Download Basic Pharmacology

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