Pharmacology Chapter Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does pharmacodynamics study?

How the body processes drugs

The biological and therapeutic effects of drugs (correct)

The preparation and dispensing of medications

The physiological effects of exercise on the body

Which branch of pharmacology focuses on the undesirable effects of drugs?

Clinical pharmacology

Toxicology (correct)

Pharmacotherapeutics

Pharmacodynamics

What is the definition of pharmacokinetics?

The study of how drugs modify physiological systems

The study of drug side effects in patients

The selection and use of drugs for treatment

The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (correct)

What is the primary responsibility of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)?

To ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs in the US Signup and view all the answers

What term describes an unintended action of a drug?

Adverse effect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines pharmacotherapeutics?

Selection and use of drugs for preventing and treating disease Signup and view all the answers

What does the term biotransformation refer to in pharmacology?

Chemical changes that a drug undergoes in the body Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about drug effects is accurate?

Drugs can have both desired and unintended effects Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'generic name' refer to in pharmacology?

A name given by the United States Adopted Name Council Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Five Rights' of Medication Administration?

Right manufacturer Signup and view all the answers

Controlled substances are defined as substances with:

High abuse potential and strict regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'pharmacologic class'?

Drugs sharing similar characteristics Signup and view all the answers

In prescription writing, which part is typically placed at the beginning of a prescription format?

Heading Signup and view all the answers

For which route is 'IV' used in medical prescriptions?

Intravenous Signup and view all the answers

What is the best practice regarding the use of drug names to avoid confusion?

It’s best to use the drug’s generic name Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a therapeutic class of drugs?

Analgesics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Define key pharmacological terminologies.
Understand pharmacodynamics (effects of drugs on the body) and pharmacokinetics (how the body processes drugs).
Comprehend theoretical pharmacokinetics concepts: half-life, order of kinetics, steady state, and plasma concentration.
Recognize drug safety and effectiveness, including factors affecting drug action and possible adverse drug reactions.

Definitions

Pharmacology: Study of drugs, their effects on living systems, history, sources, physicochemical properties, dosage forms, administration methods, and adverse effects.
Drug: A substance that modifies physiological systems or pathological states for therapeutic benefit or diagnosis.
Pharmacokinetics (PK): Focus on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs; describes what the body does to drugs.
Pharmacodynamics (PD): Examines the biological and therapeutic effects of drugs; explains what drugs do to the body.
Pharmacotherapeutics: Involves the selection and proper use of drugs for prevention and treatment of diseases.
Toxicology: Part of pharmacology that studies the undesirable effects of drugs on biological processes.
Clinical Pharmacology: Systematic study of drugs in humans, assessing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, safety, efficacy, and side effects.
Pharmacy: Branch of science related to preparing, preserving, compounding, and using drugs.

Regulatory Agencies

Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Federal agency responsible for ensuring drug safety and efficacy in the U.S., along with food and cosmetics oversight.

Adverse Effects

Adverse or Side-Effect: Unintended actions of a drug; can occur due to lack of specificity in drug action; all drugs may produce adverse effects.

Drug Names

Chemical Name: Describes a drug's chemical composition and molecular structure.
Generic Name: Nonproprietary name approved for the drug, provided by the United States Adopted Name Council.
Trade Name/Brand Name: Proprietary name with registered trademark, restricted by the manufacturer.

Drug Classification

Pharmacologic Class: Drugs sharing similar characteristics (e.g., beta-adrenergic blockers).
Therapeutic Class: Groups drugs based on therapeutic use (e.g., antihypertensives).

Prescription Writing Principles

Prescription: Written, verbal, or electronic order for medication for a specific patient.
Five Rights of Medication Administration:
- Right drug
- Right dose
- Right time
- Right route
- Right patient

Prescription Formatting

Parts of Prescription:
- Heading
- Body
- Closing
Common Abbreviations:
- Tablets - tab, Capsules - cap, Syrup - syr, Injection - Inj, etc.

Routes of Administration

PO: by mouth, PR: per rectum, IM: intramuscular, IV: intravenous, ID: intradermal, IN: intranasal, TP: topical, SL: sublingual, BUCC: buccal, IP: intraperitoneal.

Controlled Substances

Defined as prescription drugs with tightly controlled use and distribution due to abuse potential or associated risks; regulation is more stringent.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in pharmacology, including definitions of important terminologies, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. Learners will explore concepts such as half-life, order of kinetics, steady state, and plasma concentration, alongside understanding drug safety and effectiveness. Prepare to test your knowledge on vital aspects of drug action and adverse reactions.