Basic Pharmacology- What is a drug?

Question 1

What is homeopathy?

Answer 1

The idea that ‘like’ cures ‘like’

Question 2

What are some attributes of drugs?

Answer 2

• Efficacy, Potency, Variability, Selectivity, Safety and Bioavailability
• Most drugs are chemically inert, but transiently target command-and-control molecules with complementary structures

Question 3

What is an agonist?

Answer 3

Drugs that reversibly bind to their cell-surface receptors. They have affinity and intrinsic activity

Question 4

Describe the graph used to show agonist action

Answer 4

• Log dose (x) and Response (y)
• Gives a sigmoid curve
• Efficacy represented by the plateau at the end

Question 5

What is pharmacovigilance?

Answer 5

The detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)

Question 6

What is the therapeutic index?

Answer 6

• This is used to quantify safety
• Difference between the dose that is beneficial and a dose that is toxic
• High TI = Low ADR

Question 7

What does selectivity mean in this context?

Answer 7

• Instead of absolutely specific

ED50 for receptor B/ ED50 for receptor A

Question 8

What is meant by ED50?

Answer 8

Shows the effective dose required to produce 50% maximum response