Pharm orientation and scope

Question 1

Define the following: 
 Drug
 FDA 
 Pro-Drug
 Pharmacotherapeutics
 Pharmacogenomics
 Pharmacoeconomics
 Pharmacoepidemiology

Answer 1

 Drug-Any substance that brings about a change in biologic function through its chemical actions
 FDA –Role is to ensure drugs are proven safe and effective.
 Pro-Drug- converted to the active drug by biologic processes—inside the body.
 Pharmacotherapeutics- A field of study of the appropriate use of medications to effectively treat or prevent disease and manage symptoms.
 Pharmacogenomics-A field of study of genetic impact on drug metabolic or handling processes which can affect individual responses to drugs.
 Pharmacoeconomics -A field of study utilizing scientific and economic methods to evaluate and compare value between therapies
 Pharmacoepidemiology-A field of study that applies epidemiological principles and methods to study the uses and effects of medications on large populations

Question 2

What are the endings for the following drug names?

a. beta blocker
b. alpha blocker
c. ACE inhibitors
d. Ca Channel Blockers
e. diuretic agents

Answer 2

a. -lol
b. -sin
c. -pril
d. -pine
e. -zide

Question 3

Define therapeutic window

Answer 3

ratio between minimum effective concentration (MEC) to the minimum toxic concentration (MIC)

Question 4

Define these forms of antagonism:

a. Functional
b. Chemical
c. Dispositional
d. Receptor

Answer 4

a. 2 agonists interact with different receptors to produce opposite effects
b. Drug counters the effect of another resulting in decreased effect
c. Metabolism of a chemical is
altered and the concentration
and/or duration of the chemical
are diminished
d. Receptor configuration/specificity

Question 5

What is the difference between therapeutic equivalence and bioequivalence?

Answer 5

a. must e pharmaceutically equivalent and have the same therapeutic effect and safety profile
b. has similar rate and extent of absorption; 80-125% of reference product

Question 6

Weight

Answer 6

 gm or g = grams
 mg = milligrams (1/1000th of a gram)
 mcg = micrograms (1/1000th of a milligram)
 mEq = milliequivalents (1/1000th of an equivalent)
 lb = pounds
 kg = kilograms (1000 gms)

Question 7

Volume

Answer 7

 tsp = teaspoon (5 ml)
 tbsp = tablespoon (15 ml; or 3 tsps)
 ounce (oz) = 30 ml (2 tbsps or 6 tsps)
 ml/cc = milliliter/cubic centimeter (1/1000th liter)  quart = 946 ml (2 pints = 1 quart)
 pint = 473 ml (16 oz = 1 pint)
 liter (L) = 1000 ml
 Gallon (G) = 3.79 L (4 quarts = 1 G; or 8 pints)

Question 8

Schedule 1

Answer 8

• all non research use is illegal

- No currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Ex: Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), Marijuana, LSD, PCP

Question 9

Schedule 2

Answer 9

• No telephone Rx’s, no refills
• Drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Ex: Opioids, Cannabinoids, Amphetamines, Phenobarbital

Question 10

Schedule 3

Answer 10

• New Rx written after 6 months or 5 refills
• Drugs w/moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Ex: Phendimetrazine, Codeine, Anabolic Steroids

Question 11

Schedule 4

Answer 11

• Rx must be written after 6 months/5 refills,
  differs from Schedule III for illegal possession
• Drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.
  Ex: Propoxyphene, Phenteramine, Alprazolam

Question 12

Schedule 5

Answer 12

• non opioid Rx. Dispensed without Rx

- Drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limite

Question 13

Dosing frequency

q. a.m. =
q. p.m. =
q. h.s. =
p. r.n. =
a. c. =
p. c. =

o.d. =
o.s. =
o.u. =
a.d. =
a.s. =
a.u. =
Drops =

q.d.
b.i.d.
t.i.d.
q.i.d.
q.o.d.
q.”x”.h. (q12h) =
Days of the week =

Answer 13

q. a.m. = every morning
q. p.m. = every evening
q. h.s. = every night at bedtime p.r.n. = as needed
a. c. = before meals
p. c. = after meals

o.d. = right eye
o.s. = left eye
o.u. = both eyes
a.d. = right ear
a.s. = left ear
a.u. = both ears
Drops = gtt

q.d. = every day/daily
b.i.d. = twice daily
t.i.d. = three times daily
q.i.d. = four times daily
q.o.d. = every other day
q.”x”.h. (q12h) = every 12 hours
Days of the week = M,T,W,Th(R),F, Sa, S

Question 14

Administration Abbreviation

p. o. =
s. l. =

i.v. =
i.m. =
s.q. =
p.r. =
NGT =
OGT =

Answer 14

p. o. = by mouth
s. l. = sublingually (under the tongue)

i.v. = intravenously
i.m. = intramuscularly
s.q. = subcutaneously
p.r. = per rectum
NGT = Naso-Gastric Tube
OGT = Oro-Gastric Tube

Question 15

Dosage formula

Answer 15

(D/H) x Q = one dose

D = doctor's order
H = supply on hand
Q = quantity