Pharmacology Basics for Healthcare Professionals

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are considered natural sources of drugs?

  • Organic chemicals and radioactive elements
  • Plants, animals, and synthetic compounds
  • Synthetically engineered proteins and minerals
  • Animals, plants, and inorganic compounds (correct)

What is the primary difference between synthetic drugs and those derived from natural sources?

  • Synthetic drugs are cheaper than natural drugs
  • Natural drugs have a higher efficacy compared to synthetic drugs
  • Synthetic drugs are derived exclusively from animal products
  • Synthetic drugs are chemically created after observing therapeutic effects (correct)

Which name of a drug reflects its chemical structure or formula?

  • Trade name
  • Brand name
  • Generic name
  • Chemical name (correct)

What term refers to the name designated by pharmaceutical companies upon applying for drug approval?

<p>Generic name (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes trade names of drugs?

<p>They are registered by pharmaceutical companies for their drug products (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of resource provides complete information about a drug, including its pharmacokinetics and interactions?

<p>Drug guides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information is NOT typically found on drug labels?

<p>Approval history (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common feature of package inserts for medications?

<p>Detailed therapeutic actions and indications (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate use for scientific journals in relation to drug use?

<p>To read about current drug reviews and news (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which resource typically contains current and scientifically reviewed data relevant to drugs?

<p>Authentic websites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of health regulatory authorities regarding drugs?

<p>They regulate the development, approval, and use of drugs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes prescription drugs?

<p>They require a valid prescription from an authorized health professional. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of drugs that can be obtained for self-medication without a prescription?

<p>Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which government agency is responsible for drug approval in the United States?

<p>Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of drugs are categorized due to their potential for abuse and require specific prescriptions?

<p>Controlled drugs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the FDA categorize drugs concerning their risk during pregnancy?

<p>Into five categories indicating teratogenic risks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an over-the-counter drug?

<p>Anti-burn creams (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prescription drugs?

<p>They are safe to use without any restrictions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does pharmacology primarily study?

<p>The study of drugs and their interactions with living organisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the intended changes caused by drugs?

<p>Therapeutic actions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for healthcare professionals to understand pharmacology?

<p>To administer drugs and manage patient care (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the suffix 'pharmaco-' in pharmacology mean?

<p>Poison and remedy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a process studied in pharmacokinetics?

<p>Mechanism of action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are unintended actions caused by drugs referred to as?

<p>Adverse effects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary sources of drugs?

<p>Natural and synthetic sources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why has genetic engineering improved drugs obtained from animal sources?

<p>It has enhanced the efficacy and safety of these drugs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Definition of Pharmacology

  • Pharmacology studies drugs and their interactions with living organisms.
  • Etymology: "Pharmaco-" stems from the Greek "pharmakon," meaning remedy or poison.
  • Key aspects include drug sources, chemical structure, administration, pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), and pharmacodynamics (effects on body systems).

Importance of Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals

  • Understanding drug effects is crucial for nurses and health professionals.
  • Responsibilities include administering medications, educating patients, assessing drug actions, minimizing side effects, and monitoring patient care plans.

Sources of Drugs

  • Drugs originate from natural (plants, animals, inorganic compounds) and synthetic sources.
  • Natural sources:
    • Plants: Used historically, e.g., morphine (pain relief), codeine (cough suppression).
    • Animals: Previously sourced proteins and hormones like insulin, now often synthesized for purity.
    • Inorganic Compounds: Therapeutic salts such as aluminum, magnesium, and iron.
  • Chemical Synthesis: Many drugs are created synthetically after identification of therapeutic compounds from nature.

Drug Naming Conventions

  • Chemical Name: Reflects the drug's chemical structure.
  • Generic Name: Also known as International Nonproprietary Name (INN); assigned by companies during approval applications.
  • Trade Names: Names registered by pharmaceutical companies for marketing.
  • Brand Name: The original trade name under which the drug was marketed.
  • Drug regulation is managed by health authorities (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EMA in the EU).
  • Drugs are categorized as:
    • Prescription Drugs: Require a healthcare professional's prescription (e.g., anti-hypertensives).
    • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Purchased without a prescription for self-medication (e.g., mild analgesics).
    • Controlled Drugs: High abuse potential, requiring secure prescriptions (e.g., narcotics).

Drug Use in Pregnancy

  • Regulatory bodies classify drugs into categories indicating their potential teratogenic risk.
  • Understanding these classifications is essential for safe drug administration during pregnancy.

Importance of Drug Information

  • Continuous education on drugs is vital as therapeutic knowledge evolves.
  • Access to reliable information is obtained through:
    • Drug Labels: Include essential information like names, dosage forms, and special warnings.
    • Package Inserts: Provide comprehensive details on pharmacology, therapeutic actions, dosages, warnings, and drug interactions.
    • Drug Guides and Monographs: Contain extensive data on various drugs and their uses.
    • Reference Books: Offer a variety of information within pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.
    • Scientific Journals: Serve as updated sources for drug-related research and developments.
    • Authentic Websites: Deliver reviewed and up-to-date pharmacological information.

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