Pharmacology Overview

Definition: The study of drugs, their properties, effects, and mechanisms of action in biological systems.

Key Concepts

Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: How drugs enter the bloodstream.
- Distribution: How drugs are transported throughout the body.
- Metabolism: Chemical alteration of drugs, primarily in the liver.
- Excretion: Removal of drugs from the body, primarily via kidneys.
Pharmacodynamics
- Mechanism of Action: How a drug produces its effects at the site of action.
- Receptor Interaction: Drugs may act as agonists (activating receptors) or antagonists (blocking receptors).
Drug Classification
- By Effect: Analgesics (pain relief), antibiotics (infection treatment), antihypertensives (blood pressure control).
- By Chemical Structure: Compounds with similar chemical properties grouped together.
Drug Development
- Preclinical Testing: Laboratory and animal studies to evaluate safety and efficacy.
- Clinical Trials: Human subject testing divided into phases (Phase I – IV) to assess safety, dosage, efficacy, and side effects.
Dosing and Administration
- Routes of Administration: Oral, intravenous, intramuscular, topical, etc.
- Dosing Regimens: Specific schedules for drug administration (e.g., once daily, twice a day).
Adverse Effects
- Side Effects: Unintended reactions, can be mild or severe.
- Drug Interactions: Effects caused by the concurrent use of multiple drugs.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
- Important for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices to ensure levels remain within the therapeutic range.
Regulatory Factors
- Agencies govern drug approval and monitoring (e.g., FDA in the U.S.).
- Importance of adherence to guidelines and protocols in drug development.

Important Terms

Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug that enters circulation when introduced into the body.
Half-life: Time taken for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half.
Tolerance: Reduced response to a drug after prolonged use.
Dependence: Physical or psychological need for a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

Special Considerations

Patient Variability: Factors such as age, weight, genetics, and existing health conditions can affect drug response.
Ethical Issues: Informed consent, access to medication, off-label drug use.

Pharmacology Overview

The study of drugs, their characteristics, effects, and how they work in living organisms.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: The process of a drug entering the bloodstream.
Distribution: How a drug travels throughout the body.
Metabolism: Chemical changes to a drug, mainly in the liver.
Excretion: Removal of drugs from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of Action: How a drug produces its effects at the target site.
Receptor Interaction: Drugs can act as agonists, activating receptors, or antagonists, blocking receptors.

Drug Classification

By Effect: Grouping drugs based on their therapeutic actions, like pain relief (analgesics), infection treatment (antibiotics), or blood pressure control (antihypertensives).
By Chemical Structure: Grouping drugs with similar chemical properties.

Drug Development

Preclinical Testing: Lab and animal studies to assess safety and effectiveness.
Clinical Trials: Human testing in phases (Phase I – IV) to evaluate safety, dosage, effectiveness, and side effects.

Dosing and Administration

Routes of Administration: Different ways to give drugs, such as oral, intravenous, intramuscular, or topical.
Dosing Regimens: Specific schedules for drug administration, like once a day or twice a day.

Adverse Effects

Side Effects: Unwanted reactions, ranging from mild to severe.
Drug Interactions: Effects caused by using multiple drugs together.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Important for drugs with a narrow therapeutic range, ensuring levels stay within the effective range.

Regulatory Factors

Agencies like the FDA (in the U.S.) oversee drug approval and monitoring.
Following guidelines and protocols is crucial in drug development.

Important Terms

Bioavailability: The amount of a drug that reaches circulation after administration.
Half-life: The time it takes for a drug's blood concentration to decrease by half.
Tolerance: Decreased response to a drug after prolonged use.
Dependence: Physical or psychological need for a drug, causing withdrawal symptoms when stopped.

Special Considerations

Patient Variability: Factors like age, weight, genetics, and health conditions affect drug response.
Ethical Issues: Informed consent, access to medication, and off-label drug use.