Pharm Week 3 Flashcards
Pharmacology
the study of the interactions of chemicals, other than food, w/ living systems.
It is a science based upon an understanding of organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, pathology and microbiology that focuses on the mechanism of action of drugs on living systems.
Pharmacodynamics
mechanism of drug action
pharmacokinetics
absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs
Therapeutics
the application of pharmacology to the problems of clinical medicine
chemotherapy
the use of drugs, which ideally have little effect of the host (patient) but destroy or retard the growth of invading cells and organisms
Safety pharmacology
discipline focused on the mechanism of action (MOA) of unwanted effects of drugs in humans during drug product development
Toxicology
focuses on harmful effects of poisons, environmental and industrial chemicals and drugs on the human body
Harmful effects often focused on from the POV of dose
Pharmacy
the science broadly interested in all aspects of drugs, w/ 2 primary emphases: one on manufacture, compounding, preparation and dispensing of drugs; the other on the therapeutic management of drug treatment of patients (therapeutacist)
Generic name
the assigned name of a drug, by which it will be known throughout the world no matter how many different companies manufacture it
Ex. beta-adrenergic receptor blocker for HTN
Official name
the name by which a drug is listed in official publications
The official name is often the same as the generic name
Trade name
the name that is given by a particular company that is manufacturing the drug
Ex. Ibuprofen is sold under these names: Motrin, Advil, Nurofen
Clinical Trials Phase I
Need 20-100 HEALTHY volunteers
Objective:
how to best administer
verify safety and tolerability
evaluate how the drug acts in the body: absorbed, distributed, metabolized, excreted
9-18 months
Clinical Trials Phase II
Need 30-40 control and test subjects (healthy AND diseased volunteers)
Objective:
test patient response to treatment
if 1/5 respond, considered successful
establish dosage range
long term, chronic toxicity studies initiated
18-24 months
Clinical Trials Phase III
Need 100-1000+ volunteer patients suffering from the condition
Objective:
Determine whether the drug is of clinical benefit in the condition
Expanded testing of effectiveness and safety in randomized and blinded studies
2-4 years
After phase III, the drug is believed to be safe and effective
Testing Humans Follow-up Phase IIIb/IV
Need volunteer patients (number varies)
Objective:
III - provides additional safety data or tests on additional conditions
IV - expansion of testing to broader patient populations
Complete any phase III trials
compares long-term effectiveness and/or cost with other drug alternatives
Ongoing, but with close scrutiny for 1-2 yrs