Introduction to Pharmacology

Identify the process involved in pharmacokinetics, Differentiate between generic and brand names of drugs, Discuss legal considerations in pharmacology, Explain principles of drug actions in the body, Discuss factors that influence pharmacokinetics, Define pharmacodynamics and adverse effects of drugs on the body, Discuss cultural considerations in pharmacology

What happens to the drug in the body. The movement of drug through the body (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)

How does the drug affect the body?

Drugs are grouped into classes based on their physiologic function and disease states treated

Drug’s chemical composition

Non-proprietary name; not capitalized l, official name

Trade or proprietary name; easily recognized; begins with capitol letter; registration mark at upper right of name

Identify nursing responsibilities for administration and client monitoring

Prescription drugs regulated by FDA, DEA, and state laws, Defines prescription drugs, Regulates controlled substances, Improves safety, Requires proof of efficacy

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

State and federal hospital licensing

Primary purpose of the FDA is to protect patients and ensure drug effectiveness, FDA regulates the approval and clinical use of all drugs in the U.S.

Issued when a pattern of severe reactions to a newly marketed drug begins to emerge

Drugs are characterized according to their potential for abuse

High potential for abuse (severe depression). No approved medical use (Ex. Heroin, LSD)

High potential for abuse, severe physical and/or psychological dependence. Approved for medical use (Ex. Morphine, hydrocodone). Require written prescription with no refills. Warning label

Lower potential for abuse than I and II (moderate to low abuse potential). Written or oral prescription expires after 6 months with no more than 5 refills in 6-month period (Ex. Codeine with other medications such as Tylenol)

Lower potential for abuse than III (limited physical and psychological dependence). Warnibg on label. Approved medical uses. