Phamacology Flashcards
What is it called when a drug binds to receptors to produce the desired result?
Agonists
What is it called when a drug binds to receptors to block the cells action?
antagonists
Term that is all about how drugs work on the body.
Pharmacodynamics
When something’s “dynamic,” it has power—so we’re talking about drugs’ power over the body.
What are the 3 main effects drugs have on the body?
Therapeutic (or “desired”) effect
Side effects
Adverse effects
What’s the difference between a side effect and an adverse effect?
side effects-expected, can be harmful or beneficial
Adverse effects-rare, harmful, should inform FDA about them
Therapeutic concentration
Having enough drug in the system to be therapeutic.
Therapeutic index
The ratio (or window) between the therapeutic level and the toxic level
Term that is all about how the body works on drugs.
Pharmacokinetics
Kinetic refers to “movement,” so think of this as how drugs move through the body.
What does the abbreviation ADME mean in reference to pharmacokinetics?
Absorption: how the drug gets into the bloodstream
Distribution: how the drug travels to its target site
Metabolism: how the drug breaks down in preparation to leave the body
Excretion: how the drug leaves the body
What are three routes of administration?
Enteral: Systemic, through the GI tract
Parenteral: Systemic, outside the GI tract
Topical: Local, absorbed through outer layers
What are the 4 ways a drug can be administered in enteral form?
Buccal: between the gums and cheek
Oral: swallowed by mouth
Rectal: via suppositories
Sublingual (SL): under the tongue
What are the 3 parenteral routes of administration?
Intramuscular (IM): into a muscle
Intravenous (IV): within a vein
Subcutaneous (sub-Q, subcut): under the skin
What are 5 examples of topical route administration?
Drops (eye, ear, nose) Inhalation (inhaled through the mouth) Nasal sprays Ointments, creams, gels, foams Transdermal patch
What are the 3 names that drugs have?
Chemical name: Don’t worry about this! Physicians and pharmacists usually don’t use it.
Generic name: Official name of the drug, simpler than chemical name, not copyrighted (nonproprietary)
Brand/trade name: Trademark-protected (proprietary) by drug manufacturer or pharmaceutical company
what are 3 ways drugs are classified?
By what they do (their therapeutic use): antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, pain relievers
By the body systems they treat: cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory
By their chemical structure or family (also called “pharmacological profile”): selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, statins, tetracyclines
Describe the Schedule I drugs
No currently accepted medical use. (illegal)
High potential for abuse.
Most dangerous drugs.
heroin, LSD
Describe the Schedule II drugs
High potential for abuse.
Dangerous drugs.
30-day signed prescription w/no refills.
opioid pain medications like Dilaudid, OxyContin
Describe the Schedule III drugs
Moderate to low potential for physical dependence.
High psychological dependence.
Suboxone (used to treat opiate addiction), Tylenol with codeine
Describe the Schedule IV drugs
Low potential for abuse.
Low risk of dependence.
Ativan, Valium (both are anti-anxiety drugs)
Describe the Schedule V drugs
Lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs.
Contain limited amounts of certain narcotics.
Cough suppressants, pain relievers (like Lyrica), antidiarrheals (like Lomotil)
What organization is in charge of controlled substances?
DEA-drug enforcement agency
What does “off-label” drug use mean? how is it used?
means that a physician prescribes a drug for a use other than the one intended by the FDA. This means that they could be . . .
Used for a different medical condition
Given via a different route of administration
Given in a different dose
a.c.
before meals
p.c.
after meals
