Pharmacology Week 1: Medications and Drugs

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Questions and Answers

Which branch of medicine is concerned with the prevention of disease and treatment of suffering?

Chemistry

Pathophysiology

Microbiology

Therapeutics (correct)

What is the difference between a drug and a medication?

A medication is always prescribed by a health care professional, while a drug is not.

A medication is a natural plant extract, while a drug is produced by a pharmaceutical manufacturer.

There is no difference between a drug and a medication.

A drug is capable of producing a biological response, while a medication may not always do so. (correct)

What type of drugs can patients obtain without consultation with a health care provider?

Prescription drugs

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC) (correct)

Biologics

Traditional medications

Which directorate regulates natural health products in Canada?

Natural and non-prescription health products directorate Signup and view all the answers

What does the Phase III clinical trial test in drug development?

Safety of the drug and possible adverse effects in a small group of patients with the target condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of drug regulations?

To protect the public from drug misuse and to ensure continuous evaluation of safety and effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the pregnancy categories assigned by the US Food & Drug Administration?

To provide information on the potential risks of medications to the fetus during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Why is particular caution recommended during the first three months of pregnancy in relation to medication use?

Due to the rapid development of the fetus during this period Signup and view all the answers

What are teratogens in the context of pregnancy and medication?

Substances that promote abnormal growth in the fetus Signup and view all the answers

Why should alternative therapies be considered before initiating pharmacotherapy during pregnancy?

To minimize the risk of fetal abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consideration when testing drugs for use during pregnancy?

Potential risks and impacts on fetal development Signup and view all the answers

Why is cognitive development an important consideration when prescribing medications to a patient?

To assess the patient's ability to understand the need for medication and associated risks Signup and view all the answers

When considering route and formulation of medication for a patient, what factors might impact this decision?

Any psychomotor development considerations Signup and view all the answers

Why must pharmacotherapy during pregnancy be undertaken with great caution?

Due to potential impacts on fetal well-being and development Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the considerations when determining if a patient is able to excrete medications?

The function of the patient's liver and kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of pre-existing or developed conditions not related to pregnancy when deciding on medication use?

They can impact the well-being of both the pregnant woman and the fetus Signup and view all the answers

Why should healthcare providers assess if a pregnant patient is able to appreciate the need for a medication or its associated risks?

To ensure proper understanding and compliance with medication regimen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site for drug metabolism?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

In pharmacokinetics, what does drug distribution refer to?

How drug reaches target tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which barrier prevents many drugs from reaching the brain tissue?

Blood-brain barrier Signup and view all the answers

What does the therapeutic index measure in relation to a drug's safety?

Ratio of LD50 to ED50 Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of an ideal drug refers to its ability to produce change in clients?

Pharmacodynamics Signup and view all the answers

Which organization shares drug information with healthcare providers and consumers upon approval?

Health Canada Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of time-response relationships in pharmacokinetics?

To maintain drug at a therapeutic range in blood Signup and view all the answers

What does the graded dose-response relationship describe?

The intensity of drug response at different doses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Branch of Medicine and Disease Prevention

Preventive medicine is concerned with the prevention of disease and treatment of suffering.

Drugs and Medications

A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease, whereas a medication is a drug prescribed to treat a specific condition.
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be obtained by patients without consulting a healthcare provider.

Regulation of Natural Health Products

The Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) regulates natural health products in Canada.

Drug Development and Clinical Trials

Phase III clinical trials test the efficacy and safety of a drug in a large population.

Purpose of Drug Regulations

The purpose of drug regulations is to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications.

Pregnancy Categories and Medication Use

The US FDA assigns pregnancy categories to indicate the potential risks of medication use during pregnancy.
Particular caution is recommended during the first three months of pregnancy due to the critical period of fetal development.
Teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects or harm to the fetus.
Alternative therapies should be considered before initiating pharmacotherapy during pregnancy to minimize risks.

Pharmacotherapy and Pregnancy

The main consideration when testing drugs for use during pregnancy is the potential harm to the fetus.
Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy must be undertaken with great caution due to the potential risks to the fetus.
Cognitive development is an important consideration when prescribing medications to a patient.

Route and Formulation of Medication

Factors such as patient age, weight, and medical condition may impact the decision on the route and formulation of medication.

Patient Considerations

Healthcare providers must consider a patient's ability to excrete medications, pre-existing or developed conditions, and their ability to appreciate the need for a medication or its associated risks.

Pharmacokinetics

The primary site for drug metabolism is the liver.
Drug distribution refers to the movement of a drug throughout the body.
The blood-brain barrier prevents many drugs from reaching the brain tissue.
The therapeutic index measures the safety of a drug by comparing the dose required for therapeutic effect to the dose that produces toxic effects.

Ideal Drug Characteristics

An ideal drug should have the ability to produce change in clients.

Drug Information

The FDA shares drug information with healthcare providers and consumers upon approval.

Time-Response Relationships

The goal of time-response relationships in pharmacokinetics is to determine the duration of a drug's effect.

Dose-Response Relationships

The graded dose-response relationship describes the varying effects of a drug at different doses.

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Description

Test your knowledge of medications, drugs, and pharmacology with this quiz. Explore the concepts of pharmacology and its application in healthcare.