/metabolite from the blood by excretion by the kidney.

Renal dysfunction:see Renal impairment.

Renal failure: the progressive loss of renal function so that waste products and metabolites accumulate in the blood;

it usually refers to a glomerular filtration rate of less than 10 mL/min.

Renal impairment: a reduced renal function where glomerular filtration rate is between 10 and 60 mL/min.

Renal tubule: part of the nephron in the kidney.

Respiration: the act of breathing.

Respiratory alkalosis: an increase in tissue pH that is a result of excess loss of carbon dioxide from the body, usually

caused by hyperventilation.

Respiratory arrest: when breathing stops.

Respiratory failure: a condition resulting from respiratory insufficiency, in which there is persistent abnormally low

arterial oxygen tension or abnormally high carbon dioxide tension.

Reticulocyte: an immature red blood cell.

Retroperitoneal: behind the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities).




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Steady-state concentration: the plasma-drug concentration that is achieved with chronic dosing.

Steroid: a term used to denote a naturally occurring lipid, related to cholesterol, that has a particular ring structure,

such as the adrenocortical hormones, sex hormones, bile acids and sterols.

Sterol: a steroid, such as cholesterol or ergosterol, that has a ring structure with a long side-chain at position 17 and at

least one alcoholic hydroxyl group, usually at position 3.

Stimulant drug: an agent or remedy that produces stimulation.

Striated muscle: a muscle that has the appearance of fine stripes, e.g. cardiac and voluntary muscle.

Stupor: a state of marked impairment of consciousness that only responds to vigorous stimulation.

Subclavian: below the clavicle (collar-bone).

Subcutaneous: underneath the skin.

Sublingual: underneath the tongue.

Sublingual glands: salivary glands underneath the tongue.

Submandibular glands: salivary glands underneath the jaw.

Substrate: a substance upon which an enzyme acts.

Sudoresis:see Sweating.

Sulfhaemoglobin: (sulphaemoglobin, sulphmethaemoglobin) a sulfide oxidation product of haemoglobin that cannot

transport oxygen or carbon dioxide and is formed in the body by certain drugs.

Sulfotransferase: an enzyme that catalyses the transfer of a sulfate group.

Sulfoxidation: the addition of an oxygen atom to the sulfur atom of an organic compound to form a sulfoxide.

Suppository: a solid dosage form, administered usually rectally or vaginally, in which the drug is dispersed in a base

that is solid at room temperature but melts or dissolves at body temperature.

Surrogate: a substitute.

Sweat: the liquid secreted by the sweat glands.

Sweating: the secretion of sweat.

Sympathetic: a part of the autonomic nervous system.

Symptom: any subjective evidence of disease.




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Synaesthesia: a sense impairment where stimulus of one part of the body may produce a sensation in a different part

of the body or in a different sense, for example a sound produces a sensation of colour.

Synergism: when the effect produced by two substances together is greater than the additive effect of the two

compounds.

Systemic circulation: the general circulation that carries oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to the

tissues of the body, and returns the venous blood to the heart.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: an auto-immune disease, more common in women, that is characterised by tissue

damage involving the skin, joints, kidneys, central nervous system and other organs, with the most common symptom

being arthralgia or arthritis.

Tachyarrhythmia: any disturbance of the heart rhythm in which the heart rate is abnormally increased.

Tachycardia: excessive rapidity in the action of the heart.

Telogen phase: the resting third phase of the hair growth cycle that follows catagen.

Teratogen: any agent or factor capable of disrupting fetal development and producing malformation.

Tetanus: uncontrolled muscle spasm that is caused by the neurotoxin produced by the bacillus Clostridium tetani.

Therapeutic index: the ratio of the median lethal dose to the median effective dose.

Therapeutic range:see Therapeutic window.

Therapeutic window: the range between the minimum and maximum doses of a drug.

Thoracic: relating to or affecting the thorax (chest).

Thrombocytopenic purpura: any form of purpura (spontaneous extravasation of blood from capillaries into the

skin) in which the platelet count is decreased.

Thyroid: gland that sits on both sides of the windpipe and secretes thyroxine that controls the rate of metabolism.

Tinnitus: a sound in the ears such as buzzing, ringing, roaring or clicking.

Tissue plasminogen activator: an endogenous enzyme that converts plasminogen in blood clots to fibrinolysin that

results in breakdown of the clot; several types of tissue plasminogen activator are available for clinical use for the

treatment of thromboembolic disorders.

Tolerance: a decreasing response to a stimulus after prolonged exposure (see also Drug tolerance).

Torsade de pointes: a potentially lethal ventricular tachycardia with a characteristic ECG pattern.

Toxin: a poison.




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Trachea: the windpipe that descends from the larynx to the bronchi.

Tranquilliser: a drug with a calming or soothing effect (usually refers to an anti-anxiety agent, also known as a

minor tranquilliser).

Transferrin: a serum glycoprotein that binds and transports iron.

Transfusion: the introduction of blood (whole blood or blood components) directly into a blood vessel.

Transit time: a measure of the time required for faeces to pass through the colon.

Transplant: an organ or tissue that is removed from its site in the body and grafted into another site or into another

individual.

Tremor: an involuntary trembling.

Tricyclic antidepressant: an antidepressant drug that possesses a three-ring molecular structure and that inhibits the

neuronal re-uptake of noradrenaline in the central nervous system.

Trophic: relating to nutrition.

Trough concentration: the minimum plasma-drug concentration that occurs before administration of the following

dose.

Trypsin: an enzyme present in pancreatic secretions that catalyses the breakdown of protein.

L-tryptophan: an amino acid that is an essential constituent of the diet.

Tuberculostatic drug: a drug, such as isoniazid or rifampicin, that is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Tubular necrosis (renal): severe damage or necrosis of the tubule cells of the kidney that causes acute renal failure.

Tyrosine hydroxylase: an enzyme found in the brain that activates molecular oxygen to catalyse the hydroxylation of

tyrosine to dopa.

Uraemia: retentionin the blood of urea, creatinine and other nitrogenous products of protein metabolism.

Urea: the end-product of protein metabolism that is excreted in the urine.

Urea nitrogen: the urea concentration of blood or serum expressed in terms of nitrogen content.

Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase: one of the enzymes involved in glucuronide formation.

Urinary retention: accumulation of urine within the bladder due to inability to urinate.

Urine: the fluid excreted by the kidneys.




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Urticaria: a usually transient allergic skin reaction consisting of itchy, pinkish, raised wheals.

Vaccine: a suspension or extract of attenuated or killed micro-organisms used for the prevention or treatment of

infectious diseases.

Vaginal: relating to the vagina.

Vasculopathy: any disorder of the blood vessels.

Vasodilator: causing dilation of the blood vessels.

Vasospasm: a spasm of blood vessels producing vasoconstriction.

Venepuncture: insertion of a needle into a vein.

Venous blood: blood obtained from a vein.

Vertical nystagmus: an up-and-down movement of the eyes.

Vesicle: a small bladder or sac containing fluid; a skin blister.

Visual acuity: sharpness of vision.

Vitamin: a substance that is found in many foods in small amounts and is necessary in trace amounts for the normal

metabolic functioning of the body.

Vitreous humour: the transparent jelly-like substance that fills the cavity inside the eye-ball between the lens and the

retina.

Volume of distribution: the apparent volume of body fluids into which a drug is distributed.

Vomiting: the forcible expulsion of the stomach contents through the mouth.

Vomitus: matter that has been vomited.

Washout: irrigation or lavage of a body cavity (often the stomach).

Wheal: an itchy skin reaction, typical of urticaria, with smooth blister-type lesions that are redder or paler than the

surrounding skin.

Whole blood: blood from which none of the elements have been removed.

Wilsons disease:see Hepatolenticular degeneration.

Withdrawal symptoms: a substance-specific mental disorder that follows the cessation of use or reduction in intake

of a psychoactive substance that had been regularly used to induce a state of intoxication.




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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: a disturbed heart rhythm where there is atrial fibrillation in association with pre-

excitation.

Xanthine: a purine derivative, such as theophylline, used for its bronchodilator properties.

Xenobiotic: a chemical foreign to a given biological system.

Pharmaceutical Press 2005


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