Pharmacology for Dentists

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Questions and Answers

Why is it important for dentists to have knowledge of pharmacology?

To create drug formulations in the dental office.

To conduct research on the effects of dental materials.

To prescribe medications for dental conditions and manage interactions. (correct)

To perform dental surgeries without any sedation.

Which of the following is true about chemical names of drugs?

They are commonly used in prescribing medications.

They are easily recognized by all practitioners.

They identify the chemical composition but are complicated. (correct)

They are the simplest form of drug nomenclature.

What is a characteristic of nonproprietary, generic names?

Each drug has multiple generic names.

They are internationally recognized and used in prescriptions. (correct)

They are specific to particular countries.

They are assigned by the manufacturer of the drug.

What is the main purpose of dosage forms in pharmacology?

To contain the drug and facilitate its administration. Signup and view all the answers

What type of dosage form must disintegrate and dissolve for absorption?

Solid dosage forms. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of enteric-coated tablets?

They avoid gastric irritation by dissolving in the intestine. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding capsules as a dosage form?

They enclose both powdered and liquid medications. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of controlled-release formulations?

They prolong the duration of action of the drug. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of lozenges?

They dissolve slowly in the mouth for local action. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of solutions?

They are typically opaque and contain suspended particles. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for a drug in suspension to be absorbed?

It must dissolve into solution. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of liquid dosage form mixes two immiscible liquids?

Emulsion Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ointments from other semisolid formulations?

They are meant for external application in an oily base. Signup and view all the answers

How do creams differ from ointments?

Creams have a water-in-oil emulsion base. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about suspensions is incorrect?

They contain only dissolved drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of gels?

They contain a gelling agent for structure. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Pharmacology for Dentists

Dentists need a strong understanding of pharmacology for several reasons.
They prescribe medications for dental treatments and use drugs as adjuvants during procedures.
They need to be aware of patient interactions with drugs and potential orodental implications.
They must be prepared to handle medical emergencies that may occur in the dental office.

Drug Nomenclature (Drug Names)

Chemical Name: Identifies a drug's chemical and molecular composition.
- It's complex and not suitable for prescribing.
- Example: acetylsalicylic acid for aspirin.
Nonproprietary/Generic Name: The official, approved name given by a governing agency like the WHO.
- It's simpler, internationally recognized, and used for prescriptions.
- Each drug has one generic name (e.g. aspirin, paracetamol).
Proprietary/Trade/Brand Name: Assigned by the manufacturer.
- One drug can have multiple proprietary names (e.g. panadol, paramol, Amol for paracetamol).

Dosage Forms of Drugs

Drugs are generally administered in dosage forms, which are formulations containing the drug plus inactive ingredients.
Dosage forms need to be suitable for administration to a patient.

Solid Dosage Forms

For absorption: Solid dosage forms need to disintegrate to release the drug, which then dissolves into a solution.
Powder: Drug in a fine, dry state; can be used internally or topically.
Tablets: Contain active drug plus binders, colorants, preservatives, and more.
- Plain or coated: Sugar coated or film coated to protect the drug and mask taste.
- Enteric coated: Coated to dissolve in the intestine, avoiding gastric irritation or inactivation.
Capsules: Hard or soft gelatin shells containing powdered or liquid medication.
- May be enteric coated.
Tablets & Capsules can be formulated for slow release (controlled-release, extended-release, or sustained-release) to prolong their action.
Lozenges: Large tablets held in the mouth to dissolve slowly and produce local effects.
Suppositories: For insertion into the anal canal.

Liquid Dosage Forms

Solutions: Clear, homogenous liquids with substances dissolved in a solvent.
- Used orally, topically, or parenterally (injection).
- Internal use:
  - Syrup: Aqueous solution with a high concentration of sucrose or other sugars.
  - Elixir: Sweetened hydroalcoholic solution of drug
- Oral topical use: Gargles and mouthwashes.
Suspensions: Insoluble drugs dispersed in water with a suspending agent.
Emulsions: Uniform mixtures of two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) stabilized by an emulsifying agent.
- Suspensions and emulsions tend to settle, so shake well before use.
Absorption of liquid dosage forms:*
Suspensions need to dissolve first.
Solutions are already dissolved.
Solutions are typically absorbed faster than suspensions.
Both solutions and suspensions generally absorb faster than solid dosage forms because they don't need to disintegrate.

Semisolid Dosage Forms

Ointments: Greasy, semisolid preparations for external use. The drug is incorporated into an oily base.
Pastes: Semisolid but with higher concentrations of solid particles than ointments, producing a thicker or more viscous preparation (e.g. toothpastes).
Gels: Translucent, non-greasy semisolids; higher water or alcohol content than creams or ointments. Use a gelling agent in preparation.
Creams: Similar to ointments, but the base is a water-in-oil emulsion.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of pharmacology in dentistry, highlighting how dentists prescribe medications and manage drug interactions. It also includes essential drug nomenclature, covering chemical, generic, and brand names. Test your understanding of these critical pharmacological concepts essential for dental professionals.