Dictionary

Pharmacology

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

fosphenytoinAn IV or IM anticonvulsant drug that the body turns into phenytoin, used to stop and prevent seizures.

furosemideA loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.

gabapentinAn anticonvulsant drug used for some kinds of seizures and for nerve pain.

ganciclovirAn antiviral drug, usually given by IV, that treats and prevents cytomegalovirus infection.

gentamicinAn aminoglycoside antibiotic, usually given IV or IM, used for serious infections caused by certain bacteria.

glipizideA sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1Glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone released after eating; also short for the drugs that copy it.

glucagonA hormone made by the pancreas that raises blood sugar; also given as a drug for severe low blood sugar.

glutamateThe main chemical messenger in the brain that excites nerve cells, making them more likely to fire.

glyburideA sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.

glycerinA clear, sweet, syrupy liquid used in suppositories as a laxative and in many skin and drug products.

glycopyrrolateAn anticholinergic drug that dries up saliva and airway secretions and keeps the heart rate from falling too low.

griseofulvinAn oral antifungal drug for fungal infections of the scalp, skin, hair and nails.

gttAn abbreviation for drop or drops, from the Latin gutta and guttae.

guaifenesinAn expectorant: a cough medicine that thins and loosens mucus so it is easier to cough up.

half-lifeThe time it takes for the amount of a drug in the body to fall by half.

haloperidolA first-generation antipsychotic drug, given by mouth or injection, used for psychosis and severe agitation.

HCT (hydrocortisone)HCT written for the drug hydrocortisone: an abbreviation ISMP lists as error-prone. It is not the lab value Hct (hematocrit).

HCTZAn abbreviation for hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic; it should not be used because it can be misread.

heavy metalA dense metal, such as lead, mercury or arsenic, that can poison the body even in small amounts.

heparinAn anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.

hepatitis B immune globulinA shot of ready-made antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, giving short-term protection right away.

hepatitis B vaccineA vaccine that protects against hepatitis B, a virus that infects the liver.

herbalMade from plants; herbal supplements are plant products taken for health, sold without a prescription.

high-alert medicationA drug that can cause serious harm to a client if it is used in error; also called a high-risk medication.

histamineA chemical released by certain immune cells that widens blood vessels, makes them leaky and tightens airway muscles.

HITHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia: an immune reaction to heparin that lowers the platelet count.

HMG-CoA3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A: a substance the liver uses on its way to making cholesterol.

hormonal contraceptiveA birth control method that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy.

hormone replacement therapyTreatment with hormones, usually estrogen with or without a progestin, to replace hormones the body no longer makes enough of.

HSAn abbreviation that has been used for "at bedtime" (from Latin hora somni) and for "half-strength".

hydralazineA vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the arteries.

hydrochlorothiazideA thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure and reduces swelling by helping the kidneys remove salt and water.

hydrocodoneAn opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, often combined with acetaminophen in one tablet.

hydrocortisoneA corticosteroid drug that is the same as the body's own cortisol, given by mouth, IV, on the skin or rectally.

hydrogen peroxideA clear liquid antiseptic that bubbles as it releases oxygen, used diluted to clean and disinfect.

hydromorphoneA strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.

hydroxyureaA drug taken by mouth that slows the making of new cells, used for sickle cell disease and some blood cancers.

hydroxyzineA sedating antihistamine used for anxiety, itching and nausea, and to calm clients before or after surgery.

hypersensitivityAn overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless.

ibuprofenA drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

IDAn abbreviation that can mean intradermal, identification, infectious disease or intellectual disability.

IJAn abbreviation for "injection" that ISMP says not to use; in line and procedure notes, IJ also means internal jugular vein.

imipramineA tricyclic antidepressant drug, also used for bedwetting in children.

immunizationThe process of making a person protected against a disease, most often by giving a vaccine.

immunoglobulinAn antibody: a protein made by B cells that recognizes and helps destroy a specific germ or foreign substance.

immunosuppressantA drug that lowers the activity of the immune system.

immunotherapyTreatment that uses or changes the body's immune system to fight disease.

INA short form for intranasal, meaning given into the nose.

inactivateTo make something, such as an enzyme, drug, hormone or germ, stop working.