Week 1 Intro to Pharmacology Flashcards
Pharmacology
The study of the biological effect of DRUGS (chemicals) that are introduced into the body to cause some sort of change
Pharmacokinetics
What happens to drugs in the body
Pharmacodynamics
- Mechanism of action
- Effects on the body
“What drug does to the body”
Chemical name (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol)
- Long and complex
* Used in research
Generic name (acetaminophen)
- Official name of drug
- Only 1 generic name
- Usually more complicated than trade name
- Lower case
Trade name (Tylenol)
- Brand name, given by pharmaceutical company
- Easier to remember and pronounce
- Upper case
Prototype
- One drug – typically the first – that represents a group or class of medication
- New drugs in the class are compared to the prototype
- Effectiveness
- Side effects
Examples:
- ibuprofen/Advil – represents the class NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Other manufactures of ibuprofen (Walgreens, Kroger, etc) get compared to
prototype
Therapeutic effects
- Intended effects of the drug
- What we want to happen
“Tylenol - pain relief, decrease temp”
Side effects
- Unintended effects
- Unavoidable
“Tylenol - upset stomach”
Toxicities
Harmful effects
“Levels of drug in system”
Adverse effects
- Unexpected reaction
- Dangerous reaction
Allergic reaction
- Unexpected
- May be dangerous
- Involves immune system response
“THINK - IMMUNE RESPONSE”
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW WITH EACH MEDICATION?
Name: trade & generic names only generic on test
Classification (drug class) : Given to describe a group of medications that work similarly [usually by mechanism of action, physiologic effect, or chemical structure]
BP meds: beta blockers, ace inhibitors
Mechanism of action: How the drug works in the body
Indications: Why are we giving this med? What is it used to treat?
Tylenol - pain relief, decrease temp.
Common/Serious Adverse Effects
Contraindications
Is there a reason someone should not take? Tylenol - liver failure
Nursing indications: what does the nurse need to worry about with this med? What should be assessed prior to giving this med? Are there any SERIOUS interactions? Is it a CYP drug? Sometimes contraindications are included in this section.
HOW ARE NEW DRUGS APPROVED?
Approved By the FDA
Chemical Identified, undergoes strict scientific Tests (Only 5 in 100,000 will eventually be marketed as drugs)
Preclinical trials – tested on lab ANIMALS for therapeutic and adverse effects
Phase I studies – HUMAN VOLUNTEERS are used to test the drug
Phase II studies – drug is tried on patients who have the DISEASE that the drug is designed to treat
Phase III studies – the drug is used in a VAST CLINICAL MARKET. Prescribers informed of adverse effects and monitor their patients closely. Unexpected responses may occur and the drug may be withdrawn from the market
Phase IV studies – CONTINUED EVALUATION by the FDA.
How are new drugs approved? Pre clinical trials:
tested on lab ANIMALS
How are new drugs approved? Phase 1:
HUMAN VOLUNTEERS used to test drug
How are new drugs approved? Phase 2:
drug is tried on patients who have the DISEASE that the drug is designed to treat
How are new drugs approved? Phase 3:
he drug is used in a VAST CLINICAL MARKET. Prescribers informed of adverse effects and monitor their patients closely. Unexpected responses may occur and the drug may be withdrawn from the market
How are new drugs approved? Phase 4:
CONT. EVAL. by FDA
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Schedule 1- not approved for medical use, no reason to prescribe
Heroin, LSD
Schedule 2- used medically, but HIGH potential for abuse
Narcotics, amphetamines
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxycodone
No refills allowed
Schedule 3- less potential for abuse
Non barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamines, stimulants
Lortab, Vicodin
Schedule 4- Some potential for abuse
Primarily sedatives, anti-anxiety medications
Xanax, valium, Ambien
Schedule 5- Low potential for abuse
Medications containing small amounts of certain narcotics or stimulants,
usually antitussives
Cough suppressants with some codeine, ephedrine containing
medications
Schedule 1
Not approved for medical use, no reason to prescribe
Heroin, LSD
Schedule 2
Used medically, but HIGH potential for abuse
Narcotics, amphetamines
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxycodone
No refills allowed
Schedule 3
Less potential for abuse
Non barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamines, stimulants
Lortab, Vicodin
Schedule 4
Some potential for abuse
Primarily sedatives, anti-anxiety medications
Xanax, valium, Ambien
Schedule 5
Low potential for abuse
Medications containing small amounts of certain narcotics or stimulants,
usually antitussives
Cough suppressants with some codeine, ephedrine containing
medications
OTC Meds
Consumers must be able to diagnose own condition and monitor effectiveness EASILY
Low risk of side effects and low abuse potential
Some OTC medications are available only behind pharmacy counter due to
abuse possibility:
Sudafed containing medications, narcan
DIETARY AND HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS
Can only claim affect on BODY STRUCTURE or FUNCTION
(not medical condition)
EX. St John’s Wort– affects emotional balance (not treat depression)
FDA only monitors POST-MARKET
Label restrictions on dietary and herbals
ADVERSE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN DRUGS AND HERBALS
Some herbals can increase the toxicity of prescription medication or cause decreased therapeutic effects
TERATOGENS
Substances that can cause congenital malformations in developing fetus
Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine
Category A
Safe for fetus
Category B
Lack of studies to show benefit/risk
Category C
No studies, animal studies possible risk, talk to OB
Category D
Drugs that have possible risk to the fetus. Talk to OB.
Category X
Have KNOWN risk, CANNOT BE outweighed by possible benefit
Thalidomide, chemo, Retin A/isotretinoin
PHARMACOGENOMICS
the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs
