Pharmacology Flashcards
Pharmacology is
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, including origin, chemical structure, preparation, administration, action, metabolism, excretion
Source of drugs 4 types
1 inorganic
- animal
- plant
- Synthetically produced
Drug forms 3 types
- solids
- liquids
- Gases
Potentiation
Is the enhancement of the effect of one drug by another
Cumulative effect
Is an enhanced drug effect following several drug doses or an infusion
Tolerance
from prolonged exposure to certain drugs that results in reduced sensitivity to that drug
Increased dosage may be required to reach a therapeutic effect
Therapeutic effect
The desired effect of a drug or reason for which it was administered
Depressant
A drug that reduces the function of an organ or system
Generic name
Usually based on a description of the chemical structure of the drug
Chemical name
Describes the exact molecular structure of the compound
Brand or trade name
Name chosen by manufacturer to market the drug and may be based on its chemical structure, the condition for which it was prescribed or neither
Pharmacodynamics
The study of how drugs act within the body to achieve their effect
Pharmacokinetics
Is the study of the way in which the body handles drugs Eg. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion of drugs
Bioavailability
The proportion of a drug that is still active after it reaches its target tissue
Affinity
When a drug fits its receptor
Agonist
A drug that enhances or stimulates a receptor
Antagonist
Prevents an agonist from accessing the receptor, blocking the effect of the drug
Therapeutic threshold
The minimum concentration of a drug necessary to cause a desired response
Therapeutic index
The difference between the therapeutic threshold and the toxic concentration of a drug
Eg digoxin has narrow therapeutic range
Maintenance dose
Drugs that require repeat doses to maintain therapeutic plasma levels
Half life
The rate of decline of a drugs plasma level
Alpha 1 receptor
Are found in smooth muscle of peripheral vessels and spincters of the GI and GU tracts
Agonist = adrenaline
Alpha 2
Receptors are mainly presynaptic
Beta 1
Receptors found in heart, intestinal smooth muscle and fatty tissue.
Stimulation results in increased HR (chronotropic)
Increased force of contraction (inotropic)
Agonist = isoprenaline