Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Pharmacologic Actions

Pharmacologic actions in healthcare refer to the effects that drugs and medications have on the human body. These actions can be classified into different categories, such as therapeutic actions, side effects, and toxic effects. The therapeutic action of a drug is its intended effect on the body, such as reducing pain, lowering blood pressure, or treating an infection. Side effects are unintended and usually negative effects of a drug, such as nausea, dizziness, or fatigue. Toxic effects are harmful and potentially life-threatening effects of a drug, such as an overdose or organ failure. The pharmacologic action of a drug is determined by its chemical structure, the way it is metabolized in the body, and the receptors it interacts with. Understanding the pharmacologic actions of drugs is critical for healthcare providers to prescribe, dispense, and administer medications safely and effectively, and to achieve the best possible health outcomes for patients.