Dictionary

Pharmacology

Drugs, drug classes and the words used to give medications safely.

octreotideA man-made form of somatostatin, a hormone that slows the release of growth hormone and many gut hormones.

ODAn abbreviation that has been used for right eye, for once daily and for overdose.

ointmentA greasy, semisolid preparation, often containing a drug, that is spread on the skin, eyes or mucous membranes.

OJAn abbreviation for orange juice that ISMP advises against in medication orders.

olanzapineA second-generation antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

omega-3 fatty acidA kind of healthy unsaturated fat found in oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts and some plant oils.

omeprazoleA proton pump inhibitor: a drug that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.

ondansetronA drug that prevents and treats nausea and vomiting.

onsetThe beginning of something, such as when a symptom started or how soon a drug starts to work after it is given.

ophthalmicHaving to do with the eye, or describing a medicine made to be put in the eye.

opioid analgesicA strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.

opioid antagonistA drug that blocks opioid receptors, stopping or reversing the effects of opioids.

oralRelating to the mouth, or taken by mouth.

oral syringeA needleless syringe used to measure and give liquid medicine by mouth.

orallyBy mouth.

OSAn abbreviation for left eye, from the Latin oculus sinister.

oseltamivirAn oral antiviral drug used to treat and prevent influenza.

osmoticRelating to osmosis, the movement of water across a membrane toward the side with more dissolved particles.

OUAn old abbreviation for "both eyes" that should not be used; write "each eye" or "both eyes" instead.

over-the-counterSold without a prescription.

over-the-counter medicationA medicine that can be bought without a prescription.

overdoseTaking more of a drug or substance than the body can safely handle, whether by accident or on purpose.

oversedationA level of drowsiness deeper than intended from opioids or other sedating drugs.

OXYAn abbreviation for oxytocin; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.

oxybutyninAn anticholinergic drug that relaxes the bladder muscle, used for overactive bladder.

oxycodoneAn opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, as quick-acting or long-acting tablets.

oxygenA gas in the air that every cell needs, also given as a medicine at higher amounts than room air.

oxytocinA hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.