Dictionary

Pharmacology

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

PRNAs needed: an order for a drug or treatment to be given only when the client needs it, within set limits.

probenecidA drug that helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid, taken to prevent gout attacks.

probioticLive, helpful bacteria or yeasts taken in food or supplements to support the normal germs of the gut.

prochlorperazineA phenothiazine drug used mainly to treat severe nausea and vomiting.

progesteroneA female sex hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy and helps keep a pregnancy going, also given as a drug.

promethazineAn antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, allergies and sedation.

prophylaxisTreatment given to prevent a disease or problem, rather than to treat one that is already present.

propofolA fast-acting IV drug used to put clients to sleep for surgery or procedures and to sedate clients on a ventilator.

propranololA beta blocker that slows the heart and lowers blood pressure by blocking adrenaline's effects on the heart and lungs.

propylthiouracilAn antithyroid drug taken by mouth that lowers the amount of thyroid hormone the body makes.

prostaglandinA hormone-like fatty substance made in many tissues that acts on pain, inflammation, blood flow and uterine contractions; also drugs that copy it.

protamineAn IV drug that binds heparin and reverses its blood-thinning effect.

proton pump inhibitorA drug that strongly lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.

pseudoephedrineA decongestant taken by mouth that shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to ease a stuffy nose.

psylliumA bulk-forming fiber laxative made from the husks of plant seeds.

PTUA short form of propylthiouracil, an antithyroid drug; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.

pyrazinamideAn oral antitubercular drug used for the first 2 months of treatment for active tuberculosis.

pyridoxineVitamin B6, given as a supplement or drug.