Medical Terminology · Pharmacology · Medium
Antagonist
Meaning: A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks its activation.
In practice: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse overdose by paramedics and emergency doctors.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Sampling of the fluid surrounding a fetus using a needle, to test for genetic conditions.
Answer: Amniocentesis
Which word means: Deliberate blocking of a blood vessel to stop bleeding or cut off a tumour's blood supply.
Answer: Embolisation
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