Introduction to Pharmacology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of pharmacology?

Production of chemical compounds in a lab

Interaction of chemical substances with living cells (correct)

Developing new surgical techniques

Identifying the origin of drugs

Which of the following correctly describes toxicology?

Science of drug development

Study of drug interactions

Study of the effects of chemical agents (correct)

Analysis of drug absorption

What does pharmacovigilance involve?

Studying drug efficacy in clinical trials

Assessing the long-term effects of drugs (correct)

Developing new pharmacological agents

Conducting experiments on drug formulation

What is meant by contraindication in pharmacology?

A situation where a drug may be harmful Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a side effect of Diphenhydramine?

Urinary retention Signup and view all the answers

How is drug tolerance defined?

Decrease in the response to a drug over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of onset of action?

The time taken for a medicine to start working Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding drug interactions?

Ketoconazole may enhance the effect of warfarin Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated use within a short period of time?

Tachyphylaxis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is an example of a substance that may develop tolerance?

Caffeine Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the phenomenon where tolerance to one drug leads to tolerance to another drug with similar effects?

Cross-Tolerance Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanism of action called?

Pharmacodynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which type of unexpected drug reaction occurs in a small number of individuals and is not caused by typical dosages?

Idiosyncrasy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is NOT derived from a plant source?

Heparin Signup and view all the answers

In pharmacokinetics, which of the following processes does NOT determine the concentration of drugs in the body?

Administration Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is an example of one that often requires increasing doses due to developing tolerance?

Diazepam Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the biomedical science focused on chemical substance interactions with living cells, tissues, and organisms.
The term originates from Greek: "Pharmacon" (Drug) and "logos" (study).

Clinical Pharmacology

Involves materials used for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Toxicology is a branch focusing on harmful effects of chemical agents on living systems.

Drug Nomenclature

Chemical name example: (RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid.
Scientific name example: Ibuprofen.
Trade or Brand name example: Advil.

Side Effects and Adverse Effects

Side effects are unintended effects besides the original therapeutic effect.
- Example: Diphenhydramine can cause sedation, urinary retention, dry mouth.
Adverse effects require monitoring through pharmacovigilance, which assesses and prevents short-term and long-term adverse effects.

Drug Interactions

Example of interactions:
- Enalapril and Spironolactone.
- Ketoconazole can enhance warfarin's effectiveness.
- Antacids may inhibit ciprofloxacin absorption.

Timing and Duration of Action

Onset of action refers to the time required for a medicine to take effect.
Duration of action refers to how long the drug remains effective.

Contraindications

Specific situations where a drug should not be used due to potential harm.
- Example: Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of birth defects.

Drug Tolerance and Types

Drug tolerance is the reduced response to a drug with repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Cross-tolerance occurs when tolerance to one drug results in tolerance to another with similar effects.
- Example: Morphine and Pethidine.
Tachyphylaxis is rapid diminished response after repeated doses in a short time frame.
- Example: Nitroglycerin and Ephedrine.

Drug Idiosyncrasy

Abnormal or unexpected reactions to drugs, not related to the usual dosage.
- Example: Sulfonamide can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Ceftriaxone can cause agranulocytosis.

Sources of Drugs

Plant sources: Aspirin, Digoxin, Morphine, Vinblastine.
Animal sources: Heparin, Insulin, L-Thyroxine.
Microorganisms: Penicillin, Polymyxin B.
Mineral sources: Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), Iodide.
Synthetic drugs: Ciprofloxacin.
Recombinant DNA technology: Human Insulin, growth hormone, interferons.

Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics studies the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action (what the drug does to the body).
Pharmacokinetics examines processes that determine drug concentration in body fluids and tissues over time, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts of pharmacology, including the interaction of chemical substances with living organisms. It references key texts such as Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews and RANG AND DALE’S Pharmacology. Test your knowledge of drug mechanisms and classifications.