General Study Notes

Two drugs with the same bioavailability at a specific dosage form, meaning they are absorbed in the same quantity.

The condition where the amount of drug removed by the body equals the amount absorbed from each dose. It's like a balance.

Combined effect of two drugs that exceeds the sum of their individual effects. Like 1 + 1 = 3.

An inactive drug that converts into an active form upon entering the body. It's like a dormant seed that sprouts.

Intravenous injections offer the fastest absorption route, allowing the medication to act quickly.

Parenteral drugs bypass the first-pass effect of liver metabolism, allowing more of the drug to reach its target.

An exaggerated but anticipated effect of a drug, often leading to adverse consequences.

A predictable, minor drug reaction that doesn't significantly alter patient management.

An immune response triggered by a drug, causing symptoms like rash or swelling.

An unexpected and unusual response to a drug, often genetically determined.

The time it takes for half of the original drug amount to be eliminated from the body. It measures how quickly drugs are removed.

The time period during which a drug's concentration remains at a therapeutic level to have a desired effect.

A drug binds to an enzyme, preventing or enhancing its normal action on target cells. It's like hijacking the enzyme's work.

Highly protein-bound drugs have a longer duration of action because less free drug is available for elimination.

A buccal medication is placed between the cheek and gum, allowing absorption through the oral mucosa.

Patients with kidney failure have difficulty eliminating drugs, leading to drug accumulation and potential toxicity.

Treatment aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life, often used in end-of-life care.

Powders are the fastest absorbed orally, followed by tablets, capsules, and finally enteric-coated tablets.

An injection given into the dermal layer, just below the outermost layer of skin.

The initial metabolism of a drug in the liver, significantly reducing the amount of drug reaching the bloodstream.

After one half-life, half of the original drug dose remains in the body.

Before administering medication, always check patient identity using two identifiers, ensuring safety.

A 1-mL tuberculin syringe is commonly used for intradermal injections.

Intramuscular injections are typically administered at a 90-degree angle to the skin.

Pinch the IV tubing just above the injection port to prevent backflow before injecting.

The vastus lateralis muscle is the preferred injection site for infants.

Pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, below the skin fold.

Used for medications that irritate tissues or cause pain. It prevents the medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue.

A small bleb (raised area) is expected at the injection site for skin tests.

Always flush the IV lock with saline or heparin after injecting medication.

Turn the IV bag or bottle gently from side to side to mix the medication with the fluid.

Use a calibrated oral syringe for accuracy when administering small volumes of liquid medication.

Discard any medications that fall to the floor and repeat the preparation process with fresh medication.

Place the medication between the cheek and gum, instructing the patient not to swallow.

Pour the medication into the barrel of a syringe with the piston removed and allow it to flow into the tube via gravity.

Position the patient on their left side and encourage them to remain lying on that side for 15-20 minutes after insertion.

Gently apply pressure to the patient's nasolacrimal duct for 30-60 seconds after instilling eye drops to minimize systemic absorption.

Pull the pinna (outer ear) down and back to straighten the ear canal for eardrops in children under 3 years old.

Inhale slowly while pressing down to release the medication.

Wear clean gloves, never recap needles, dispose of syringes and needles in puncture-resistant containers.

Do not crush or break sustained-release tablets before administration.

Blow your nose before administering nasal spray.

Use a 20- to 25-gauge, 1- to 1 1/2-inch needle for intramuscular injections in adults.

Before injecting medication, withdraw the plunger to check for blood return, ensuring proper placement.

Most commonly used is the milligram per kilogram of body weight formula.

The use of multiple medications concurrently, often leading to drug interactions and potential complications.

Sedatives can cause confusion, forgetfulness, and an increased risk of falls in older adults.

Organ maturity, body surface area, age, and weight should be considered when administering drugs to children.

Altered absorption of some drugs due to decreased gastric acidity.

Immature liver, unable to effectively detoxify drugs.

Watch for electrolyte imbalance, leg cramps, fatigue, and dehydration.

Start with the lowest possible dose and increase slowly based on patient response.

Disguise the taste by mixing the medication with a nonessential food like ice cream.

Offer a brief, concrete explanation about the procedure just before it, with the parent present.

Microsomal enzymes levels are reduced, perfusion to kidneys may be decreased, first-pass elimination is reduced due to immature liver, gastric emptying is slowed.

Microsomal enzymes levels are decreased, fat content is increased, number of intact nephrons is decreased, gastric pH is less acidic.

Pain that persists for a long duration, often associated with conditions like cancer.

Pain that has a sudden onset and is typically associated with injury or illness.

Pain that originates from skeletal muscles, ligaments, and joints.

Pain caused by damage to nerves, often described as burning, tingling, or shooting.

Hepatic necrosis (liver damage) is the most serious risk associated with acetaminophen overdose.

Administer an immediate-release opioid between scheduled doses of the long-acting opioid.

Feverfew is often used for migraines, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and fever.

Disguise the flavor by mixing it with cola or flavored water.

Gabapentin is used to treat neuropathic pain associated with nerve damage.

A decreased response to opioids requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain relief.

A compulsive, uncontrollable craving for opioids despite negative consequences.

An overdose of opioids leading to serious side effects like respiratory depression.

Group of symptoms that occur when a person who has been taking opioids regularly stops abruptly or reduces their dose.

A drug that binds to a receptor but produces a weaker response compared to a full agonist. They have a lower dependency potential than full agonists.

An agonist-antagonist (partial agonist) opioid used to manage moderate to severe pain, with a lower risk of abuse compared to full agonists.

