Pharmacy Orientation PDF

“Pharmacy orientation” By: Shahd Ahmed 6/11/2024 Lecture 1 Summary 1. Definition of Pharmacy: Pharmacy involves the science and art of preparing and dispensing medications from natural and synthetic sources. 2. Role of a Pharmacist: Pharmacists are professionals license...

“Pharmacy orientation” By: Shahd Ahmed 6/11/2024 Lecture 1 Summary 1. Definition of Pharmacy: Pharmacy involves the science and art of preparing and dispensing medications from natural and synthetic sources. 2. Role of a Pharmacist: Pharmacists are professionals licensed to dispense medications and provide drug-related information. 3. Drug and Medicine Distinction: A drug is any material with pharmacological effects, derived naturally, synthetically, or semi-synthetically. When drugs are formulated, packaged, and labeled, they become medicines. 4. Purpose of Drugs: Drugs serve to treat, prevent, and manage diseases, including palliative care. 5. Characteristics of Drugs: Drugs have defined chemical structures and known properties; even slight alterations can impact their effects. 6. Drug Ingredients: Drugs contain active ingredients (therapeutic) and excipients (non-therapeutic).  7. Drug Naming: Drugs are identified by their chemical names (based on IUPAC rules), generic names (official names), and brand names (chosen by manufacturers). Lecture 2 summary 1. Pharmacy Program: Duration: 5 years (10 semesters) with 178 credit hours. Requirements: 173 hours of faculty requirements, 5 hours of university requirements, and 8 hours for 4 elective subjects. 2. Diploma Degrees: One-year programs available in areas like Industrial Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Quality Control, Cosmetics, Medicinal Plants, and others. 3. Master(Higher )Degrees: Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Requires a minimum of 1.5 years, including one year of study and a thesis in a specialized field. PhD Degree: Requires a minimum of 2 years, during which the student defines and works on a thesis.  4. Departments in Faculty of Pharmacy: Pharmaceutical Technology: Covers pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy, focusing on dosage forms, unit operations, and regulations like GMP. Pharmacognosy: Studies drugs from plant and animal sources. Pharmacology and Toxicology: Focuses on drug action and the study of poisons and adverse chemical effects. Biochemistry: Studies chemistry, biological importance, and metabolic pathways in the body. Medicinal Chemistry: Includes organic, analytical, and pharmaceutical chemistry for drug synthesis, analysis, and design. Microbiology: Studies microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Pharmacy Practice: Deals with the pharmacist’s role in healthcare. Lecture 3 Summary The scope Of Pharmacy:: 1. Governmental Employment: Pharmacists working in agencies like the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) or Ministry of Health oversee health and drug policies, essential drug selection, and quality control of drug products, cosmetics, and medical devices. 2. Community Pharmacy: Community pharmacists provide accessible healthcare by processing prescriptions, advising on minor health issues, monitoring drug usage, and offering pharmaceutical care services. They play a role in preventing drug misuse and abuse. 3. Hospital Pharmacy: Pharmacists in hospitals collaborate closely with prescribers to promote rational drug use, participate in committees on drug selection, monitor adverse drug reactions, and engage in clinical trials. 4. Industrial Pharmacy: Involves research and development, drug formulation, quality control, patent  applications, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance. 5. Family Planning: Pharmacists educate on contraception methods and childcare, especially in rural areas. 6. Military Pharmacy: Focuses on manufacturing drugs for military use, distributing to military facilities, and preparing water purification products for emergencies. 7. Academic Activities: Pharmacists engage in education, research, and continuing education within academic settings. 8. Training Other Health Workers: They help optimize drug therapy, promote rational drug use, reduce drug abuse, and ensure proper drug storage and stability. “Information Resources in Pharmacy” 1. Sources of General Information: These include widely accessible media like television, radio, newspapers, the internet, conferences, and direct  communication, which can be essential for public health awareness and updates. 2. Drug Information: This is specific, up-to-date data about drugs and their use, essential for making informed clinical decisions. It is divided into: Primary Sources: Original materials without external interpretation, such as journal articles, patents, conference proceedings, theses, and technical reports. Secondary Sources: Compiled or summarized information from primary sources, often used for quick reference or in educational contexts. Textbooks, pharmacopoeias, and formularies fall into this category. 3. Notable References and Examples: Renowned Textbooks like Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Martindale, and the Merck Index. Pharmacopoeias and Formularies: These standardize drug compositions and preparations and include notable examples like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP/NF) and the British Pharmacopoeia. Drug Compendia: These provide comprehensive details about medications, covering aspects like interactions, dosages, and contraindications, valuable for clinical decisions.