Geropharmacology Flashcards
Pharmacokinetics
Movement of a medication in the body from the point of administration through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
Absorption
Movement of a drug from its site of administration into the blood
- Bioavailability
- Amount of medication
- Route
Enteral
Rectal-> Nasogastric-> Oral
Parenteral
Intravenous-> Intramuscular-> subcutaneous -> intradermal
Percutaneous or mucosal
Inhalation, sublingual, transdermal, topical
Distribution
Transportation of the drug via the blood to the target organ to have an effect
- Availability of plasma proteins
- Therapeutic window
Metabolism
AKA biotransformation
- Body modifies the chemical structure of the medication into water-soluble compounds or metabolites for the body’s use or for elimination
Excretion
Unused drug molecules are removed from their sites of action
- Primarily through kidneys
Medications are given to:
Cure disease, relieve symptoms, prevent disease, diagnose conditions, replace natural body substances
Polypharmacy
The use of a large number of medications, contraindicated or potentially inappropriate medications or medications that are duplicated or unnecessary.
Misuse of medications
Overuse, Underuse, Erratic use, contraindicated use
Medication Reconciliation
Formal process in which healthcare providers work together with pts, families, and care providers to ensure accurate and comprehensive medication information is communicated consistently across transitions of care
Ontario Drug Benefit Program
- All those 65+ or in LTC qualify
- Helps cover the cost of more than 4400 prescription drugs
Bioavailability
Amount of medication available for affecting changes in target tissues
* Affected by gastric motility
Biotransformation
A series of chemical alterations of a medication that occur in the body
- Metabolism
Half-life
The time it takes after medication administration to inactivate half of the medication
Potentiation
strengthening of the effect of one or more substances when they are used in combination
Therapeutic window
Range of the plasma concentration of a medication within which it is safe and effective
ADR
Adverse drug reaction
- Notable cause of admission
- cause of iatrogenic mortality and morbidity
Fast routes for medications
Parenteral, transdermal, intravenous, mucous membranes
Age-related changes
- diminished gastric pH affect acid-dependant meds
- Delayed stomach emptying affects short lived meds
- absorbtion of enteric-coated medications may be delayed
- Low serum albumin
Active metabolites maintain the ability to have a therepuetic effect, as well as _____________________
The same or greater chances of causing adverse effects
Primary site of medication metabolism
Liver
Age related changes to the liver
Activity, metabolism, volume, and blood flow are reduced.
- Decrease metabolism
- increase half life