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
Drugs 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