Lecture 1 Intro to Pharmacy Practice PDF

Course Objectives ▪ Understand the Profession of Pharmacy ▪ Explore the Role of Pharmacists ▪ Differentiate Medication Classes ▪ Explore Pharmacy Careers ▪ Understand Prescription Terminology ▪ Identify Medication Errors ▪ Understand common pharmaceutical dosage forms and the primary routes of adm...

Course Objectives ▪ Understand the Profession of Pharmacy ▪ Explore the Role of Pharmacists ▪ Differentiate Medication Classes ▪ Explore Pharmacy Careers ▪ Understand Prescription Terminology ▪ Identify Medication Errors ▪ Understand common pharmaceutical dosage forms and the primary routes of administration ▪ Explore the History of Pharmacy Scope of Pharmacy The word "Pharmacy" originates from the Greek term Pharmakon ”, which means a drug or medicine. Pharmacy can be understood in two primary ways: ▪ It refers to a place where medicines and drugs are prepared and dispensed. ▪ It represents a profession, where specialists— pharmacists—deal with the science of drugs, ensuring their safe and effective use. Pharmacy Profession Pharmacy is a vital health profession focused on the science and practice of medications. Pharmacists are key healthcare professionals, responsible not only for ensuring the safe and effective use of medications and medical devices but also for providing services that support patients in achieving the best possible therapeutic outcomes. Through their expertise, they bridge the gap between medicine and patient care, optimizing treatment and enhancing overall health. Who is the pharmacist? A pharmacist is a trained and licensed professional who specializes in medications. Their responsibilities include: ▪ Compounding, packaging, labeling, and dispensing medications with precision and care. ▪ Providing drug-related information to the public and healthcare providers to promote health and prevent diseases. ▪ Delivering patient-centered care by evaluating, monitoring, and adjusting medication therapies to ensure optimal results. ▪ Ensuring safe and effective drug therapy as a key member of the healthcare team. Pharmacists are the medication experts, dedicated to making sure that medications are used safely and effectively for the benefit of patients. Definitions Drug vs. Medicine ▪ Drug: A drug is any chemical substance, whether naturally derived or synthetically produced, that can alter normal physiological processes in the body. It is used for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of diseases. ▪ Medicine (Medication): A medicine is a drug that has been carefully formulated into a specific dosage form with a defined dose, intended for therapeutic use in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases. ▪ It’s important to note that while all medicines are drugs, not all drugs qualify as medicines. Definitions ▪ Devices: refers to the equipment and processes used to help in effective management of the medication regimen. ▪ Services: refers to the compounding and dispensing services offered to the patient. It also refers to the educational and clinical services provided to the patient, the health care professionals and public to contribute in effective medication use and to provide optimal therapeutic outcomes Classification of Medications There are two general classes of drugs/medications: ▪ Prescription only drugs (Rx only). ▪ Over the counter drugs (OTC). Classification of Medications Prescription only drugs (Rx only) ▪ Prescription-only drugs can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. These medications are typically used for treating more serious health conditions and require a diagnosis, as well as ongoing monitoring, to ensure they are safe and effective for the patient. ▪ Before being approved, these drugs must undergo multiple clinical trial phases and receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even after they are on the market, they continue to be monitored for safety and potential side effects. Classification of Medications Prescription only drugs: Role of the Pharmacist ▪ Educating and Supporting the Patient The pharmacist plays a key role in providing patients with the necessary information and support to ensure they get the maximum benefit from their prescribed medications. ▪ Managing Chronic Conditions In the case of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or asthma, the pharmacist not only supplies the required medications but also offers follow-up care and valuable advice. This helps improve the patient’s quality of life and ensures they are using their medicines and devices correctly. Classification of Medications Over the counter drugs (OTC): ▪ OTC drugs are medications available for purchase without a prescription and can be easily found on the shelves of pharmacies or stores. They are typically used to treat minor ailments and do not require a doctor's prescription. ▪ Like prescription drugs, OTC medications are regulated by the FDA. Manufacturers must ensure that their products have FDA-approved labeling and follow specific FDA-determined dosages before they can be sold. ▪ Although OTC drugs are generally safe when used correctly, they can still interact with prescription medications or cause adverse effects. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any OTC drugs you’re taking and to always follow the dosing instructions on the label. Pharmacy Careers Hospital Pharmacy Clinical Community Pharmacy Pharmacy Opportunities Pharmaceutical Nuclear Industry Pharmacy Academic Pharmacy Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Community Pharmacy A Vital Sector in Pharmacy Practice Community pharmacy represents the largest sector within the pharmacy profession, requiring pharmacists to possess a high level of scientific knowledge, administrative expertise, supervisory abilities, and exceptional communication skills. In a community pharmacy setting, pharmacists are responsible for: ▪ Supervising the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions and ensuring the safe supply of medicines. ▪ Educating patients on how to properly take their medications, while informing them about potential side effects and drug interactions. ▪ Advising on the appropriate use of OTC products for the treatment of minor ailments. ▪ Promoting public health, offering support in areas like smoking cessation, weight management, and lifestyle adjustments. ▪ Many community pharmacists also run their own businesses, making knowledge in areas like business management, marketing, accounting, and pharmacy administration essential for their success. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Hospital Pharmacy Hospital pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications for in-patients. They are responsible for: ▪ Dispensing medications and managing the overall drug distribution within the hospital. ▪ Maintaining detailed records for each patient to accurately fill medication orders. ▪ Preparing individualized medications for patients in specialized settings such as the emergency room, intensive care unit, or those undergoing surgery. ▪ Hospital pharmacists may also specialize in various areas, including: ▪ Nuclear Pharmacy: Focused on the preparation of radioactive materials used in diagnosis and therapy. ▪ intravenous Medications: Handling dose calculations and preparing medications in sterile environments. ▪ Infectious Diseases and Infection Control: Ensuring proper medication use in the treatment of infections. ▪ Poison Control: Working in poisoning centers to manage and advise on the treatment of toxic exposures. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Clinical Pharmacy Clinical pharmacists provide care to patients across all healthcare settings, with the clinical pharmacy movement initially gaining momentum in hospitals. Their responsibilities include: ▪ Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care through shared decision-making. ▪ Participating in patient care rounds, where they assist in selecting the most appropriate drug therapy for each patient. ▪ Reviewing all prescribed medications and dosages before they are dispensed and administered to ensure accuracy and safety. ▪ Developing pharmaceutical care plans tailored to the needs of each patient. ▪ Monitoring therapeutic drug levels to ensure optimal efficacy and safety. ▪ Providing patient counseling and running drug information centers to guide both patients and healthcare providers on medication use. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Pharmaceutical Industry Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for manufacturing a range of products, including: ▪ Chemicals (raw materials)Dosage forms for both prescription and non- prescription medications ▪ Healthcare products, such as medical devices, diagnostic tools, and cosmetic products. ▪ These companies operate with multi-disciplinary teams, and pharmacists, due to their specialized qualifications, can find employment across various departments within the industry. ▪ Many pharmacists also choose to pursue additional postgraduate education to further enhance their career opportunities and expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Pharmaceutical Industry 1- Research and Development (R&D) Focuses on developing new drugs or creating new dosage forms for existing medications. Works to solve manufacturing issues that may arise during the production process. 2- Production The role of the production pharmacist involves the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, which can include liquid or semi-solid dosage forms. The production sector is also responsible for the packaging and labeling of the final product to ensure it meets regulatory and safety standards Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Pharmaceutical Industry 3- Quality Control Before any batch of a medicinal product is released to the market, extensive testing is performed on samples to ensure they meet the required standards. These tests are conducted by the Quality Control Department, and the Qualified Person is responsible for authorizing the release of the product. Quality control tests are carried out on samples of the finished product to verify its safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulatory standards. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Pharmaceutical Industry 4- Quality Assurance In large-scale pharmaceutical production, the quality of the manufactured products relies primarily on the Quality Assurance (QA) system, rather than solely on quality control. The QA system ensures that quality is built into the product throughout the entire manufacturing process. This is achieved by conducting tests at each stage of production to guarantee compliance with the required standards. It is insufficient to test the product only at the end of the process; continuous monitoring ensures consistent quality from start to finish. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Pharmaceutical Industry 5- Regulatory Affairs(Registration) The manufactured products must have a product authorization before being sold. The pharmacist in the registration department prepares documentation about a new product in a specific format for submission and approval. 6- Pharmaceutical Sales Pharmaceutical salesmen provide a link between their company and a network of pharmaceutical outlets including community pharmacies, hospitals, and other health care settings. 7- Marketing 8- Planning(Supply Chain) 9- Stores Pharmacy Careers Opportunities Academic Pharmacy Faculty positions in colleges of pharmacy provide pharmacists with advanced degrees the opportunity to contribute in various ways. These roles allow pharmacists to: Teach future professionals in different pharmacy specialties. Conduct research to advance pharmaceutical knowledge and practices. Provide community services, contributing to public health initiatives and educational outreach. Pharmacy Careers Opportunities The Future Role of the Pharmacist In the future, pharmacists are expected to become more integrated within the healthcare system, playing a key role in providing personalized medicine or precision medicine. This evolving field focuses on tailoring medical treatments to individual patients based on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. As precision medicine advances, pharmacists will be more involved in optimizing treatment plans, selecting the most effective medications, and ensuring patient-centered care, contributing to better therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects.