Fundamentals of Pharmacology (Non-Drug Related) (LO1) Flashcards
The word pharmacology comes from the Greek words
Pharmakon meaning drug or poison
logos meaning word or discourse
The goal of emergency pharmacology in the prehospital setting is
to use medication’s to reverse, prevent or control various diseases and illnesses, chronic and acute
Ancient Health Care
Ancient Egyptian healthcare was heavily influenced by spiritual beliefs however it incorporated Basic first aid and chemical compounds to treat certain ailments
The Pre-Renaissance and Post- Renaissance Periods
Doctors had no concept of viruses or bacteria it was believed that sickness represents punishment for one sins
Attempts to treat ailments centered on approaches intended to counteract the presenting symptoms
Presenting symptoms were categorized based on their moisture and temperature blood was hot and wet, phlegm was cold and wet, black bile was cold and dry, and yellow bile was hot and dry
Modern Health Care
The modern pharmaceutical industry began in the 19 century with the discovery of highly active medicinal compounds that could be manufactured on a large scale
Although not every condition has a cure virtually all diseases can be treated to some degree with medications
Pharmacology is defined as
the study of drugs and their effects on the body
Common Pharmacology Abbreviations
- IV
- IM
- SQ
- ET
IV (intravenous)
IM (intramuscular)
SQ or SC (subcutaneously)
ET (endotracheal)
Common Pharmacology Abbreviations
- IO
- PO
- PRN
- NEB
IO (intraosseous)
PO (per os or by mouth)
PRN (pro re nata or as needed)
NEB (nebulized)
Common Pharmacology Abbreviations
- o.d
- b.i.d
- t.i.d
- q.i.d
o. d (once a day)
b. i.d (twice a day)
t. i.d (three times a day)
q. i.d (four times a day)
Common Pharmacology Abbreviations
- q
- IN
- p.r.
q (every)
IN (Intra Nasal)
p.r. (Per Rectum)
Pharmaceutical preparations
are preparations that make a drug suited to certain method(s) of administration.
characteristics or properties that dictate in what form drugs will be manufactured
Some drugs deteriorate when dissolved in solution and are, therefore, manufactured in powder form and dissolved just prior to administration.
—This is usually the case with injectable antibiotics.
Some drugs are destroyed when taken by mouth.
—For example, insulin can only be injected and is manufactured in a sterile liquid form that can be injected.
Today, drug companies try to prepare drugs in forms that:
Can be easily administered.
Contain the exact dose that a physician prescribes.
Extract
Concentrated preparation of a drug made by putting the drug into a solution and evaporating the excess solvent
Powder
A drug that has been ground into a pulverized form
Capsule
A gelatin container that encloses a dose of medication
Pulvule
Similar to a capsule except that it is not made of gelatin
Tablet
A powdered drug that has been pressed into a small disk
Suppository
A drug in a firm base that is designed to melt at body temperature
Ointment
A semisolid preparation that is designed for external application
Patch
Contains medication on the surface of an adhesive patch
Solution
A liquid containing one or more chemicals dissolved in water
Suspension
Supplied as a powder and requiring the addition of water
Fluid extract
Concentrated form of the drug prepared by dissolving the drug in the fluid
Tincture
Dilute alcoholic extract of a drug
Spirits
Preparation of a volatile substance dissolved in alcohol
Elixir
Solution with alcohol and flavoring added
Milk
Aqueous suspension of an insoluble drug
Emulsion
One liquid (usually oil) distributed in small globules in another liquid (usually water)
Liniments
A lotion that is designed for external use
Vapour
Liquid form that when placed in a device that allows vaporization, allows the patient to inhale the medication
drug use:
- define
- examples
Prevention
A drug used to prevent the occurrence of a disease.
Heptavax B®
Tetanus toxoid
drug use:
- define
- examples
Diagnosis
A drug used to determine the nature of an illness or disease.
Radiopaque dyes
drug use:
- define
- examples
Treatment
A drug used in the management of a disease or disorder.
Lidocaine
Atropine