Pharmacology Fundamentals

• This quiz assesses understanding of pharmacology basics, like administration routes, bioavailability, drug mechanisms, receptor interactions, and adverse effects
• A solid grasp of these principles is essential for the safe and effective use of medications

Routes of Administration and First-Pass Metabolism

• Sublingual administration of a drug avoids first-pass metabolism
• First-pass metabolism reduces a drug's concentration before it reaches systemic circulation
• This process primarily occurs in the liver and gut wall following oral administration

Bioavailability

• Bioavailability is the fraction of an administered drug that reaches systemic circulation unchanged
• It indicates how much of the drug is absorbed and available at the target site

Naloxone Mechanism of Action

• Naloxone functions by reversibly antagonizing opioid receptors
• As an opioid antagonist, naloxone is used to counteract the effects of opioid overdose

Norepinephrine and Adrenergic Receptors

• A drug that mimics the effects of norepinephrine is a sympathomimetic
• Sympathomimetics stimulate the sympathetic nervous system

Adrenergic Receptors and Bronchodilation

• Beta-2 adrenergic receptors mediate bronchodilation
• Activation of beta-2 receptors in the lungs relaxes bronchial smooth muscle

Liver's Role in Drug Metabolism

• The liver biotransforms drugs into active or inactive forms
• This process alters the chemical structure of drugs, affecting their activity and excretion
• The liver is primarily responsible for first-pass metabolism

Primary Site for Drug Excretion

• The kidney serves as the primary site for drug excretion
• It filters drugs and metabolites from the blood into the urine

Pharmacodynamics Definition

• Pharmacodynamics describes the interaction between drugs and body receptors
• It studies the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body

Anaphylactic Reaction

• Bronchospasm, hypotension, and rash suggest a patient is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction
• Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction

Drug-Receptor Binding

• Reversible binding allows a drug to detach from the receptor after its effect is complete
• Reversible binding is important for drugs requiring transient effects

Xanax

• Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax

Albuterol

• Albuterol is classified as a beta-2 agonist

Furosemide

• Furosemide is classified as a loop diuretic

Ondansetron

• Zofran is the trade name for ondansetron

Aspirin

• Aspirin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting thromboxane A2 via COX inhibition

Epinephrine

• Epinephrine's primary effect is sympathetic stimulation via alpha and beta receptors

Naloxone

• Naloxone is an example of an opioid antagonist

Diltiazem

• Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker

Midazolam

• Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation

Sympathomimetic drugs

• Albuterol and epinephrine are classified as sympathomimetic drugs

Pharmacokinetics

• Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of drugs through the body

First-Order Elimination

• First-order elimination means a constant fraction of drug is eliminated based on plasma levels

Agonist

• A drug that activates a receptor and produces a physiological response is known as an agonist

Therapeutic Index

• A drug with a high therapeutic index is generally considered safer

Drug Synergism

• Synergism is the term for two drugs producing a combined effect greater than the sum of individual effects

Drug Potency

• Potency refers to the amount of drug needed to achieve an effect

Dosage Calculations

• For 12 mg of Dexamethasone, with a vial containing 10 mg/mL, administer 1.2 mL
• For an adenosine 2nd dose of 12 mg, with a vial containing 6 mg/2mL, administer 4 mL
• For a 5-year-old child weighing 40 lbs, atropine 0.02 mg/kg, with a vial containing 1 mg/10mL, administer 3.6 mL
• For lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg IO for a 110 lbs patient, with a 2% lidocaine concentration, administer 25 mg.
• For Fentanyl 1 mcg/kg IV for a 154 lbs patient, with a vial containing 100 mcg/2mL, administer 1.4 mL