Pharmacodynamics

Definition

What drugs do to your body—their effects and mechanisms of action. The other half of the pharmacology story that explains why taking aspirin makes your headache go away.

Example Usage

The pharmacodynamics of ACE inhibitors involve blocking angiotensin II production to lower blood pressure.

Origin

From Greek 'pharmakon' (drug) and 'dynamis' (power, force)

Fun Fact

Some drugs have very different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in different populations, which is why ethnicity is increasingly important in prescribing.

Source: Clinical pharmacology; Pharmacology textbooks

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