Glossary

Category: C

  • Calciferol

    Used at one time as a name for ercalciol (ergocalciferol or vitamin D2), made by the ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol. Also used as a general term to include both vitamers of vitamin D (vitamins D2 and D3). Synonym for vitamin D. One of the D vitamins, a chemical found in milk and fish liver oils…

  • Calcidiol

    The 25-hydroxy-derivative of vitamin D, also known as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, the main storage and circulating form of the vitamin in the body.  

  • Caecum

    The first part of the large intestine, separated from the small intestine by the ileo-colic sphincter. Literally, a blind pouch. The wider part of the large intestine in the lower right-hand side of the abdoment at the point where the small intestine joins it and which has the appendix attached to it. The dilated first…

  • Cadaverine

    Low molecular weight polyamine with biological activity, the decarboxylation product of lysine.  

  • Cannabis

    Maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes include impaired motor coordination, euphoria, anxiety, suspiciousness, sensation of slowed time, impaired judgment, and social withdrawal. Physical signs may include increased appetite, dry mouth, and very rapid heartbeat. Marijuana or any preparation from the hemp plant. A drug made from the dried leaves or flowers of the Indian hemp plant.…

  • Caffeine

    Caffeine

    Typical symptoms include restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, and psychomotor agitation. Accompanying physical signs include flushed face, muscle twitching, and rambling speech. A plant alkaloid which acts as a stimulant, found in coffee, cola and tea. It increases pulse rate, accelerates heart action and may cause high blood pressure. A xanthine (Greek meaning yellow). There are…

  • Cytomel

    Brand name for the synthetic thyroid hormone liothyronine.  

  • Cytochrome P450

    Enzyme system in the liver that plays a key role in the metabolism of many medications. Many psychotropic medications are known to inhibit or stimulate the cytochrome P450 system, thus resulting in significant drug-drug interactions that may result in clinically significant alterations of blood levels of medications. A family of cytochromes which are involved in…

  • Cyproheptadine

    An antihistaminic and antiserotonergic agent used in the treatment of nightmares (including those related to posttraumatic stress disorder [PSTD]), sexual dysfunction secondary to antidepressant treatment, and psychogenic and nonpsychogenic anorexia as an appetite stimulant. Cyproheptadine has also been used in the management of moderate to severe cases of serotonin syndrome. While not specifically used as…

  • Cymbalta

    Brand name for the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug duloxetine.