Pharmacology of the nervous system Flashcards
Define pharmacology
A chemical substance that interacts with a specific trader within a biological system to produce a physiologic effect
What questions should be asked concerning drugs?
What is the response produced?
What is the target for the drug?
Where is the effect produced?
Why do people take heroine?
Euphoria
Analgesia
Cough-surpression
Where are the effects of heroine produced?
Three areas of the brain
What is the target for heroine?
Opioid receptors in the brain
What are the 4 main classes of drug targets?
Receptors
Enzymes
Transport proteins
Ion channels
What does atorvastatin target?
Enzyme
What does amlodipine target?
Ion channel
What does salbutamol target?
Receptor
What does citalopram target?
Transport protein
What are the two main ways by which drugs act?
Enhance activation
Prevent activation
What must a drug be to be effective?
Must show high degree of selectivity for a particular target
Whys is high selectivity more important for drugs that are endogenous compounds like dopamine?
Method of delivery is difficult
In body, compound is delivered directly to the target
But the drug can bind to different targets in multiple places meant for different compounds
Since delivery is widespread
What are side effects?
Effect produces by the drug that is secondary to the intended effect
What is an adverse effect?
A side effect that has negative health consequences
