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Questions and Answers
What should be done immediately after removing medication from its container?
What should be done immediately after removing medication from its container?
Why is it important not to take medication prescribed for another person?
Why is it important not to take medication prescribed for another person?
Why should medications that require refrigeration be stored correctly?
Why should medications that require refrigeration be stored correctly?
What is a possible consequence of adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision?
What is a possible consequence of adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision?
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What can happen if a person abruptly discontinues their medication for seizure disorders?
What can happen if a person abruptly discontinues their medication for seizure disorders?
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What should healthcare professionals always be informed of?
What should healthcare professionals always be informed of?
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What is the primary action of an agonist in drug receptor interaction?
What is the primary action of an agonist in drug receptor interaction?
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Which phase of pharmacokinetics is primarily affected by the route of administration?
Which phase of pharmacokinetics is primarily affected by the route of administration?
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What could potentially lead to drug toxicity in a patient?
What could potentially lead to drug toxicity in a patient?
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How does drug tolerance develop in patients?
How does drug tolerance develop in patients?
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What is the main concern when patients don't comply with medication instructions?
What is the main concern when patients don't comply with medication instructions?
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What should a healthcare provider do to ensure patient understanding of medications?
What should a healthcare provider do to ensure patient understanding of medications?
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Which of the following best describes the drug metabolism process?
Which of the following best describes the drug metabolism process?
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Which factor is known to affect an individual’s drug response?
Which factor is known to affect an individual’s drug response?
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What is the potential risk of drug-drug interactions when drugs are combined?
What is the potential risk of drug-drug interactions when drugs are combined?
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What is the primary characteristic of a prescription drug?
What is the primary characteristic of a prescription drug?
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Which category of drugs has the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S.?
Which category of drugs has the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S.?
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What is a common characteristic of non-prescription drugs?
What is a common characteristic of non-prescription drugs?
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How must controlled substances be obtained?
How must controlled substances be obtained?
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What does Category A indicate in drug safety during pregnancy?
What does Category A indicate in drug safety during pregnancy?
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Which of the following accurately describes the pharmacokinetic phase of drug action?
Which of the following accurately describes the pharmacokinetic phase of drug action?
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Which statement about narcotics is true?
Which statement about narcotics is true?
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What does a drug's trade name signify?
What does a drug's trade name signify?
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What type of drugs are classified as having limited abuse potential?
What type of drugs are classified as having limited abuse potential?
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What is the primary characteristic of a generic drug name?
What is the primary characteristic of a generic drug name?
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What does Schedule IV indicate in terms of drug control?
What does Schedule IV indicate in terms of drug control?
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Under the Controlled Substance Act, who is authorized to sign out narcotics?
Under the Controlled Substance Act, who is authorized to sign out narcotics?
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Which drug category indicates the highest risk during pregnancy?
Which drug category indicates the highest risk during pregnancy?
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Which of the following drugs is classified as a Schedule I substance?
Which of the following drugs is classified as a Schedule I substance?
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What is a key action required for unused narcotics under the Controlled Substance Act?
What is a key action required for unused narcotics under the Controlled Substance Act?
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What is the significance of a drug's trade name?
What is the significance of a drug's trade name?
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Which of the following categories of drugs is available without a prescription?
Which of the following categories of drugs is available without a prescription?
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What does Category C indicate about a drug's use during pregnancy?
What does Category C indicate about a drug's use during pregnancy?
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What is the main concern regarding controlled substances and their effects?
What is the main concern regarding controlled substances and their effects?
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Which phase involves the drug being broken down from solid form into a form the body can absorb?
Which phase involves the drug being broken down from solid form into a form the body can absorb?
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What is necessary for a drug to have therapeutic effects in the bloodstream?
What is necessary for a drug to have therapeutic effects in the bloodstream?
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Which of the following best describes an anaphylaxis reaction to a drug?
Which of the following best describes an anaphylaxis reaction to a drug?
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During which phase does the drug undergo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
During which phase does the drug undergo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion?
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What type of drug interaction occurs when the combined effect of two drugs is greater than the sum of their separate effects?
What type of drug interaction occurs when the combined effect of two drugs is greater than the sum of their separate effects?
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What is a common consequence of drug non-compliance?
What is a common consequence of drug non-compliance?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the action of antagonistic drugs?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the action of antagonistic drugs?
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What is the main role of first-pass metabolism in drug action?
What is the main role of first-pass metabolism in drug action?
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Which of the following conditions can affect drug absorption?
Which of the following conditions can affect drug absorption?
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What is a significant effect of cumulative drug effects in patients?
What is a significant effect of cumulative drug effects in patients?
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Study Notes
Drug Naming Conventions
- Drugs have different names: chemical, generic, official, and trade.
- The chemical name is the scientific name, and the generic name is the non-proprietary name.
- The official name is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the trade name is the proprietary name/brand name.
- Example: Claritin’s chemical name is Loratadine, its generic name is Loratadine, its official name is Loratadine, and its trade name is Claritin.
Drug Categories
- Prescription drugs: Potentially harmful; must be supervised by a healthcare provider.
- Non-prescription drugs: Also called over-the-counter (OTC), safe when taken as directed.
-
Controlled drugs: High potential for abuse and may cause addiction; categorized by schedules.
- Schedule 1: High abuse potential with no accepted medical use in the U.S. (e.g., marijuana, heroin, LSD).
- Schedule 2: High abuse potential with severe physical and psychological dependence (e.g., Demerol, fentanyl, oxycodone).
- Schedule 3: Moderate abuse potential with moderate physical and psychological dependence (e.g., non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants).
- Schedule 4: Lower abuse potential than Schedule 3 with limited dependence potential (e.g., anti-anxiety medicines, non-narcotic analgesics).
- Schedule 5: Small amounts of narcotics in antitussives and some antivirals with limited abuse potential.
Drug Administration and Safety
- The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 regulates drugs with abuse potential.
- Controlled substances must be obtained with a physician's order.
- Narcotics must be signed out when removed from a locked box and double-locked area.
- Only licensed nurses can sign out narcotics.
- Unused narcotics must be witnessed and documented by another licensed nurse.
- Drug abuse in pregnancy can lead to addiction in the newborn, and drugs are categorized by risk to the fetus.
- Category A: No harm to the baby shown in studies.
- Category B: No evidence of risk in humans, but some animal studies show risk.
- Category C: Risk not ruled out, may be used if benefits outweigh risks.
- Category D: Positive evidence of risk to human babies, may be used in life-threatening situations.
- Category X: Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy, risk outweighs any potential benefits.
Drug Action in the Body: Pharmacokinetics
- Drugs go through three phases in the body: pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic.
- The pharmaceutical phase is the dissolution of the drug; liquid and parenteral drugs skip this phase.
-
Pharmacokinetic phases:
- Absorption: The process of making the drug available for use in the body.
- Distribution: Circulation of the drug throughout the body.
- Metabolism: The drug is changed into a more/less active form for excretion (also called biotransformation).
- Excretion: Elimination of the drug from the body (mainly through the kidneys).
- Drug Half-life: The time required for the body to eliminate 50% of a drug.
-
Onset, Peak, and Duration:
- Onset: Time between administration and therapeutic effect.
- Peak: Highest level of working drug in the body.
- Duration: How long therapeutic effects continue.
Drug Action and Effects: Pharmacodynamics
- Drugs produce more than one effect, the primary effect is the therapeutic effect.
- Secondary effects are other, desirable or undesirable effects (also called side effects).
- Most drugs have target sites, where they reach and cause a change/effect.
- Drugs exert actions by altering cell functions or altering cell environment.
-
Drug Receptor Interaction:
- Agonist: Binds to the receptor and stimulates it to produce a therapeutic effect.
- Antagonist: Blocks the function of a receptor by binding to it.
Factors Affecting Drug Response
- Age
- Weight
- Physical health
- Psychological status
- Environmental temperature
- Gender
- Amount of food in the stomach
- Drug dosage form
Drug Reactions
- Adverse drug reaction: Undesirable effect that can be mild (side effect) or life-threatening (adverse effect).
- Allergic drug reaction: Hypersensitivity reaction, can be mild or severe (anaphylaxis is a severe reaction).
- Drug idiosyncrasy: An abnormal or unusual reaction to a drug.
- Drug tolerance: Decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.
- Cumulative drug effect: The buildup of drug levels in the body due to slow metabolism or excretion (can lead to toxicity).
- Toxic reaction: Harmful reaction when the drug blood levels are above therapeutic range.
Drug Interactions
-
Drug-drug interactions:
- Additive effect: Combined effect is equal to the sum of individual drug effects.
- Synergistic effect: Combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual drug effects.
Drug Interactions
- Diuretics like Lasix and Oxley can have a synergistic effect, where their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
- Antagonistic drugs interfere with the action of another drug.
- Commonly used antagonists include vitamin K for Coumadin, protamine sulfate for heparin, and Narcan for narcotics.
- Drug absorption can be impacted by food and drinks, especially when taken on an empty stomach which leads to faster absorption.
- Coumadin's therapeutic effect can be diminished by consuming green leafy vegetables as they contain vitamin K, which is the antagonist for Coumadin.
Drug References
- PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on available medications, including descriptions, dosages, and side effects.
- Drug guides are readily available for nurses and can be a valuable resource for finding quick information about specific medications.
- Pharmacists are excellent sources of information on drug interactions, dosages, and alternative medications.
- Package inserts contain complete information about a specific medication, including warnings, precautions, and side effects.
- While the internet can be a source of information, only use reputable websites for accurate medical information about medication.
Patient Education
- Create a conducive learning environment for patient education.
- Prioritize the patient's questions and needs when providing information.
- Break down complex information into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Provide written materials for patients to refer to later.
- Tailor teaching techniques to the patient's learning style.
- Set specific objectives and expected outcomes for patient education.
- Utilize return demonstrations to assess understanding and ensure mastery of skills.
Medication Compliance
- Patient education is key to medication compliance.
- Failing to take a full course of antibiotics can lead to the return of the infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.
- Non-compliance also includes taking too little or too much medication.
- Explain the consequences of non-compliance to patients to encourage adherence.
- Respect cultural and ethnic beliefs and values, but emphasize the need for informed decision-making about medication.
Teaching Plan
- Include the therapeutic response expected from the medication.
- Explain potential adverse reactions.
- Clearly state the dosage of medication, including frequency and route of administration.
- Use lay language when describing medications and procedures.
- Offer information about any special considerations, precautions.
- Review any additional information necessary for safe and effective medication use.
Safe Medication Practices
- Never alter the dosage or frequency of a prescribed medication.
- Always consult with the doctor before stopping medication.
- Report any worsening symptoms to the healthcare provider.
- Inform medical personnel of all allergies before treatment or administration of medications.
- Never give medications prescribed for one person to another.
- Store medications in their original container.
- Dispose of all leftover medications appropriately as they can degrade over time.
- Discard medications that change color or develop an odor.
- Keep medications out of reach of children.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Read the entire label and follow all recommendations.
- Do not leave medications in the glove compartment of a car, especially during hot weather.
- Keep medications in their original container and do not remove the original label.
- Do not mix medications in one container, even for a short period of time.
- Replace the lid of the container immediately after removing medication to prevent moisture from impacting the medication.
- Always refrigerate medications that require refrigeration.
- Store medications in a locked cabinet or drawer that children cannot access.
- Be mindful of medication storage requirements, such as light-resistance or temperature control.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrent infection and antibiotic resistance.
- Adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision can lead to medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.
- Discontinuing medication abruptly, especially for conditions like seizures or diabetes, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
- Taking medication prescribed for another person can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.
- Healthcare professionals should be informed of all allergies, prior medical history, and medications being taken to prevent adverse reactions and drug interactions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrent infection and antibiotic resistance.
- Adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision can lead to medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.
- Discontinuing medication abruptly, especially for conditions like seizures or diabetes, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
- Taking medication prescribed for another person can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.
- Healthcare professionals should be informed of all allergies, prior medical history, and medications being taken to prevent adverse reactions and drug interactions.
Drug Naming Conventions
- Drugs have four different names: chemical, generic, official, and trade
- The chemical name is the scientific name, and the generic name is the non-proprietary name.
- The official name is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the trade name is the proprietary name/brand name.
- Example: Claritin's chemical, generic, and official name is Loratadine, and its trade name is Claritin.
Drug Categories
- Prescription drugs are potentially harmful and require supervision by a healthcare provider.
- Non-prescription drugs, also called over-the-counter (OTC), are considered safe when taken as directed.
- Controlled drugs have a high potential for abuse and may cause addiction.
- Schedule 1 drugs have the highest potential for abuse with no accepted medical use in the U.S. (e.g., marijuana, heroin, LSD).
- Schedule 2 drugs have a high abuse potential with severe physical and psychological dependence (e.g., Demerol, fentanyl, oxycodone).
- Schedule 3 drugs have a moderate abuse potential with moderate physical and psychological dependence (e.g., non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants).
- Schedule 4 drugs have a lower abuse potential than Schedule 3 with limited dependence potential (e.g., anti-anxiety medicines, non-narcotic analgesics).
