Pharmacology Chapter 1: Introduction to Drugs

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of fluoride toothpaste?

To promote oral hygiene

To whiten teeth

To reduce gum inflammation

To prevent tooth decay (correct)

What happens to red blood cell production when iron supplements are taken?

It boosts production (correct)

It causes anemia

It remains unchanged

It decreases significantly

Which group of drugs do gold injections belong to?

Antibiotics

Corticosteroids

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (correct)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

What does the United States Pharmacopeia National Formulary set standards for?

Drug strength and purity Signup and view all the answers

What is one provision of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act?

Accelerating review and use of new drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of Myocrisin, a gold injection used for arthritis?

Sodium aurothiomalate Signup and view all the answers

What must drug companies do before discontinuing a drug, according to FDA regulations?

Inform health professionals and patients six months in advance Signup and view all the answers

What additional protection does fluoride toothpaste offer in areas with fluoridated water?

It provides extra protection against tooth decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Phase III Studies in drug evaluation?

Evaluating drug safety for emergency use authorization Signup and view all the answers

Which act empowered the FDA to monitor and regulate drug safety in 1938?

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Phase IV Studies in drug evaluation?

Continual evaluation for side and adverse effects Signup and view all the answers

Which name refers to the official, nonproprietary name for a drug?

Generic name Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change brought by the Drug Regulation Reform Act in 1978?

Shortened development and marketing timelines Signup and view all the answers

What process involves testing chemicals on human volunteers?

Phase I Studies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for drug evaluation as per the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act?

Guaranteeing a successful market launch Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of preclinical trials in drug evaluation?

Assessing safety on laboratory animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of nurses in dealing with pharmacotherapeutics?

Assessing drug effects and providing patient education Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is derived from a natural source?

Digoxin Signup and view all the answers

What type of effects do adverse drug effects refer to?

Undesirable or potentially dangerous effects Signup and view all the answers

Which source of drugs involves using animal products?

Natural Sources Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of opium on the body?

Inhibits muscle movement in the bowels Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemical alteration is involved in producing some synthetic drugs?

Genetic engineering of bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common therapeutic use of aluminum hydroxide?

Management of acid indigestion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of synthetic drugs?

Can include genetically engineered compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Orphan Drug Act of 1983?

To promote the development of drugs for rare diseases Signup and view all the answers

What does DAW stand for in the context of drug prescriptions?

Dispensed As Written Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is accurate?

OTC drugs can mask symptoms of serious underlying diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a provision of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970?

Establishment of a universal drug pricing system Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of orphan drugs?

They are not financially viable for standard drug companies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes generic drugs?

They can be produced by companies that manufacture drugs. Signup and view all the answers

Which incentive of the Orphan Drug Act provides a financial benefit for clinical testing?

50% tax credits for the cost of clinical testing Signup and view all the answers

What issue can arise from the use of OTC drugs in conjunction with prescription medications?

They may lead to potential drug interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Pharmacology

Pharmacology studies the biological effects of chemicals; nurses focus on pharmacotherapeutics.
Drugs modify physiological or pathological conditions for therapeutic purposes but may also cause adverse effects.

Nurse's Responsibilities

Administer medications and assess drug effects.
Intervene to improve drug regimens and provide patient education.
Monitor patient care to prevent medication errors.

Sources of Drugs

Natural Sources include:
- Plants: Synthetic versions of active chemicals found in plants are prominent in alternative therapies.
- Animal Products: Replacing human chemicals due to genetic issues, often created synthetically now.
- Inorganic Compounds: Salts of various elements with therapeutic effects.

Examples of Plant-derived Drugs

Digoxin: A cardiac glycoside from foxglove, used for heart effects.
Opium: Induces euphoria and pain relief but causes constipation and dryness in mucous membranes.

Inorganic Drug Examples

Aluminum Hydroxide: Used for acid indigestion as part of antacid class.
Fluoride Toothpaste: Prevents tooth decay, particularly effective in fluoridated areas.
Iron Supplements: Treats anemia by boosting hemoglobin and red blood cell production.
Gold: Used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, particularly effective in early stages.

Drug Standards and Legislation

United States Pharmacopeia National Formulary (USP-NF): Establishes standards for:
- Therapeutic use, safety, quality, purity, strength, packaging safety, dosage form.
The Philippine Pharmacopeia: Official reference for drug identity and quality in the Philippines.

FDA Modernization Act (1997)

Accelerated drug review processes.
Ensured testing in children and required clinical trial data for new drugs.
Mandated disclosure of “off-label” drug uses and advanced notices for discontinuations.

Drug Evaluation Process

Preclinical Trials: Chemicals tested on lab animals.
Phase I: Testing on human volunteers.
Phase II: Trials on informed patients with the condition.
Phase III: Broad clinical market trials for safety achievements.
Phase IV: Ongoing evaluations for unrecognized side effects.

Drug Regulation History

1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Empowered the FDA to ensure drug safety and accurate labeling.
1978 Drug Regulation Reform Act: Shortened drug development times while protecting patient rights.

Drug Naming Conventions

Chemical Names: Describe the drug's structure.
Generic Names: Official nonproprietary names accepted universally.
Brand Names: Proprietary names chosen by manufacturers, trademarked.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

OTC drugs can mask symptoms, leading to diagnostic challenges and interactions with prescription medications.
Some drugs have been safely repurposed from prescription-only to OTC.

Orphan Drugs

Orphan drugs target rare diseases but lack financial viability.
Orphan Drug Act of 1983: Encourages development through federal funding, tax credits, and exclusive marketing rights for 7 years.

Controlled Substances Act (1970)

Establishes strict regulations for the prescription, distribution, and use of controlled substances.
Promotes drug education and research on dependency treatment and prevention.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of pharmacology, focusing on the biological effects of drugs and their role in nursing practice. Learn about therapeutic and adverse effects of pharmacotherapeutics as you test your knowledge on this crucial aspect of healthcare.