| The purpose of using drugs is to relieve symptoms, treat infection, reduce the risk of future disease, and destroy selected cells such as in the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. The best treatment, however, may not require a drug at all. Recognizing that no effective medication exists is just as important as knowing which one to select. |
| The transdermal application of drugs provides an alternate method for applying drugs to achieve a systemic, rather than local, effect. The administration of a drug through the skin not only minimizes the metabolism of the drug before it reaches the rest of the body but also eliminates the high and low blood levels associated with oral... |
| Study of the factors that influence the movement of drugs throughout the body is called pharmacokinetics, which includes the absorption, distribution, localization in tissues, biotransformation, and excretion of drugs. The study of the actions of the drugs and their effects is called pharmacodynamics. Before a drug can be effective, it must be... |
| Drug law-enforcement officials expressed concern about the resurgence of drug trafficking into the U.S. and other countries via Caribbean routes. Drugs were often brought into the islands in the eastern Caribbean by planes or ships that dropped their cargo in the sea, where it was picked up by small high-speed boats and taken to safe houses. The... |
| Located primarily near residential areas, convenience stores are relatively small outlets that are open long hours and carry a limited line of high-turnover convenience products at high prices. Although many have added food services, consumers use them mainly for "fill-in" purchases, such as bread, milk, or miscellaneous goods. |
