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 threatening-

adverse 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

Teratogenic

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

Food and Drug Administration

FDA

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