Lecture 1 - Part 1

Question 1

Why Should PTs study Pharmacology?

Answer 1

1) Drugs affect PT
2) PT affects drugs
3) PTs should be able to recognize and respond to ADRs

Question 2

How do drugs affects therapy?

Answer 2

1) by hindering therapy
- sedatives - impair cognition or motor function
- beta blockers - can decrease exercise tolerance
2) by facilitating therapy
- analgesics - manage pain
- drugs for Parkinson’s improve motor function
3) by contributing to patient safety
- respiratory medications

Question 3

Define a Schedule I drug?

Answer 3

drugs, substances, or chemicals defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse highest Potential for Abuse (heroin, marijuana, MDMA, etc)

Question 4

Define a Schedule II drug

Answer 4

drugs, substances, or chemicals with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence
- accepted medical use

Question 5

Define a schedule III drug

Answer 5

a moderate or lower abuse potential drug compared to II drugs

Question 6

Define a schedule IV drug

Answer 6

lower abuse potential compared to III drugs and lower risk of dependence

Question 7

Define a schedule V drug

Answer 7

lowest abuse potential drug

Question 8

substitution of generic drugs for brand name products

Answer 8

• generic drug forms should be safe and effective as the original brand name if the generic form of if the drug satisfies certain criteria
  
  • if the generic drug undergoes testing to establish that it has the same type and amount of active ingredients, the same pharmacokinetic profile, the same administration route, the same therapeutic effects
  • if this type of testing is done, the drugs are said to be bioequivalent
  • unless bioequivalent is established, it can only be assumed that substituting a generic drug will produce therapeutic effects that are similar to the brand name drug

Question 9

What is off-label prescribing?

Answer 9

• use of a drug to treat conditions other than those that the D was originally approved to treat
• occurs in response to observation and additional studies
• for example, anti-seizure gabapentin prescribed for chronic pain
• FDA cannot dictate how MDs prescribe
  
  • possible rigorous legal prosecution

Question 10

prescription vs OTC

Answer 10

• use to treat relatively minor problems
• judged safe for use without medical supervision
• consumers MUST realize that these products are important therapeutic medications and must be used appropriately
• can cause serious interactions with prescription medication
• typically less expensive (saving purportedly help contain overall medication costs)
• cost to the patient can be >

Question 11

Why do PTs need to study pharmacology?

Answer 11

1) understanding patient profiles
2) drug-induced limitations
3) potential drug interactions
4) recognizing adverse effects
5) enhancing communications with other healthcare providers
6) patient education
7) enhancing research and evidence-based practice
8) safety in special populations
9) ethical and legal responsibilities
10) PTs have an ethical and legal responsibility to provide safe care. Understanding potential drug-related issues is part of this duty of care