Intro Flashcards
What is pharmacology?
the study of substances that alter bodily functions when introduced into an organism
What did people do medically in ancient times?
pain and diseases were treated with different plant and animal extracts
When did the science of drug preparation begin?
17th century
When was the concept of controlled clinical trial introduced?
~60 years ago
What is the present focus of drug research?
drug receptors (substrate)
What is the future of drug research?
study of genetic makeup and individual response to specific drugs aka pharmacogenomics
T/F all substances can be toxic under certain circumstances
true
T/F all medications have side-effects
true, but not every patient will experience every side effect
What ratio is evaluated when considering a new drug for a patient?
the risk/benefit ratio
T/F all OTC products are regulated to the highest standard
false
Define a drug
any substance that alters body function when introduced into a living organism
What does a drug effect?
a specific target molecule (receptor)
What does a drug effect depend on?
size, electrical charge, shape, and atomic composition
What is pharmacodynamics?
the actions of the drug on the body aka effects at the receptor and the results
What is pharmacokinetics?
the actions of the body on a drug aka absorption, metabolism and excretion how the drug gets into and out of the body
What is an agonist?
binds to and activates a receptor
What are the two types of agonists?
full and partial
What is an antagonist?
prevents other molecules from binding to a receptor
What are the two types of antagonist?
reversible or irreversible
What is the principle behind administration/absorption?
the intended site of drug action must be reachable by the drug
What is the principle behind metabolism?
a drug may reach its intended target as an active molecule or it might require conversion prior to being active (prodrug)
What is the principle behind distribution?
most often a drug is administered into one body compartment and must move to the intended site of action
What is the principle behind elimination?
a drug must be eliminated after it has an effect
What are some examples of drug classifications?
natural preparations, pure compounds, semi-synthetic compound, synthetic compounds, and biological drugs
What are some examples of therapeutic effect classifications?
anti-hypertensives, anti-convulsants, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-psychotic, anti-arrhythmic
What are drug classification examples in society?
prescription, OTC, dietary, herbal, recreational, commercial, agricultural
What three names do drugs have?
chemical, generic, and brand