PHAR 100 - Module 5 Flashcards
safety and efficacy of OTC drugs
- all are subjected to preclincal testing for safety
- post-market safety surveillance is also conducted
grandparenting
new regulation don’t apply to products already on the market
guidlines for using an OTC
- illness/symptoms are mild
- use shouldn’t exceed 2 weeks
selection of appropriate OTC
- proven efficacy for the condition
- simplest ingredients
- list of ingredients and their amount
- come in appropriate dosage form
- known level of toxicity
internal analgesics → acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; brand name = Aspirin)
- relieves pain (analgesic), fever (antipyretic), and inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
- ASA inhibits synthesis at prostaglandins, which are endogenous substances that enhance the mediation of pain and fever
- tinnitus (ringing in ears at high doses, bad for children)
- allergic reactions
- gastric irritation (ASA breaks down mucosal barrier in stomach)
internal analgesics → acetaminophen (brand name = Tylenol)
- effective analgesic and antipyretic, not anti-inflammatory
- drug of choice in cases where ASA causes gastric irritation and inferable conditions in children
- inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
- overdose can lead to fatal liver injury
internal analgesics → non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) (Ibuprofen - brand name = Advil and naproxen = aleve)
- effective analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatories
- reverse inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins
- gastric irritation
topical analgesics
- minor sprains and overworked muscles
- voltarin (an NSAID) has proven efficacy
antihistamines
- treatment of symptoms due to allergy
- block histamine receptors, thereby inhibiting the binding of histamine to its receptor, decreasing allergy symptoms
antacids
- hold the pH of gastric contents at about 4
- neutralize gastric acid by an acid-base reaction
- systemic antacids - given orally and are absorbed by GI tract, leading to systemic alkalosis
- non-systemic antacids - aren’t absorbed and don’t cause systemic alkalosis
decongestants
- cause constriction of blood vessels preventing the accumulation of fluid and thereby reducing congestion
- long-acting preparations are best
cough suppressants
- centrally-acting → block processing of info in the medulla, reducing frequency of the cough; codeine (an opioid)
- peripheral cough suppressant → block the nerve endings in the throat and bronchioles inhibiting the stimulus to cough
expectorants
- reduce the viscosity of the sputum by increasing secretions
- glyceryl guaiacolate
sleeping aids
- main ingredient are an antihistamine that has sedative properties and an analgesic
laxatives
- increases excretion of a soft-formed stool by increasing gut motility or hydration of the stool
- stimulant laxatives → increase motor activity of intestine and increase secretion of mucus, water and electrolytes into the intestine
- bulk-forming laxatives → swell in water to form an emollient gel or viscous solution that serve to maintain soft stool
anti-diarrheal agents
- used to control diarrhea
- main concern with diarrhea is dehydration
- absorbents (Pepto) → add bulk to the GI tract and may absorb toxins
- loperamide → synthetic opioid that doesn’t penetrate into the CNS; inhibits gut motility by acting on opioid receptors in the GI tract, reducing peristaltic activity
0.5% and 1% hydrocortisone
- topical anti-inflammatory used for exposure to poison ivy, insect bits, any anti-inflammatory condition that is treated topically
sunscreens
- contains compounds such as para-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, benzophenone, and cinamic acids
- are absorbed into the outer layer of the skin and scatter UV energy, preventing it from reaching the lower layer of the skin
increase in herbal drugs is due to
- desire of people to use natural products, which they believe are safer than conventional products
- manufacturers and retailers promote these products for financial gain
allopathic medications
drugs used by mainstream medicine; have a DIN number from Health Canada
herbal medications (homeopathics)
plant products sold as medicine (no DIN); often crude mixtures and evaluation is lacking
phytopharmaceuticals
drugs obtained from plants, purified, and used at therapeutic doses with scientific evidence of efficacy and documented toxicity