Basic Pharmacology Drugs
Pharmacology
Basic Principles
Study of drugs Actions Dosage Therapeutic uses (indications) Adverse effects
Pharmacology
Directly linked to the pathophysiology of a particular disease Drug = a substance that alters biologic activity in a person
May be from natural sources
Plants, animals, microorganisms
May be synthesized
Pharmacology
Drugs may be prescribed to:
Promote healing Cure disease Control or slow progression of disease Prevent disease Decrease risk of complications Increase comfort level Reduce excessive activity in the body
sedative
Pharmacology
Drug Effects
Therapeutic or desired action
Stimulating or inhibiting cell function or block the effects of biochemicals in the tissues
antihistamine
Physical or mechanical action
laxative
Pharmacology
Unwanted effects on the body
Mild- side effects
Antihistamines may cause dry mouth
Dangerous or cause tissue damage, or are life threateningadverse or toxic effects
Excessive bleeding
Pharmacology
Over the counter
OTC
Drugs that an individual can purchase without a “note” from their doctor.
Still recommended that a doctor be consulted when there are other medical conditions or prescriptions being taken
Prescription
The “note” that the doctor writes that details the dosage and instructions
Pharmacology
Adverse effects
Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions
Rash to anaphylaxis Patient should stop taking the drug and the physician should be contacted
Pharmacology
Idiosyncratic
Unusual or unexpected reactions to drugs
Example
excessive excitement after taking a sedative
Pharmacology
Iatrogenic
Negative effects on the body due to:
medication error, drug overdose or unusual response
Pharmacology ď Ž
Teratogenic ď Ź
Harmful effects on the fetus leading to developmental defects
Pharmacology
Interactions
Drug’s effect is modified by combining it with:
another drug Food Other substance
Aspirin Antacids alcohol
Pharmacology
Synergism
When the combination increases the effects of what has been taken
Can be life threatening
Antagonism
When the combination of drugs decreases the effects
The presence of an antagonist prevents the patient from receiving the beneficial action of a drug REQUIRED AS AN ANTIDOTE
Pharmacology
Administration of drugs
Dosage
Amount of drug required to produce the specific desired effect in an adult
Usually expressed by weight or measure and a time factor (number of times per day)
Pharmacology
Administration of Drugs
Loading dose
A large first dose or first dose by injection to reach effective drug levels quickly
Dosage
Important to maintain effective blood levels
Pharmacology
Administration of Drugs
Based upon Absorption Transport in the blood Half-life of the particular drug
More is NOT Better! It may be toxic!
Pharmacology
Major routes for drug administration Oral Parenteral (injection) Other methods
Inhalation Brochodilator, absorption into blood Topical rectal
Pharmacology
Some drugs may only be administered through one route
Insulin
Would be destroyed by gastric enzymes if ingested
Pharmacology
Generic Names
Unique official simple name for a specific drug
Considered easy to remember accurately and used in many circumstances
Pharmacology
Trade Names
Proprietary name or Brand name
A trademark name assigned by a single manufacturer and to be used ONLY be that manufacturer
EXAMPLE: Generic name “hydrocortisone”
Trade Names: Cortaid, Synacort, Hydrocortone
Pharmacology ď Ž
Food and Drug Administration FDA ď Ź
Regulates the production, labeling, distribution, and other aspects of drug control
Pharmacology
Placebo
Something used in clinical research
Given to the control group
Lacks the active ingredient that is being tested in the study