PHARMACOLOGY

KEY TERMS

Pharmacology- Study of science that deals with the study of therapeutic agents

Pharmacodynamics- study of the action of drugs on living tissue

Pharmacy- Science of preparing & dispensing medications

Pharmacokinetics- Study of the process of drug absorption, metabolism, distribution ,

and excretion

Toxicology- Study of the harmful effects on living tissue

Drug- Any substance that can cause a change in function when given to a living organism

3 EFFECTS OF DRUGS

1) Therapeutic Effect- Desired or intended effect

2) Side Effects- not necessarily harmful, secondary indication for use, undesired effects

3) Adverse Effects- may be harmful, with prolonged use may cause harm to vital organs

4) Toxic Effects- implies drug poisoning, can be life threatening, drug usually stopped.

KEY CONCEPTS OF DRUGS

1) Site of Action- What part of body does drug work on

2) Mechanism of action-How does the drug produce it’s effect in the body

3) Agonists/Antagonists- Chemical substances that facilitate or interfere with a drug action

4) Dose- The exact amount of a drug needed to produce a specific effect

5) Response- The effect of a drug on the specific site of action, usually proportional to the amount given

6) Dose-Response curve- What effects do you have as dosage of drug is increased or decreased

7) Time Response Curve- What effects over time. Onset of action, duration of action

DRUG NOMENCLATURE

Chemical Name Usually long chemical name Nonproprietary shortened chemical name-

GENERIC name Trade Name Also known as Brand name- given

by manufacturer. Can have many different names

Prescription Legal document

Instructions for pharmacist to dispense drug

physicianCNPPADentistVeterinarian

Podiatrist

Non Prescription Drugs OTC

Can be purchased anywhere Still carry Risks

Herbal DrugsOTCStill have risksCan interfere with prescription medications

DRUG SAFETY

Gov’t Agency- FDA Prior to drug approval, drug must

fulfill 2 requirements

Efficacy- Proof of effectiveness Safety- Specific criteria as determined by extensive animal testing and controlled human testing

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Most adverse effects are dose dependent Many drugs cause Nausea Vomiting

Diarrhea Organs sensitive to drugs

Liver, Kidneys, Brain, Cardiovascular System

Tetragons- Drugs that produce Birth Defects

Alcohol, Accutane, Lithium Carcinogens- Drugs that produce Cancer

Idiosyncrasy- An individual reaction to a drug with an unexpected response

Drug Allergy-Occurs when an individual becomes sensitized to a particular drug and produces antibodies.

Subsequent administration leads to antigen-antibody reaction

Histamine is released and these symptoms can occur:

RashesHivesItchingNasal secretions, congestionBronchoconstrictionEdemaDyspnea

Anaphylaxis Most severe allergic reaction

Requires immediate response Can lead to death

WHAT YOU ALWAYS NEED TO KNOW

Drug Name Route Dosage Frequency Time Duration

REFERENCES

USP/NF United States

Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary PDR Physicians Desk Reference Internet Sources

Study of the process of drug absorption, distribution,

metabolism, and excretion

A.) Pharmacy

B.) Pharmacokinetics

C.) Pharmadynamics

Study of the action of drugs on living Tissue

A.) Pharmacodynamics

B.) Pharmacology

C.) Toxicology

Anaphylaxis is an immediate potentially fatal reaction

A.) True

B.) False

Idiosyncrosy is an indivdual, predictable response to a

drug

A.) True

B.) False

Study of Harmful effects of drugs on living tissue

A.) Toxicology

B.) Pharmacy

C.) Poisonology