Pharmacology Flashcards
what is meant by an agonist drug?
binds to and activates receptors to produce a biological response.
what is meant by an antagonist drug?/
blocks the action of agonists from stimulating receptors.
what is meant by pharmacokinetics?
how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized or excreted.
What the body does with the drug.
how do drugs work in the body?
they act by binding to receptors causing either activation or inhabition of a regualr body process to give a biological response.
what is meant by pharmacodynamics?
what the drug does to the body. - physiological effects on the bosy and the mechanisms of the drug action/ the relationship between drug concentration and effect.
why do drugs target receptors?
becuase receptors coordinate the function of all cells in the body. They are chemical messengers.
what would an agonist drug do to a receptrs?
activate the receptor.
what would an antagonist drug do to a receptor
block the receptor.
why do drugs target ion channels?
becuase they are gateways into the cell.
what do blocker drugs do to ion channels?
block the channel.
what do modulator drugs doe to ion channels?
increase or decrease opening probability.
why do drugs target enzymes?
because often the drug molecule is a substrate analogue that acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme.
what effect does an inhibitor drug have on enzymes?
normal reaction inhibited.
what effect does a false substrate drug have on enzymes?
abnormal metabolite produced.
what effect does a prodrug have on enzymes?
active drug roduced.
why do drugs target transporters?
because they transport the movement of ions ad small organic molecules across cell memebranes.
what effect do inhibitor drugs have on transporters?
block transport.
what effect do false substrate drugs have on transporters?
abnormal compound accumulated.
with Pharmacokinetics what 2 assumptions need to be made?
- plasma concentration bears a precise relation to the concentration of drug in the immediate environment of its target.
- drug response depends only on the concentration of the drug on the immediate environment of its target.
what type of pain is most likely to bring a pt to the dentist?
acute pain.
what are corticosteriod medications used for?
used for inflammation to relieve discomfort and redness of the mouth.
what are narcotic analgesic medicationd given for?
may be given for severe pain conditions.
what is codeine metabolised by?
CYP2D6
what are the effects of Nitrous oxide?
- tingling sensation
- warm sensation
- feeling of euphoria
- sleepiness
what are the 2 sedation drugs commonly used in dentistry?
- Nitrous oxide
- midazolam
what is a problem with midazolam if it is used with other CNS depressants?
can increase possibility of hypotention, respiratory depression/arrest and death.
what is metronidazole used for? (types of bacteria)
anaerobic bacteria and protozoa
what are the effects of prolonged use of antibiotics?
- normal oral/gut flora is destroyed.
- selection of resistant strains.
- colonisation by harmful microbes that are not normal residents.
what side effects to the oral cavity can antidepressants have?
dry mouth.
How effects do anti-depressants have on the body?
block the action of neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
what side effects do nitrates have on the body?
can cause headaches.
what are nitrates given to patients?
used to prevent and reliece chest pains (angina) as they are vasodilators.
what effects do antihypertensives have on the body?
prevent postural hypotension (excessive fall in BP when moving in to an upright position)
what kind of behaviour would you often seen in patients taking opiods?
addictive-related behaviour.
often have poor dental health due to neglect.
patients taking insulin are at higher risk of what?
dry mouth, gum inflamation, poor healing of oral tissues and thrush.
what medical emergency is most likely to happen with a patient taking insulin?
hypoglycaemic episode - severe decline in blood glucose levels.
what are patients taking steriods at a higher risk of complications?
- adrenal suppression caused by steroid therapy.
- disease/condition which requires them to take steroids.
- oral yeast infections and blood blister (if chronic user)
why can lidocain not be given to patients taking Beta blockers?
as beta blockers can decrease hepatic blood flow and/or inhibit hapatic enzymes, this reduces metabolism of lidocain. Leading to increased serum levels and possible toxicity of lidocain.
so taking both lidocain and beat blockers can result in myocardial depression.