Module 2 Pharmacology.docx

Module 2 Pharmacology ***[Medications may have as many as 3 different names: ]*** Chemical- provides exact description of molecular structure Brand- name its marketed under by a manufacturer Generic-given by the manufacturer that first develops the medication ***[Abbreviations:]*** ISMP= insti...

Module 2 Pharmacology ***[Medications may have as many as 3 different names: ]*** Chemical- provides exact description of molecular structure Brand- name its marketed under by a manufacturer Generic-given by the manufacturer that first develops the medication ***[Abbreviations:]*** ISMP= institute for safe medication practices LASA= "look alike and sound alike" ***[Medication Classification ]*** - Indicates the effect or action of the medication on a body system, some medications belong to more than one class - Aspirin is classified as an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory ***[Medication Forms]*** - Determines the route of administration ***[Important Dates]*** 1884- regulation of medication standards begin in Canada when the adulteration act set the conditions under which a medication could be adulterated. 1920- the food and drugs act replaced adulteration act 1950- with amendments, the federal government gained control of the manufacture and sale of all medications *except* opioids, all foods, all cosmetics and certain medical devices 1908- the government first began to control opioids through the opium act 1961- narcotic control act, which controls the manufacture/distribution and sale of opiods was enacted 1996- narcotic control act was repealed and replaced by the controlled drugs and substances act ***[Solid Medication Forms:]*** Capsule - Particles or powdered medication - Encased in a gelatin shell/container that opens Tablet - Powdered medication compressed into a hard disc or oblong shape - Contains medication, binders, disintegrators, lubricants and fillers Enteric-Coated Tablet - Coated tablet, coating protects against absorption in the stomach - Dissolves and is absorbed in the intestines Pill - Generally, refers to any solid medication Sustained Release - Solid tablet or capsule - Contains small, coated medication particles - Dissolves over an extended period of time ***[Liquid Medication Forms:]*** Elixir - Clear fluid - Contains medication, water, alcohol and/or sweetener Extract - Syrup or dried medication - Concentrated preparation created by evaporating any nonactive ingredients Oral Solution - Medication dissolved in water Oral Suspension - Fine medication particles dispensed in liquid - Particles settle to the bottom of the container when left standing Syrup - Medication dissolved in concentrated sugar solution Lozenge (troche) - Flat, round tablet - Dissolves in mouth to release medication; not intended for ingestion Aerosol - Liquid medication - Sprayed or inhaled; not intended for ingestion - Absorbed in the mouth and upper airway ***[Topical Medication Forms:]*** Ointment - Semisolid, moderate consistency - Provides a protective film - Contains medication, hydrocarbons Lotion - Liquid suspension, thin consistency - Moisturizes or cleanses skin - Contains high water content, alcohol, and dissolved medication Paste - Semisolid, thick consistency, porous and breathable on skin - Protects and treats skin excoriation - Absorbed slowly, easily confined to one area ***[Transdermal Medication Forms:]*** Transdermal Disc or Patch - Adhesive disc or patch - Contains a medication reservoir and membrane - Provides controlled release of medication over hours to weeks ***[Medication Forms Commonly prepared for administration via Parental Route:]*** Solution - Sterile liquid - Contains water with one or more dissolved medicinal compounds Powder - Solid sterile particles of medication - Dissolved into a sterile liquid ***[Medication Forms Commonly prepared for instillation into Body Cavities:]*** Solution - Liquid medication, dissolved in water or other liquid Intraocular disc - Solid small, flexible oval - Contains two outer layers and one middle layer with medication - Slowly releases medication when moistened by ocular fluid Suppository - Solid medicine, shaped into a smooth, narrow tablet - Contains gelatin - Inserted into a body cavity (rectum or vagina); melts at body temperature and releases medication ***[Medication Standards:]*** Purity: The standard quantity of active substance or drugs in a medication product Potency: The concentration of the active substance or drug in the medication affects its strength, or potency. Bioavailability: The ability of the active substance or drug to be released, dissolved, absorbed, and transported by the body to the site of action Efficacy: Laboratory studies demonstrating medication action and effectiveness Safety: All medications need to be continually evaluated to determine risk for adverse effects. ***[Provincial, Territorial, and Local Regulation of Medication ]*** The provincial and territorial governments do not directly regulate the manufacture or sale of medications. However, the provincial and territorial governments have most of the legislative responsibility for health care, which indirectly affects the use and sale of medications. Each province and territory has legislation regarding medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing practice that dictates each health care provider's role in the prescribing, dispensing, and administering of medications. Legislation includes schedules or lists of medications that can be sold with and without prescription. The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities facilitates and promotes the harmonization of medication sales across the country. Health care institutions and employers establish policies that conform to federal and provincial/territorial regulations. The size of an institution, the types of services it provides, and the types of health care providers it employs influence an institution's policies for medication management. Institutional policies are often more restrictive than government controls, to avoid medication-related incidents and promote quality assurance. For example, a common institutional policy is the automatic discontinuation of antibiotic therapy after a predetermined number of days. This policy controls the length of time a medication is prescribed, avoiding unnecessary expenses and prolonged, unwarranted, and potentially harmful therapies. ***[Reconstitution of solutions]*** ***[']***