Questions and Answers
What is the molecular weight range most drugs fall within?
What happens to weak bases when they are protonated?
What is a limitation of drugs that have a molecular weight greater than 1000?
What type of transport is not governed by Fick’s law?
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Which of the following substances are commonly transported by identified transporter molecules?
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What is a crucial factor to consider when prescribing medication to a patient?
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What could negatively influence prescribing habits?
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Why is it important to individualize treatment when prescribing drugs?
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What should be carefully monitored during a drug therapy regimen?
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What is a potential pitfall of prescribing medication based on studies?
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Study Notes
Size and Molecular Weight of Drugs
- Drugs vary significantly in molecular weight (MW), ranging from lithium (MW 7) to thrombolytic enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins (over MW 50,000).
- Most drugs have MWs between 100 and 1000.
- Drugs smaller than MW 100 are often non-selective, while larger drugs (over MW 1000) typically face poor absorption and distribution in the body.
Transport Mechanisms for Drugs
- Drugs may utilize special carriers for transport across membranes, particularly if they do not diffuse readily.
- Carrier transport differs from diffusion; it is capacity-limited and not governed by Fick’s law.
- Notable examples include ion transporters (e.g., Na+/K+ ATPase) and transport systems for neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine), glucose, and anticancer drugs.
Ionization of Weak Acids and Bases
- Weak bases become ionized and more water-soluble when protonated.
- Weak acids, on the other hand, are not ionized and are thus less water-soluble when protonated.
Factors Influencing Drug Prescribing
- Individualized treatment is crucial; optimal drug and dosage should match the patient’s needs.
- Careful monitoring of drug efficacy and toxicity is necessary.
- Compliance, cost, and the suitability of drugs (e.g., avoiding teratogenic drugs in pregnancy) are key considerations.
- Potential pitfalls include polypharmacy, multiple prescribing without coordination, and reliance on anecdotal evidence.
Types of Receptors
- Ion Channel Receptors allow ion flow (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-) through ligand-gated channels, impacting cellular ionic composition and potential.
- Transmembrane Enzyme-Linked Receptors primarily engage peptide hormones and influence gene function.
Essential Medicines and Rational Prescription
- Educational tools aid in rationalizing drug prescriptions and treatment protocols.
- The prescription encompasses components such as superscription, inscription (including active ingredients and dosage), and directions for patients.
Patient Considerations in Prescribing
- Important patient factors include age, pregnancy, lactation, pharmacogenetics, and nutritional status.
- Disease states such as the severity of conditions, hepatic and renal impairment must inform prescribing decisions.
Common Errors in Prescribing
- Polypharmacy can lead to excessive treatment for symptoms instead of underlying causes.
- Incorrect diagnoses, insufficient drug knowledge, and inappropriate selections may compromise patient safety and drug efficacy.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts in pharmacology, specifically the size and molecular weight of drugs, their transport mechanisms, and the ionization of weak acids and bases. Understand how molecular weight influences drug absorption and distribution, alongside carrier-mediated transport mechanisms. Test your knowledge on these fundamental pharmacological principles.
