Pharmacology in Dentistry - How drugs act

Question 1

What does a drug mean if it is Indicated or Contraindication (relative and absolute)?

Answer 1

Indication : A symptom that suggests a certain medical treatment is necessary

Containdication : A specific situation in which a drug, procedure or surgery should not be used because it may by harmful to the person.

• Relative contraindicatio: acceptavle if benefits outweigh risk
• Absolute containdication: Life threatening - do not take

Question 2

What things would u take into consideration when choosing an appropriate dose level and choice of medicine?

Answer 2

1. Ease of use
2. Safety
3. Patient access

Question 3

What is the dosage schedule / interval for drugs?

Answer 3

Normal does interval is based on 1 half life

Next dose given as previous dose reaches half life

Drug half life T_1/2

The time taken for the total amount of drug in blood plasma to diminish by half once it reaches peak concentration

Question 4

Why must you double check Drug-drug interactions before prescribing?

Answer 4

Drug interactions can be harmful (adverse) or beneficial.

Can check on BNF

Question 5

What is Major, Moderate and minor drug interactions?

Answer 5

Major - Highly clinically significant. Avoid as risk of interaction outweighs benefit

Moderate - moderate clinically significant - use only in special circumstances

Minor - minimally clinically significant. Consider alternative or institute monitoring plan

Question 6

What are the 3 Mechanisms of drug-drug interactions?

Answer 6

• Pharmacodynamics: when effects or actions of multiple drugs combine to produce adverse effects
• Pharmacokinetic: when one drug affects the delivery of another drug to its target
• Pharmaceuticals: incompatibilitites of ingredients

Question 7

can you prescribe codeine in pregnancy?

Answer 7

NO

Question 8

What is polypharmacy?

Answer 8

On multiple drugs for multiple diseases

(increases risk of drug interactions)