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What is the definition of pharmacology?
What is the definition of pharmacology?
Study of drugs and their actions and effects on living systems.
According to the WHO, what is a drug?
According to the WHO, what is a drug?
Any substance or product used to modify or explore physiological systems or pathological states.
What is the difference between a drug and medicine?
What is the difference between a drug and medicine?
A drug is a substance, while a medicine is a drug mixed in a formulation for administration.
Which of the following are important characteristics for administering a drug safely? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are important characteristics for administering a drug safely? (Select all that apply)
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What does potency refer to in drug characteristics?
What does potency refer to in drug characteristics?
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What is specificity in the context of drugs?
What is specificity in the context of drugs?
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Ethanol has a higher specificity than Lorazepam.
Ethanol has a higher specificity than Lorazepam.
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Which of these are sources of drugs? (Select all that apply)
Which of these are sources of drugs? (Select all that apply)
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What is a bioequivalence study?
What is a bioequivalence study?
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Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
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What does drug scheduling refer to?
What does drug scheduling refer to?
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Study Notes
Overview of Pharmacology
- Pharmacology is the study of drugs, derived from the Greek word "pharmakon."
- It encompasses the actions and effects of drugs on living systems.
Definition of Drugs and Medicines
- World Health Organization defines a drug as any substance used to modify or explore physiological systems or pathological states for the recipient's benefit.
- A medicine is a drug formulated for safe administration.
Safe Drug Administration
- Understanding necessary aspects of medication is crucial for safe administration:
- Pharmacodynamics: how the drug works.
- Pharmacokinetics: how the body processes the drug.
- Dosage, frequency, and administration route.
- Recognizing pharmacological effects and specific indications.
- Awareness of adverse effects and contraindications.
- Understanding potential drug interactions.
Useful Drug Characteristics
- Potency: The amount of a substance required to produce an effect.
- Selectivity: The narrow range of actions on specific receptors or tissues.
- Specificity: The relationship between a drug's chemical structure and its pharmacological effects.
Alcohol vs. Lorazepam
- Alcohol (ethanol) comparison with Lorazepam (benzodiazepine):
- Alcohol has a lower specificity and broader interaction profile than Lorazepam.
- Lorazepam is more potent at lower doses.
- Different mechanisms: Lorazepam facilitates inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) action, while alcohol depresses neuronal activity.
Considerations for Drug Characteristics
- Factors for evaluating drugs include:
- Ease of administration.
- Absorption efficiency.
- Potency and selectivity.
- Specificity and drug interactions.
Sources of Drugs
- Drugs can be sourced from:
- Micro-organisms (e.g., fungi for antibiotics).
- Human and animal products (e.g., adrenaline).
- Minerals (e.g., iron).
- Laboratory synthesised substances (e.g., antidepressants).
- Plants (e.g., caffeine, cocaine, morphine).
Types of Drug Names
- Chemical name: Example - 7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.
- Generic name: Non-proprietary name such as diazepam.
- Trade name: Brand name like Valium.
Approved Generic Medicines
- Examples include:
- Amoxil®
- Ventolin®
- Implanon NTX®
- Lipitor®
- Advil®
- Panadeine Forte®
Generic Prescribing
- Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and can be produced after patent expiration.
- They comprise 40% of prescriptions filled by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) demands that generics meet the same quality and manufacturing standards as original brands.
Bioequivalence
- Refers to the rate and extent at which the active ingredient of a generic medicine is released into the bloodstream compared to the original.
- Bioequivalence is verified through bioavailability studies, with TGA requiring evidence for confirmation.
Drug Classifications
- Classifications based on:
- Therapeutic use (e.g., antidepressants).
- Mechanism of action (e.g., monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
- Molecular structure (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants).
- System affected (e.g., CNS depressants).
- Drug schedule classification.
- Pregnancy safety categories (A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, X).
Drug Schedules
- Examples of drug classifications:
- Schedule 2: Pharmacy-only medicines, e.g., large packets of paracetamol.
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Description
This quiz covers Lecture 2 of BIOL205, focusing on the definition and understanding of drugs. Students will explore the basic principles of pharmacology and the role of drugs in biology. Prepare to engage with key concepts and terms in this essential field of study.
