Prescription Writing & Drug Testing

Question 1

What abbreviation should be used instead of µg?

Answer 1

mcg

Question 2

What does p.r.n. stand for?

Answer 2

-as needed

Question 3

What does q stand for?

Answer 3

-every

Question 4

What does h stand for?

Answer 4

hour

Question 5

What does Tspn stand for?

Answer 5

tablespoon

Question 6

What does qtts stand for?

Answer 6

-drops

Question 7

What is a lead compound?

Answer 7

-a compound which has the potential to do good things and be safe enough to be FDA approved

Question 8

What is ADMET testing on animals?

Answer 8

Tests for:

Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Elimination
Toxic effects 

in animals

Question 9

How does drug absorption change as we age?

Answer 9

• may be slowed, but usually not changed

- least affected by aging

Question 10

How does drug distribution change as we age?

Answer 10

• increase in body fat, decrease in lean body mass and total body water
• liver makes less albumin
• these factors may alter volume of distribution

Question 11

What can happen to plasma levels of lipid soluble drugs in the elderly?

Answer 11

-plasma levels decrease due to increased body fat

Question 12

What can happen to plasma levels of drugs that distribute into body water or lean body mass in the elderly?

Answer 12

-plasma levels increase

Question 13

How is drug metabolism changed in the elderly?

Answer 13

• Phase 1 (oxidation) metabolism is decreased

- Phase II (glucuronidation) is relatively preserved

Question 14

How does renal function affect drug elimination in the elderly?

Answer 14

• gradual decrease in GFR with age

- Must calculate GFR to know how efficiently drug is being eliminated

Question 15

How do drug receptors change as we age?

Answer 15

-most probably decrease in number and signalling efficiency

Question 16

What are the basic principles for prescribing to older patients?

Answer 16

1. Start with a low dose and titrate upward slowly as tolerated
2. avoid starting 2 drugs at the same time
3. be aware of timing of medication to minimize side effects