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Transcript
INTRODUCTION Definition of Pharmacology Pharmacology has been defined in many ways: Pharmacology is a science that studies drug effects within a living system (McKenry & Salerno, 1995). Study of effects of chemical substances on the function of living systems i.e. how chemicals interact with living organisms to produce biological effects. Pharmacology deals with all kinds of drugs: legal or illegal, prescription or nonprescription (OTC). There is great concern for the therapeutically useful effects while minimizing potential harmful effects. Drug use is a mainstay in care or treatment of clients/ patients. Commonly used for: Curative purpose Suppress, signs and symptoms, hence improve quality of life Preventive/ prophylaxis Diagnosis This has resulted to increased quality of life and extension of lifespan. Nurses need to develop a rational use of drugs to maximize their benefits and minimize their harmful effects while being accountable for the use of drug therapy. Knowledge of the drug (Pharmacology), patient/client and the diseased/altered health state is vital for the rational use of drug therapy. The nurse need to understand any medication before giving it to the client: dose, route of administration, Indication(s), side effects & adverse reactions, toxic effects, major drug interactions and contraindications. Appropriate nursing assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation techniques are necessary to safely administer the drug. Historical background Pharmacology is a young science dating back to mid 19th century. Primitive people believed that disease was caused by devil and evil spirits. This explains why sick people were mistreated, especially those with mental illness. Methods of treatment like blood letting, wiping were used. Religion was also used to treat disease through rituals like sacrifices. Different people e.g. Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese had their tradition way of treating illness. In the 5th century, Hippocrates (460-377BC) (Father of medicine) and Galen (his follower) replaced demoniacal concepts of disease by a theory and practice of medicine based on observation and natural causes. He said that the causes of disease need to be investigated so that they can be dealt with accordingly. They proposed the humoral theory of disease where disease was seen as being caused by disturbance in the body of the distribution of the four humours-black bile, yellow bile, blood and phlegm Despite their teachings, the demonical cause of disease continued to rule most parts of the world. In 16th century, a Swiss physician, Paracelsus denounced humoral pathology (advanced by Hippocrates and Galen). He thought that disease was caused by specific entities which could be combated by specific remedies. He introduced mercury to Rx syphilis and advocated the use of single dose instead of mixtures (usually used that time). Paracelsus is referred as “Father of pharmacology” In the 17th, 18th and 19th great progress was made in knowledge of biology, chemistry, which led to the development of science of pharmacology. Knowledge in other subjects like biochemistry, microbiology and physiology has contributed to advancement of pharmacology knowledge. In the 20th pharmacology evolved as a complex science where purified chemicals have been produced from plants, animals, minerals, microbial cultures e.g. Sertuner’s discovery of morphine 1815, William Withering – digitalis – 1785. In the 1920s, 30s, 40s there was great development of antibiotics e.g. sulfonamides & penicillin. In the 21st century – more drugs continue to be discovered. NB: As clients get more informed due to greater accessibility to information, nurses will need to keep updated to new developments in pharmacology so that he/she shall be more accountable to the client’s quality of care. Definition of common terms used in pharmacology 1. Drug Any substance used in diagnosis, cure, treatment or prevention of a disease or condition. Terms medication, medicine and medicinal are also used. 2. Action of a Drug Chemical changes or effects that a drug has on body cells and tissues. 3. Indication An illness or disorder for the treatment of which a specific drug has a documented usefulness. 3. Contra indication A condition/state that would preclude the administration of a drug. 4. Excipients Inert substance that forms a base of a drug e.g. diluents, binders, dissolution enhancers, coatings, flavorings, colorings. 5. Half-life or Half time (t½) Time taken for plasma concentration of a drug to fall by half or 50%. One is able to predict how plasma concentration alters over time. Enables one to maintain a steady state of a drug for maximum effects and minimum side effects e.g. paracetamol = 2hrs.Half-life is determined by rate of biotransformation and excretion of a drug hence any disease of the liver and kidney requires the dose to be reduced since t½ is prolonged – leading to possible toxicity. 6. Pharmacokinetics The study of the action of drugs within the body; including absorption, distribution, metabolism (biotransformation) and excretion/elimination. How the body handles drugs from the site of administration to the site of action and elimination. This is a SAMPLE (Few pages have been extracted from the complete notes:-It’s meant to show you the topics covered in the full notes and as per the course outline Download more at our websites: www.naarocom.com To get the complete notes either in softcopy form or in Hardcopy (printed & Binded) form, contact us on: Call/text/whatsApp +254 719754141/734000520 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Get news and updates by liking our page on facebook and follow us on Twitter Sample/preview is NOT FOR SALE