Pharmacology Antidotes and Drug Administration

Defining a Prototype Drug

• A prototype drug represents a group of drugs.
• It is often the first drug developed for a particular class.
• Examples include morphine (opioid analgesics) and penicillin (beta-lactam antibacterial drugs).
• In drug literature, prototype drugs are often written in lowercase.

Distinguishing Generic and Trade Names

• Generic names refer to the chemical or official name.
• Often, generic names indicate a drug group (e.g., "cillin" for penicillins).
• Generic names are typically written in lowercase.
• Trade names are capitalized and are owned by the manufacturer for their patented drug.

Controlled Substances Categorization

• Schedule I: These drugs have no medical use and are highly addictive (e.g., heroin).
• Schedule II: These drugs have a high abuse potential, but are medically used (e.g., oxycodone, morphine, pentobarbital).
• Schedule III: Lower abuse potential than Schedule II but can lead to dependence. (e.g. some androgens and anabolic steroids, some depressants, mixtures with small amounts of controlled substances).
• Schedule IV: Some potential abuse but accepted for medical use (e.g., benzodiazepines, sedatives, appetite stimulants).
• Schedule V: Contain moderate amounts of controlled substances and do not require a physician's prescription for common use (e.g., cough suppressants with codeine, antidiarrheal medications).

Drug Safety in Research, Packaging, and Approval

• The DEA controls and enforces the Controlled Substances Act.
• The DEA registers individuals and companies authorized to handle controlled substances.
• This includes regulating documentation and handling of controlled substances throughout various stages, from research to packaging.

Safe Drug Administration Initiatives

• The Rights of Medication Administration (11 rights)
• Medication Safety Education Initiative for Nurses (QSEN)
• National Patient Safety Goals
• "Do Not Use" list of abbreviations
• Targeted High-Risk Activities
• The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
• High-Alert Medications
• Pregnancy Categories
• Beers Criteria to avoid certain drugs in seniors

Personal Drug Learning Techniques

• Drug safety is a concern.
• Ensure you understand the 11 medication rights.
• Always consult medication handbooks if needed
• Understand drug purposes for which drugs are intended.

Authoritative Drug Information Sources

• American Hospital Formulary Service
• Drug Facts and Comparisons
• Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) (less authoritative)

Drug Membrane Pathways

• Drugs primarily cross membranes through direct penetration (lipid-soluble).
• Drugs can also pass through protein channels.

Pharmacokinetic Processes

• Absorption: time the drug enters the body to circulating bloodstream
• Distribution: transport of drug molecules within the body
• Metabolism: method of altering drugs from original to new form
• Excretion: elimination of drug from the body

Individual Drug Response Variations

• Genetic variations affect patient responses to drugs
• Measuring serum drug levels helps understanding individual differences.
• Dosage, absorption, bioavailability, half-life, metabolism, and excretion affect serum drug level

Measuring Serum Drug Levels

• Serum drug levels measure drug amounts in blood at a specific time.
• They reflect dosage, absorption, bioavailability, half-life, etc.
• Minimum effective concentration (MEC) is crucial for drug efficacy.
• Toxic concentration, due to single large doses or slow metabolism can be dangerous

Receptor Theory of Drug Action

• Pharmacodynamics studies drug effects on the body.
• Drug actions often involve mimicking hormones/neurotransmitters.
• Receptor binding causes biochemical alterations within the cell

Agonist vs. Antagonist Drugs

• Agonists: mimic natural substances and produce similar effects.
• Antagonist: block functions by occupying receptor sites

Mechanisms and Effects of Drug-Drug Interactions

• Interactions can amplify or reduce drug impacts and change metabolism

Patient-Related Variables Affecting Drug Action

• Age, weight, genetics, existing medical conditions, psychological factors are major considerations for effective drug action.

Adverse Drug Effects on Body Systems

• Central Nervous System (CNS) effects: stimulation (agitation) or depression (sedation)
• Gastrointestinal (GI) effects: nausea, vomiting (N/V/D)
• Hematologic effects: bone marrow depression, excessive bleeding, anemia.
• Liver and kidney effects (hepatic and nephrotoxicity)
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Drug fever
• Idiosyncratic reactions (unexpected responses)

Drug Overdose & Toxicity: Initial Management

• Call 911 if the patient is collapsed or not breathing.
• Contact poison control for further instructions
• Immediately start treatment when possible using antidotes.
• Support organs to reduce harm

Drug Antidotes

• Antidotes for specific drugs are available. Such as acetaminophen (acetylcysteine), anticholinergic (atropine/physostigmine) warfarin (Vitamin K), tricyclic antidepressants (sodium bicarbonate) , etc
• Knowing these antidotes and the mechanisms involved can help managing drug overdose & toxicity

Important Drug Information

Information on various drugs, including their chemical names.

Applying Medication Administration Rights

• Follow "rights" (dose, drug, time, route, patient, documentation, etc.) consistently.
• Understand drug information to accurately administer medications.

Calculating Drug Dosages Accurately

• The ability to accurately calculate drug dosages is crucial

Nursing Process in Medication Administration

• Use of the nursing process when administering medications. This includes assessments (assess patient before any medication is given), nursing diagnoses, planning, interventions, and evaluation

Evidence-Based Practices in Medication Administration

• Employ evidence-based practice methods in drug administration and care.

Alternative & Complementary Therapies and Contraindications

• Be wary of supplements and their potential to interact with prescribed medications.
• Seek professional help with medication decisions.

Characteristics of Inflammation

• inflammation occurs due to tissue damage and injury
• Cellular response of the body to trauma
• Specific characteristics of inflammation are pain, redness and swelling

Groups of Drugs for Treating Inflammation

• NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen and aspirin)
• Corticosteroids

Common Microorganisms Causing Infections

• Bacteria (single-celled organisms without nuclei, can be aerobic or anaerobic)
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Parasites

Infection Characteristics and Control

• Understanding characteristics of infections and control measures
• Information on microorganisms is provided in various formats to facilitate learning.

Minimizing Drug-Resistant Microorganisms

• Rational use of antibiotics is essential to minimize drug resistance

Antimicrobial Therapy Nursing Process

• Apply the nursing process when caring for patients receiving antimicrobial therapy.

Role of Prostaglandins

• Understanding the role of prostaglandins in inflammation

Symptoms of Fever and Inflammation

• Common signs of fever and inflammation

Common Disorders that Cause Inflammation

• Information on common disorders causing inflammation.

Salicylates, Acetaminophen, Propionic Acid, COX-2 Inhibitors, Mitotic Agents & Uricosuric Drugs

• In-depth information about a range of medications, including their actions, uses, side effects, contraindications, and nursing implications, allowing a thorough understanding of diverse drug therapies.

Corticosteroids

• Effects of endogenous corticosteroids.
• Characteristics of adrenal cortex disorders.
• Actions and clinical indications for use of exogenous corticosteroids.
• Contraindications, adverse effects, and nursing implications of corticosteroids.
• Potential impact of other substances/factors affecting corticosteroid need.
• Appropriate nursing process implementation for patients receiving corticosteroids.

Test your knowledge on pharmacology, specifically focusing on antidotes for various overdoses and critical aspects of drug administration. This quiz covers essential concepts such as medication errors, drug transport mechanisms, and the rights of medication administration.