Pharmacology Basics

Study of the effects of drugs on living organisms
Involves understanding the interactions between drugs and biological systems
Encompasses pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the drug) and pharmacodynamics (what the drug does to the body)

Clinical Pharmacology: study of drugs in humans, focusing on therapeutic uses and adverse effects
Toxicology: study of the adverse effects of drugs and other substances
Neuropharmacology: study of the effects of drugs on the nervous system
Molecular Pharmacology: study of the molecular mechanisms of drug action

Receptors: molecules on the surface of cells that interact with drugs
Agonists: drugs that bind to receptors and activate them
Antagonists: drugs that bind to receptors and block their activation
Partial Agonists: drugs that bind to receptors but only partially activate them

Study of the effects of drugs on living organisms, including understanding interactions between drugs and biological systems
Encompasses two main areas: pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the drug) and pharmacodynamics (what the drug does to the body)

Clinical Pharmacology: focuses on therapeutic uses and adverse effects of drugs in humans
Toxicology: studies the adverse effects of drugs and other substances
Neuropharmacology: explores the effects of drugs on the nervous system
Molecular Pharmacology: examines the molecular mechanisms of drug action

Absorption: process by which a drug enters the bloodstream
The rate and extent of absorption affect the drug's concentration and duration of action
Distribution: process of a drug spreading throughout the body, influenced by factors such as blood flow and tissue binding
Metabolism: process of a drug being broken down by the body, often involving enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Excretion: process of a drug being eliminated from the body, primarily through the kidneys and liver

Receptors: molecules on the surface of cells that interact with drugs, triggering specific responses
Agonists: drugs that bind to receptors, activating them and producing a response
Antagonists: drugs that bind to receptors, blocking their activation and response
Partial Agonists: drugs that bind to receptors, producing a partial response

Side Effects: unintended effects of a drug, often predictable and manageable
Interactions: effects of combining multiple drugs, which can be synergistic, additive, or antagonistic
Allergic Reactions: immune system responses to a drug, ranging from mild to severe
Tolerance: decreased response to a drug over time, often due to adaptive changes in the body
Dependence: physical or psychological need for a drug, often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms