dependence
a.k.a. drug dependence, which is a somatic state which develops after chronic administration of certain drugs. The dependent state is characterized by the necessity to continue administration of the drug in order to avoid the appearance of uncomfortable or dangerous (withdrawal) symptoms.
desensitization (desensitisation)
A reduction in response to an agonist while it is continuously present at the receptor, or progressive decrease in response upon repeated exposure to an agonist.
distribution
A term used to refer to the disposition of drug throughout the body following drug absorption.
dosage
The amount (i.e., quantity) of drug administered per unit of time. The dosage takes into consideration the frequency of dosing.
dose
The amount (i.e., quantity) of drug administered.
drug
A drug is a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when introduced into the body; a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication.
drug transporter
A protein that assists a drug in entering or exiting a cell or organelle. Drug transporters are involved in passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and/or active drug transport against a concentration gradient.
Dyscrasia
An abnormal or disordered state of the body or of a bodily part. For example, blood dyscrasia is a pathological condition in which any of the components of the blood (usually cellular components) are abnormal in structure, function, or quality, as in leukemia or hemophilia.
dystonia
Dystonia is a state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture. Dystonia typically results from neurological disease or can be a side effect of certain drugs.