Patients with liver disease should not take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as it can further damage the liver.

Strong pain medication, like opioids, can impair alertness and should be avoided if driving is necessary.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should not be taken in doses exceeding 1000 mg per day to prevent liver damage.

The patient should be positioned on their left side for rectal suppository insertion. Lubricate the suppository with water-soluble lubricant, not petroleum-based. The patient should take a deep breath and exhale through the mouth during insertion. Remain lying on the left side for 15-20 minutes after insertion to allow absorption.

When administering eardrops to children under 3 years old, pull the pinna (outer ear) down and back to straighten the ear canal. This allows the medication to reach the ear properly.

To use a metered-dose inhaler effectively, inhale slowly while pressing down to release the medication. This ensures the medication reaches the lungs effectively.

For intramuscular injections in adults, use a 20- to 25-gauge, 1- to 1 1/2-inch needle. Before injecting, withdraw the plunger to check for blood return, ensuring proper placement.

For patients experiencing breakthrough pain while taking long-acting opioids, administer an immediate-release opioid between scheduled doses of the long-acting opioid. This provides rapid pain relief during moments of increased pain.

While often used to treat seizures, Gabapentin (Neurontin) is also used to treat neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by damaged nerves. This type of pain is often described as burning, tingling, or shooting pain.

Using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to relieve symptoms of a chronic condition may delay proper diagnosis and treatment because they address the symptom, not the underlying cause.

Garlic supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) medications.

Cranberry supplements can reduce the elimination of certain drugs that are excreted by the kidneys.

The herb gingko may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet drugs, which are medications that prevent blood clotting.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions between medications and supplements you take.

It's crucial to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and address them effectively to manage chronic conditions.

Pharmacists are a valuable resource for information about drug interactions, dosage, and safe use of medications.

A holistic approach involves considering the whole person, including their lifestyle, diet, and medications, to manage their health.

Barbiturates like phenobarbital reduce REM sleep, which can lead to agitation and difficulty coping with stress.

Alcohol intensifies the effects of barbiturates, causing increased central nervous system depression and potentially dangerous consequences.

Suvorexant, a medication for insomnia, can cause daytime sleepiness due to its influence on the sleep cycle.

When a person abruptly stops taking a barbiturate, they experience a rebound effect with increased REM sleep, which can lead to nightmares and restlessness.

A person taking phenobarbital appears lethargic and unable to walk after eating out. This might be due to the combined effects of the medication and alcohol.

Multivitamins do not interact with phenobarbital, so they are unlikely to cause the observed lethargy after dinner.

Aspirin does not have a known interaction with phenobarbital, so it wouldn't explain the patient's lethargy after dinner.

This scenario is not an example of an allergic reaction to phenobarbital. An allergic reaction would be an unexpected and unusual reaction to the drug.

Acetylcysteine is used to treat acetaminophen overdose by protecting the liver from damage. It has a strong, unpleasant odor and taste.

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that can be used to treat neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by nerve damage. It helps to block the signals of pain in the nerves.

Opioid overdose is a serious condition that can be fatal. The most prominent sign is a dangerously low respiratory rate (6 breaths per minute or less).

Opioid withdrawal syndrome occurs when someone stops taking their opioid medication abruptly or reduces their dosage too quickly.

Feverfew is a natural remedy often used to prevent and reduce the severity of migraines.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications. It can be caused by reduced saliva production.

Onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) is a medication used to treat wrinkles and muscle spasms. Common side effects include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and breathing difficulties.

To calculate the dosage of atomoxetine, convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms. Then multiply the weight in kilograms by the medication dose (mg/kg).

Phenobarbital is an anti-epileptic medication (AED) that has a long half-life. Therefore, it can be administered once a day.

To ensure patient comprehension, verify if they understand that phenytoin is taken orally and shouldn't be crushed or broken.

Onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) can spread beyond the injection site, potentially leading to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and breathing difficulties. This is known a Black Box warning.

Dry mouth can be managed using mouth rinses, sugarless gum, or hard candy.

Acetylcysteine is a medication used to treat acetaminophen overdose but has a bad taste. It can be mixed with cola or flavored water to improve palatability.

The extent to which a drug reaches the systemic circulation after administration. It's how much of the drug actually gets into your bloodstream.

The time it takes for half of the original amount of a drug to be eliminated from the body. It's a measure of how quickly a drug is cleared.

An immune response triggered by a drug, causing symptoms like rash, itching, or swelling.

The fastest route of drug absorption, allowing medication to act quickly.

Medications administered by injection, bypassing the first-pass effect of the liver. Like a shortcut.

The time it takes for a drug to reach its maximum therapeutic response.

The attachment of a drug to plasma proteins, influencing its distribution and duration of action.

Applying medication between the cheek and gum, allowing absorption through the oral mucosa. Like a slow release.

When two or more drugs interact with each other, affecting their effects. Like a chemical reaction.

A decreased response to a drug over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Like a tolerance to caffeine.

A state where the body relies on a drug to function normally, causing withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Like needing a cup of coffee each morning.

A chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use. A dependence that's uncontrollable.

The study of how a drug moves through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Like a drug's journey.

The study of how a drug affects the body, including its mechanism of action and its effects. Like the drug's influence.

A measure of the safety of a drug, indicating the difference between effective dose and toxic dose. Like a safety margin.

The process of measuring drug levels in the body to ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent toxicity. Like keeping an eye on how much drug is in the body.

The process of comparing a patient's current medication list with their new medication orders. Like ensuring the list is up-to-date.

A negative and unexpected response to a medication. They can range from mild to serious.