Introduction to Drugs and Their Effects

Introduction to Drugs

• Drugs are chemical substances impacting physiological and psychological functions in living organisms.
• Distinction between drugs and food lies in the lack of nutritional support provided by drugs.
• Routes of administration include inhalation, injection, ingestion, skin absorption, suppository, and sublingual dissolution.
• Pharmacology examines drugs’ mechanisms, properties, metabolism, therapeutic uses, and toxicity.
• Historically sourced from medicinal plants, drugs are increasingly synthesized chemically.
• Pharmaceuticals can be short-term or for chronic conditions.

Definition of Pharmaceutical Drugs

• Pharmaceutical drugs, or medications, are used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose diseases.
• Some medications require prescriptions, while others are available over-the-counter, such as analgesics, antacids, and antihistamines.

Importance of Medicines

• Used to cure, halt, or prevent diseases and relieve symptoms.
• Can promote well-being and have calming effects for anxiety and stress relief.
• May be used for sedation or wakefulness.

Side Effects of Oxytocic Agents

• Maternal side effects include nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias, severe hypotension, seizures, and anaphylaxis.
• Fetal side effects include hypoxia, decreased heart rate, uteroplacental hypoperfusion, hypercapnia, perinatal hepatic necrosis, jaundice, and low Apgar scores.

Hematological Medications

• Medications prescribed by midwives include iron and folate preparations, anti-D immunoglobulin, hepatitis B vaccine/immunoglobulin, and vitamin K for neonates.

Folic Acid

• Folic acid (vitamin B9) addresses deficiency and minimizes pregnancy complications.
• Benefits include reducing homocysteine levels, mitigating nausea from methotrexate, preventing neural tube defects, and enhancing memory in older individuals.
• It improves depression symptoms and lowers blood pressure in certain demographics.
• Effective for treating vitamin deficiencies and skin disorders like vitiligo.

Side Effects and Precautions of Folic Acid

• Typical doses up to 1 mg daily are generally safe; higher doses may cause stomach upset, nausea, and potential serious side effects like seizures or behavior changes.
• Excessive intake can potentially increase cancer risk or worsen heart issues for those with existing conditions.
• Not recommended for those with seizure disorders or untreated vitamin B12 deficiency.

Dosing Recommendations for Folic Acid

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): 400 mcg DFE daily for adults, 600 mcg DFE daily during pregnancy.
• 1 mcg DFE from food equals 0.6 mcg of folic acid supplements.

Rho(D) Immune Globulin (RhIG)

• Used to prevent RhD isoimmunization in RhD-negative mothers and treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
• Administered via injection; effects last for around 12 weeks.

Side Effects of RhIG

• Common side effects include fever, headache, and injection site pain.
• Risks entail allergic reactions, kidney issues, and rare viral infections.

Contraindications for RhIG

• Not applicable to D-negative women whose fetus is D-negative, previously sensitized D-negative women, D-positive women, and specific cases of weak or partial D mutations.

Dosage Forms & Administration

• Dosage strengths available include 50 mcg, 300 mcg, and various units for injectable formulations.
• Administer antepartum at 28-30 weeks (1500 IU) and postpartum within 72 hours to minimize hemolytic disease risk. If delayed, administer within 28 days as needed. Multiple doses may be warranted for significant fetal RBC presence.

This quiz explores the definition and types of drugs, along with their physiological and psychological effects on living organisms. Learn about how drugs differ from food and the methods of administration. Test your knowledge on this crucial topic in pharmacology.