Intro to Pharmacology (Exam 1) Flashcards
Definition of Pharmacology
The study of the biological effects of DRUGS that are introduced into the body to cause some sort of change
Definition of Pharmacokinetics
-What happens to drugs in the body
Pharmacodynamics
-Mechanism of action
-Effects on the body
Chemical Name
-Long and Complex
-Used in research
Generic name
-Official name of drug
-Only 1 generic name
-Usually more complicated than trade name
-Lower case
Trade Name
-Brand Name
-Easier to remember and pronounce
-Upper case
Prototype Drug
One drug-typically the first-that represents a group or class of medication
New drugs int eh class are compared to the prototype to examine what?
Effectiveness and Side Effects
Therapeutic Effects
-Intended effects of the drug
-What we want to happen
Blood pressure medication to decrease blood pressure
Side effects
-Unintended Effects of Medication
-Unavoidable
When taking a medication a person has to weigh what?
The therapeutic effects vs the adverse (side effects)
Toxicties
Harmful effects of medication
Allergic reactions
-Unexpected can be dangerous
-Involves immune system response
What do we needs to know with each medication?
-Name: Generic Names
-Classification (drug class): Given to a describe a group of medication that work similarly (SAME MOA)
-Mechanism of action: How the drug works in the body
-Indications: Why are we giving this med? What is it used to treat?
-Common/Serious Adverse Effects
-Contrindications
-Nursing indications: What the nurses need to worry about with the medication. What do we need to assess before giving the said medication. Serious interactions? is it a CYP drug?
How are new drugs approved
-approved by the FDA
-chemical identified and undergoes strict clinical test
Preclinical Trials
Tested on lab animals for therapeutic and adverse effects
Phase I studies
Human Volunteers are used to test the drug
-Showing us big side effects
Phase II Studies
-drug is tried on patients who have the disease that the drug is designed to treat
-showing use rare and new side effects
Phase III studies
The drug is used in a VAST CLINICAL MARKET.
Phase IV studies
-CONTINUED EVALUATION by the FDA
Controlled Substances
-Schedule I-V
Schedule I Medications
-Chemical substances or drugs that are not approved for medical use. No reason to prescribe
-Herion-LSD-Ecstasy
-VERY HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE
Schedule II Medications
-Used medically, but HIGH potential for abuse
-Narcotics and amphetamines
-Hydromorphone - Oxycodone
-NO REFILLS ALLOWED
Schedule III Medications
Less potential for abuse (moderate to low)
-None barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamines, stimulants
-Ketamine, testosterone, anabolic steroids
Schedule IV Medications
-Some potential for Abuse
-Primarily sedatives, anti-anxiety medications
-Xanax, Valium, Ambien
Schedule 5
Low potential for abuse
-Mediations containing small amounts of certain narcotics or stimulants. Antitussives
-Cough suppressants with some codeine, ephedrine containing medications
Over the Counter Medications
-80 different classes
-Antihistamines, sleep aids, analgesics, antacids, laxatives
-Low risk of side effects and Low abuse potential
For a medication to be classified as OTC
Consumers must be able to diagnose own conditions and monitor effectiveness EASILY
Benedryll for poison Ivey rash
Some OTC medications are available only behind the pharmacy counter due to abuse possibility
-Pseudoephedrine containing medications
Dietary and Herbal Supplements can only
Claim affect on BODY STRUCTURE or FUNCTION (not medical condition)
EX. St John’s Wort- affects emotional balance (not treat depression)
Not evaluated by the FDA
Adverse interactions between drugs and herbals
-Some herbals can INCREASE the toxicity of prescription medication or cause DECREASED therapeutic effects
Teaching Points for Drug and Herbals
When getting a medication history always ask SPECIFICALLY about other medications, supplements, OTC, herbals, vitamins, etc.
Example: of adverse interaction
GINKO biloba platelet aggregation
Therefore can increase the risk of bleeding in patients on antiplatelet and antiocoagulant drugs (blood thinners)
Teratogens
Substances that can cause congenital malformations in developing fetus
Common teratogens
Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine all known teratogens
FDA Pregnancy Risk Categories
Category A- Safe for fetus
Category B- Lack of studies to show benefit/risk
Category C- No studies, animal studies possible risk
Category D- drugs that have possible risk to the fetus
Category X- drugs that have KNOWN RISK, that CANNOT be outweighed by possible benefit
Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) categories
Pregnancy
Lactation
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Pharmacogenomics
-The study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs
-New field combines pharmacology and genomics to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a persons makeup