- Schedule 5 drugs have the lowest abuse potential and include small amounts of narcotics in antitussives and some antivirals.
Drug Administration and Safety
- The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 regulates the use of drugs with a potential for abuse.
- Controlled substances must be obtained with a physician's order.
- Narcotics must be signed out when removed from a locked box and double-locked area.
- Only licensed nurses can sign out narcotics.
- Unused narcotics must be witnessed and documented by another licensed nurse.
- Drug abuse in pregnancy can lead to addiction in the newborn.
- Category A: No harm to the baby in studies.
- Category B: No evidence of risk in humans, but some animal studies show risk.
- Category C: Risk not ruled out, may be used if benefits outweigh risks.
- Category D: Positive evidence of risk to human babies, may be used in life-threatening situations.
- Category X: Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy, risk outweighs any potential benefits.
Drug Action in the Body: Pharmacokinetics
- Drugs go through three phases in the body: pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic.
- The pharmaceutical phase is the dissolution of the drug; liquid and parenteral drugs skip this phase.
- Absorption: The process of making the drug available for use in the body.
- Distribution: Circulation of the drug throughout the body.
- Metabolism: The drug is changed into a more or less active form for excretion (also called biotransformation).
- Excretion: Elimination of the drug from the body (mainly through the kidneys).
- Drug Half-life: The time required for the body to eliminate 50% of a drug.
-
Onset, Peak, and Duration:
- Onset: Time between administration and therapeutic effect.
- Peak: Highest level of working drug in the body.
- Duration: How long therapeutic effects continue.
Drug Action and Effects: Pharmacodynamics
- Drugs produce more than one effect, the primary effect is the therapeutic effect.
- Secondary effects are other, desirable or undesirable effects (also called side effects).
- Most drugs have target sites, where they reach and cause a change or effect.
- Drugs exert actions by altering cell functions or altering cell environment.
- Agonist: Binds to the receptor and stimulates it to produce a therapeutic effect
- Antagonist: Blocks the function of a receptor by binding to it.
Factors Affecting Drug Response
- Age
- Weight
- Physical health
- Psychological status
- Environmental temperature
- Gender
- Amount of food in the stomach
- Drug dosage form
Drug Reactions
- Adverse drug reaction: Undesirable effect that can be mild (side effect) or life-threatening (adverse effect).
- Allergic drug reaction: Hypersensitivity reaction, can be mild or severe (anaphylaxis is a severe reaction).
- Drug idiosyncrasy: An abnormal or unusual reaction to a drug.
- Drug tolerance: Decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.
- Cumulative drug effect: The buildup of drug levels in the body due to slow metabolism or excretion (can lead to toxicity).
- Toxic reaction: Harmful reaction when the drug blood levels are above therapeutic range.
Drug Interactions
-
Drug-drug interactions:
- Additive effect: Combined effect is equal to the sum of individual drug effects.
- Synergistic effect: Combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual drug effects.
- Antagonistic effect: One drug interferes with the action of another drug.
Drug Interactions
- Diuretics like Lasix and Oxley can have a synergistic effect where the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
- Commonly used antagonists include vitamin K for Coumadin, protamine sulfate for heparin, and Narcan for narcotics.
- Drug absorption can be impacted by food and drinks, especially when taken on an empty stomach, which leads to faster absorption.
- Coumadin's therapeutic effect can be diminished by consuming green leafy vegetables as they contain vitamin K, which is the antagonist for Coumadin.
Drug References
- PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on available medications, including descriptions, dosages, and side effects.
- Drug guides are readily available for nurses and can be a valuable resource for finding quick information about specific medications.
- Pharmacists are excellent sources of information on drug interactions, dosages, and alternative medications.
- Package inserts contain complete information about a specific medication, including warnings, precautions, and side effects.
- While the internet can be a source of information, only use reputable websites for accurate medical information about medication.
Patient Education
- Create a conducive learning environment for patient education.
- Prioritize the patient's questions and needs when providing information.
- Break down complex information into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Provide written materials for patients to refer to later.
- Tailor teaching techniques to the patient's learning style.
- Set specific objectives and expected outcomes for patient education.
- Utilize return demonstrations to assess understanding and ensure mastery of skills.
Medication Compliance
- Patient education is key to medication compliance.
- Failing to take a full course of antibiotics can lead to the return of the infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.
- Non-compliance also includes taking too little or too much medication.
- Explain the consequences of non-compliance to patients to encourage adherence.
