Pharamcology Basics Flashcards
What is Pharmacodynamics?
what the natural substance or drug does to the body
What is Pharmacokinetics?
what the body does to a natural substance or drug
What is homeostasis?
any self-regulating process by which an organism tends to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are best for survival
What is the process for homeostasis?
environment - external conditions that affect the organism
chemical changes - the internal changes that occur in response to environmental stimuli, part of the body’s response to keep internal conditions stable
body and brain changes - the chemical changes in the body are registered by the brain, leading to alterations in the body’s functions to counteract the enviromental changes
How are drugs processed by the body?
drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and eliminated by the body
What is a receptor?
target/site of action of a compound in the body or a drug or a normal product
What is the lock and key analogy?
lock - receptor acts as lock, key - drug acts as key , the combination yields a response
What is a natural agonist?
natural substance in the body that binds to a receptor and activates it
What is an example of a natural agonist? (adrenoceptor and opioid)
adrenoceptor - adrenaline, epinehrine
opioid - endorphins
What is a natural product agonist?
natural substance from a plant that binds to a receptor and activates it
What is an example of a natural product agonist? (adrenoceptor and opioid)
adrenoceptor - ephedrine
opioid - morphine extracted from poppy plant
What is an agonist drug?
drug made in lab that mimics the natural substance in the body, it binds to the receptor and activates it
What is an antagonist drug?
drug made in lab that binds to receptor but doesn’t activate it, prevents the agonist from accessing the receptor
What is an example of an agonist drug?
adrenoceptor - salbutamol/ventolin
opioid - fentanyl, oxycodone
What is an example of an antagonist drug?
adrenoceptor - propranolol
opioid - naloxone used in OD
What are the clinical uses of adrenoceptor agonists?
anaphylactic shock, cardiac arrest, asthma and decongestant
What are the clinical uses of adrenoceptor antagonists?
high blood pressure, migraine, tremor and anxiety
How does the liver degrade drugs?
the cytochrome P-450 enzyme transforms drugs into more water soluble metabolites
How do the kidneys excrete drugs?
traps water-soluble (ionized) compounds for elimination via urine
How do the lungs excrete drugs?
alcohol on breath
Why is receptor specificity important in drug action?
Receptor specificity determines the selectivity of drug action, affecting targeted effects and reducing unwanted side effects by interacting only with specific receptors.
Compare the pharmacokinetics of inhalation versus oral administration.
nhalation provides rapid onset of action as drugs enter the bloodstream directly from the lungs, whereas oral administration involves slower absorption via the digestive tract and a first-pass metabolism effect in the liver.
How does enzyme inhibition affect drug metabolism?
Enzyme inhibition can slow down the metabolism of drugs, leading to increased drug levels in the body and potentially enhancing both efficacy and risk of toxicity.
How can drugs impact homeostasis?
Drugs can affect homeostasis by altering physiological balances such as blood pressure, body temperature, and glucose levels, either restoring or disrupting normal body functions.
