PHARMACODYNAMICS Meaning and
Definition
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Pharmacodynamics is a branch of pharmacology that studies the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs within the body and how they interact with their molecular targets to produce specific therapeutic or toxic effects. It is concerned with understanding the relationship between drug concentration and its pharmacological effects, as well as the factors that influence this relationship.
The field of pharmacodynamics investigates the mechanisms of action of drugs, including how they bind to specific receptors, enzymes, or other molecular targets, and the subsequent cellular and biochemical responses that occur. This includes studying the drug's potency, efficacy, onset and duration of action, as well as its potential for interactions with other drugs or substances.
Pharmacodynamics also explores the dose-response relationship, which enables the determination of the optimal dosage needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing potential side effects. It considers factors such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs to understand how they influence the drug's pharmacological activity and overall effectiveness.
Additionally, pharmacodynamics plays a crucial role in the field of personalized medicine, as it helps in understanding inter-individual variations in drug response due to genetic or physiological differences. This knowledge aids healthcare professionals in determining appropriate drug dosages and treatment strategies based on an individual's unique characteristics.
Ultimately, pharmacodynamics provides valuable insights into the actions and properties of drugs, contributing to the development of safer and more effective therapeutic interventions.
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The science of the physiological and therapeutic action of drugs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARMACODYNAMICS
Etymology of PHARMACODYNAMICS
The word "pharmacodynamics" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "pharmakon" (φάρμακον) meaning "drug" or "medicine", and "dynamis" (δύναμις) meaning "power" or "force".
In essence, the etymology of pharmacodynamics signifies the study of how drugs or medicines exert their effects on the body through their specific actions and mechanisms of action.
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