- Respect cultural and ethnic beliefs and values, but emphasize the need for informed decision-making about medication
Teaching Plan
- Include the therapeutic response expected from the medication.
- Explain potential adverse reactions.
- Clearly state the dosage of medication, including frequency and route of administration.
- Use lay language when describing medications and procedures.
- Offer information about any special considerations, precautions.
- Review any additional information necessary for safe and effective medication use.
Safe Medication Practices
- Never alter the dosage or frequency of a prescribed medication.
- Always consult with the doctor before stopping medication.
- Report any worsening symptoms to the healthcare provider.
- Inform medical personnel of all allergies before treatment or administration of medications.
- Never give medications prescribed for one person to another.
- Store medications in their original container.
- Dispose of all leftover medications appropriately as they can degrade over time.
- Discard medications that change color or develop an odor.
- Keep medications out of reach of children.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Read the entire label and follow all recommendations.
- Do not leave medications in the glove compartment of a car, especially during hot weather.
- Keep medications in their original container and do not remove the original label.
- Do not mix medications in one container, even for a short period of time.
- Replace the lid of the container immediately after removing medication to prevent moisture from impacting the medication.
- Always refrigerate medications that require refrigeration.
- Store medications in a locked cabinet or drawer that children cannot access.
- Be mindful of medication storage requirements, such as light-resistance or temperature control.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance.
- Adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision can lead to medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.
- Discontinuing medication abruptly, especially for conditions like seizures or diabetes, can be dangerous and even life-threatening
- Taking medication prescribed for another person can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.
- Healthcare professionals should be informed of all allergies, prior medical history, and medications being taken to prevent adverse reactions and drug interactions.
Drug Names
- Chemical name - Scientific name of a drug, rarely used.
- Generic name - Non-proprietary name, shorter, not capitalized.
- Official name - Listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and National Formulary (NF), may be the same as the generic name.
- Trade name - Proprietary, brand name, capitalized, registered trademark.
Drug Categories
- Prescription drugs - Require a prescription, potentially harmful, supervised by a healthcare provider.
- Non-prescription drugs (OTC) - Available without a prescription, generally safe when taken as directed.
-
Controlled substances - High potential for abuse, may cause dependence, categorized into five schedules based on abuse potential:
- Schedule I - High abuse potential, not accepted for medical use in the U.S., e.g., marijuana, LSD, heroin.
- Schedule II - High abuse potential, severe physical and/or psychological dependence, e.g., Demerol, Methadone, Oxycodone.
- Schedule III - Moderate abuse potential, moderate physical and/or psychological dependence, e.g., non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants.
- Schedule IV - Lower abuse potential, limited dependence, e.g., anti-anxiety medications, non-narcotic analgesics.
- Schedule V - Limited abuse potential, small amounts of narcotics, e.g., codeine in cough medicine, some antivirals.
Controlled Substance Act of 1970
- Regulates drugs with potential for abuse.
- Obtaining controlled substances requires a physician's order.
- All narcotics must be signed out when removed from the locked box.
- Only licensed nurses can sign out narcotics.
- Unused narcotics must be wasted and witnessed by another licensed nurse, both must sign the narcotics sheet.
- Monitor therapeutic and adverse effects of controlled substances, especially those affecting the respiratory system.
Drug Use During Pregnancy
- Medications can cause teratogenic events (birth defects).
- Drugs are categorized according to risk to pregnancy:
- Category A - No risk found in studies.
- Category B - No risk in humans, potential risk in animals.
- Category C - Risk not ruled out, but may be used if benefits outweigh risks.
- Category D - Positive risk to human babies, used only in life-threatening situations.
- Category X - Contraindicated in pregnancy, risk outweighs any benefits.
- Drug abuse during pregnancy can lead to addiction in the newborn.
Drug Activity in the Body
- Drugs undergo three phases: pharmaceutic, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics.
-
Pharmaceutic phase (dissolution) - The drug is broken down from solid form into a form the body can absorb.
- Liquids and parenteral drugs skip this phase as they are already in a liquid form.
- Enteric-coated medications are designed to break down in the small intestine, not the stomach.
-
Pharmacokinetic phase (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion):
-
Absorption - The process by which the drug enters the bloodstream.
- Active transport - Requires energy to move drugs from low to high concentration.
- Passive transport - Does not require energy.
- Pinocytosis - Drug is engulfed by a cell to be used.
- First-pass metabolism - After absorption, the drug goes to the liver first, where it is metabolized.
