Download Pharmacology

Pharmacology
Medication
• A chemical substance that is used to
treat or prevent a disease or relieve pain
Pharmacodynamics
• Process by which medications work on the body.
• Receptor sites are located throughout the body
– Meds can stimulate a receptor (Agonist) or
– Inhibit or blocks a receptor (Antagonists)
– Alpha vs Beta
Terms
• Dose – Amount of drug given
– Usually based on patient’s weight
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Indication – why we are giving it
Contraindication – why we don’t give it
Action – what medication is intended to do
Side effects – actions other than desired
– Unintended effects – undesirable but pose little risk (nausea)
– Untoward effects – effects that can be harmful (anaphylaxis)
Names
• Generic name – simple name that identifies the
medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Trade Name – A brand name (Tylenol, Advil,
Bayer)
Distribution of Medications
• Prescription – must obtain from a pharmacist with a
doctors order
• Over The Counter (OTC) – can buy these meds at
local supermarket or discount store.
– Can include herbal supplements and vitamins
• Street drugs - illegal drugs that are unregulated
such as heroin or cocaine
Routes of Administration
• Enteral meds – enter body through digestive tract
– Per Rectum (PR) - suppositories
– Oral (PO)- by mouth (Baby ASA, Oral Glucose)
• Parenteral meds – enters body other than by way of digestive tract.
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IM (Intramuscular) - Epi
SL (sublingual) - Nitro / Zofran
Inhalation - Albuterol TX, O2
IV (intravenous)
IN (Intranasal) - Narcan
IO (intraosseous)
SC (subcutaneous)
Transcutaneous
Absorption Rates
Medication Forms
• Tablets or Capsules
– Assist the patient to proper place tablets and capsules
• Solutions or Suspensions
• Aerosol (albuterol, Metered Dose Inhalers)
– MDI’s should be shaken prior to administration ensure
the proper dose is administered.
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Topical (creams)
Medication Patches (nitro, nicotine)
Gels
Gases
Six Rights of Medication
Administration
Assessment
• Check for allergies prior to medication
administration
• Full set of vital signs prior to and after
medication administration
• Assess effectiveness
• Monitor for side effects
• When in doubt call medical command