Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of administering medicine to humans or animals?
Which branch of pharmacology focuses on the effects of drugs in specific populations or risk groups?
How is a substance described when it is used for medicinal purposes but does not fit the legal definition of a drug?
What term relates to the study of how genetic variations affect drug response?
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Which of the following routes of administration is considered enteral?
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What does bioavailability refer to in pharmacology?
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Which of the following types of drugs is considered an illegal drug?
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What component of pharmacokinetics denotes how the body responds to a drug over time?
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Study Notes
Science of Pharmacology
- Pharmacology is a new field of science linking drug knowledge with various biological and chemical disciplines.
- Interconnected with fields like chemistry and biology, showcasing its multidisciplinary nature.
Branches of Pharmacology
- Major branches include:
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Pharmacometrics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Pharmacogenetics
- Radiopharmacy
- Only a few branches are considered for focused study.
Distinction between Medicine and Drug
- Medicine: Substance administered to humans or animals for medicinal purposes, or as an ingredient in compounds intended for administration.
- Drug: Typically refers to illegal, recreational substances, or active ingredients in medicines; may also encompass substances of abuse.
Importance of Medicinal Purposes
- Medicines are crucial for:
- Treating and preventing diseases.
- Diagnosing diseases and evaluating physiological conditions.
- Providing contraception and anesthesia.
- Interfering with normal physiological functions, either temporarily or permanently.
Routes of Administration
- Enteral Route: Administered orally, includes sublingual methods.
- Parenteral Route: Delivered through injections (IV, IM, SC) and other methods.
- Other routes include:
- Inhalation
- Intranasal
- Intrathecal/Intraventricular
- Topical
- Transdermal
- Rectal and vaginal administration.
Pharmacokinetics
- Defined as a mathematical framework assessing drug behavior over time and how the body affects drugs.
- Key processes in pharmacokinetics include:
- Liberation (drug release)
- Absorption (into the bloodstream)
- Distribution (to tissues)
- Metabolism (chemical alterations)
- Excretion (removal from the body)
- Toxicity (adverse effects)
- Acronym for these processes: LADMET.
- Overall processes determine the concentration of drugs in the body.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental aspects of pharmacology, including its definition and various branches such as clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. Additionally, it clarifies the distinction between medicines and drugs, emphasizing their importance in treating and diagnosing diseases.
