Introduction to Pharmacology

Study Notes

Introduction to Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their interactions with living organisms.
It encompasses drug discovery, development, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.
Discovering drugs involves identifying molecules with therapeutic potential.
Developing drugs includes preclinical and clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy.
Pharmacokinetics describes how the body handles drugs (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion).
Pharmacodynamics describes the effects of drugs on the body (receptor interactions, signaling pathways).

Drug Classification

Drugs are classified by their therapeutic use, chemical structure, mechanism of action, or target receptor.
Examples include analgesics, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antipsychotics.
Each class has specific therapeutic uses and mechanisms of action.
Classifications can overlap; a drug can be both an analgesic and an NSAID.

Drug Action Mechanisms

Drugs affect specific targets like receptors, enzymes, or ion channels.
Drugs are agonists, antagonists, or allosteric modulators.
Agonists activate receptors; antagonists block activation.
Allosteric modulators alter receptor function.
Drug effect depends on concentration and target sensitivity.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Drugs enter the bloodstream.
Absorption factors: route of administration, drug solubility, food/substances.
Distribution: Drug transport throughout the body.
Distribution factors: blood flow, protein binding, tissue permeability.
Metabolism: Drug transformation into active or inactive forms.
Primary site of metabolism: liver.
Excretion: Drug removal from the body.
Main excretion route: kidneys.
Other routes: feces, bile, lungs.

Pharmacodynamics

Drug effects on the body – mechanisms of these effects.
Drug-receptor interactions are crucial in pharmacodynamics.
Receptors are protein drug targets, classified by function.
Agonists and antagonists affect receptor activity.

Drug Toxicity and Adverse Effects

Drugs can cause variable adverse effects, ranging in severity.
Adverse effects can be dose-dependent or idiosyncratic.
Severe adverse effects are toxic, causing harm.
Adverse effect monitoring and management are vital for safe drug use.

Drug Interactions

Drugs can interact, altering their effects.
Interactions can result in increased or decreased efficacy or adverse effects.
Factors influencing interactions: drug concentration, route of administration, other factors.

Ethical Considerations in Drug Development and Use

Ethical considerations are integral throughout drug development, from preclinical to clinical trials.
Ethical guidelines ensure patient safety and rights.
Informed consent and patient confidentiality are essential for ethical drug use.
Clinical trials must meet strict ethical standards.

Specific Areas of Pharmacology

Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Drugs affecting the heart and blood vessels (e.g., antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics).
Neuropharmacology: Drugs affecting the nervous system (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics).
Oncology Pharmacology: Drugs used in cancer treatment.
Immunopharmacology: Drugs affecting the immune system (e.g., immunosuppressants, immunomodulators).
Clinical pharmacology: Applying pharmacology principles to treat diseases.

Types of Drugs

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: Available without a prescription.
Prescription drugs: Require a prescription from a physician.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of pharmacology, including drug discovery, development, and classification. You'll explore pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as various types of drugs and their therapeutic uses. Test your understanding of how drugs interact with living organisms.