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
allopathic phytopharmaceuticals
full status as a drug and meet all requirements of a drug (full safety and efficacy evaluation; DIN)
food supplement
a herbal product that is used at 1/4 of the proposed therapeutic dose