-
Distribution - Drug is transported throughout the body via circulation.
- Distribution depends on blood flow, protein binding, and drug solubility.
- Protein-bound drugs - Drugs bound to proteins in the blood. Only free drugs can have therapeutic effects.
-
Metabolism (Biotransformation) - Drug is changed into a less active form to be excreted.
- Primarily occurs in the liver.
-
Excretion - Elimination of the drug from the body.
-
Primarily occurs via the kidneys.
- Other routes include sweat, breath, feces.
-
Primarily occurs via the kidneys.
-
Absorption - The process by which the drug enters the bloodstream.
-
Pharmacodynamic - Drug actions and effects on the body.
- Therapeutic effect - The desired effect of the drug.
- Secondary effect - All other effects, desirable or undesirable, known as side effects.
- Target sites - Specific organs or tissues that drugs act upon.
-
Mechanisms of action:
- Altering cell function - Changing how cells work.
- Altering state or environment - Creating a change in the environment around cells.
-
Drug-receptor interaction:
- Agonist - Drug binds to a receptor and stimulates it.
- Antagonist - Drug binds to a receptor and blocks its function.
- Receptor-mediated effects - The number of receptors occupied determines the response.
Factors Affecting Drug Response
- Age
- Weight
- Physical health
- Psychological status
- Environmental temperature
- Gender
- Amount of food in the stomach
Drug Reactions
- Adverse reaction - Undesirable drug effect.
- Side effect - Mild adverse effect.
- Adverse effect - Life-threatening adverse effect.
- Allergic drug reaction (hypersensitivity reaction) - Immune system response to a drug.
- Anaphylaxis - Severe allergic reaction, life-threatening.
- Angioedema - Swelling of tissues, particularly in the eyelids, lips, mouth, and throat.
- Drug idiosyncrasy - Unusual or abnormal reaction to a drug.
- Drug tolerance - Decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.
- Cumulative drug effect - Drug accumulates in the body due to poor metabolism or excretion, leading to a toxic level.
- Toxic reaction - Harmful reaction due to excessive drug levels.
Drug Interactions
-
Drug-drug interactions - Interaction of one drug with another.
- Additive - Combined effect of two drugs equals the sum of their separate effects.
- Synergistic - Combined effect is greater than the sum of the separate effects.
- Pharmacokinetic interactions - One drug affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of another drug.
- Pharmacodynamic interactions - Two drugs interact to produce an effect on the same or different target sites.
Antagonistic Drugs
- Vitamin K antagonizes Coumadin (blood thinner).
- Protamine Sulfate antagonizes Heparin (blood thinner).
- Narcan antagonizes Narcotics.
- Narcan is now carried by police officers to reverse opioid overdose.
Drug Interactions
- Coumadin interacts with vitamin K found in leafy green vegetables.
- Drug absorption can be affected by taking medication on an empty stomach.
Drug References
- PDR (Physicians' Desk Reference) is a comprehensive drug reference book.
- Drug guides are available for nurses to reference medications.
- Package inserts provide detailed information about medications.
- Reputable internet sources can provide information about medications.
Patient Education
- Create a conducive learning environment for patient education.
- Start with the patient's questions and then provide additional information.
- Break information down into smaller pieces.
- Provide written information for patients to refer to later.
- Use teaching techniques appropriate to the patient's learning style.
- Include specific objectives and outcomes for patient education.
- Review previously covered information.
- Allow for return demonstrations.
Medication Compliance
- Non-compliance can result in the return of an infection.
- Non-compliance can lead to drug resistance, such as superbugs.
- Taking too little or too much medication is a common problem.
- Cultural beliefs may influence medication compliance.
- Explain the consequences of non-compliance.
Important Patient Education Information
- Therapeutic response expected from medication.
- Adverse reactions to expect.
- Adverse reactions to report to the healthcare provider.
- Dosage of medication.
- Route of administration.
- Special considerations or precautions.
General Medication Information
- Never mix medications in one container.
- Replace the cap on medication containers immediately.
- Refrigerate medication if required.
- Store medication out of reach of children.
- Store medication in a cool, dry place.
- Read the entire label and follow recommendations.
- Dispose of leftover medications.
- Never share medications with others.
- Be aware of the consequences of taking unprescribed medication.
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Test your knowledge on drug naming conventions and categories. Explore the differences between chemical, generic, official, and trade names, as well as the classification of drugs into prescription, non-prescription, and controlled substances. This quiz will help clarify essential pharmaceutical concepts.