PHS 310: Basic Principles of Pharmacology

Questions and Answers

What is a significant disadvantage of mucous membrane drug administration?

High risk of infection

Slow delivery of drugs to affected tissues

Few drugs can be effectively delivered via this method (correct)

Not suitable for patients with respiratory disorders

Which of the following statements about transdermal drug administration is correct?

It is not subject to patient irritability

It allows for rapid pharmacologic action

It is primarily used for intravenous delivery

It offers a continuous or prolonged administration (correct)

Which of the following drugs is classified as a β-blocker?

Morphine

Aspirin

Diazepam

Metoprolol (correct)

When comparing drug administration routes, which factor is true for oral inhalation?

It can deliver drug effects as rapidly as intravenous bolus Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted disadvantage of transdermal drug delivery?

Slower delivery to pharmacologic site Signup and view all the answers

What is true about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?

They are available directly to the public. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the use of topical drug administration?

It provides a direct effect to affected tissues Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage is associated with the enteral route of drug administration?

Exposure to harsh gastrointestinal environments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding prescription drugs?

They should only be used under medical supervision. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of trade or brand names of drugs?

They are unique identifiers marketed by the drug company. Signup and view all the answers

What does pharmacodynamics primarily study?

The effects of drugs on the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is NOT a phase of pharmacokinetics?

Pharmacodynamics Signup and view all the answers

From which of the following sources can drugs be derived?

Natural sources, including plants and minerals Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'chemical name' in drug nomenclature?

A description of the drug's chemical structure Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pharmacokinetics' refer to?

Movement of the drug in the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method of drug development through genetics?

Genetic engineering drugs Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'nonproprietary' refer to in drug naming?

A name assigned by the U.S. Adopted Name Council Signup and view all the answers

Which one of these statements about pharmacology is accurate?

Pharmacology encompasses the study of the effects of drugs on the body and their mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Pharmacology

Pharmacology studies the actions of drugs on the body, encompassing biochemical and physiological effects.
Two main branches of pharmacology: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Key Concepts in Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics: Focuses on the movement of drugs within the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Pharmacodynamics: Examines how drugs affect the body and their mechanisms of action, answering "What does the drug do to the body?"

Drug Definition and Sources

A drug is a chemical substance with a known structure that produces biological effects when administered.
Drugs can originate from various sources:
- Natural: Plants, animals, microorganisms, minerals.
- Synthetic: Man-made substances, most common in modern pharmaceuticals.
- Genetic Engineering: Involves altering an organism's genes to create medications.

Drug Nomenclature

Chemical Name: Describes the drug's chemical structure (e.g., 1-(Isopropylamino)-3-(1-napthyloxy)-propan-2-ol for Propranolol).
Nonproprietary (Generic) Name: Assigned by the U.S. Adopted Name Council, easier and offers clues about the drug class (e.g., β-blockers like propranolol).
Proprietary (Trade/Brand) Name: Assigned by the marketing company (e.g., Tylenol® for paracetamol).

Drug Types

Prescription Drugs: Dispensed only with a prescription, considered unsafe for unsupervised use (e.g., diazepam).
Over-the-Counter Drugs (OTC): Available directly to consumers without a prescription and deemed safe for unsupervised use (e.g., analgesics).

Routes of Drug Administration

Enteral (e.g., Aspirin): Simple, inexpensive, and convenient but subject to GI conditions and first-pass metabolism.
Parenteral (IV, e.g., Morphine): Provides rapid delivery and high bioavailability but entails risks such as infection and requires skilled personnel.
Mucous Membrane (e.g., Nitroglycerin): Rapid delivery with few drugs suited for this route, avoiding first-pass metabolism.
Transdermal (e.g., Nicotine): Convenient and painless with continuous administration but slower delivery rates.
Additional routes include topical, oral inhalation, and nasal preparations, effective for quick drug action in respiratory disorders.

Conclusion

Understanding pharmacology is crucial for the safe and effective use of medications in diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of pharmacology including key definitions, drug sources, and various routes of drug administration. Students will gain a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for administering medications.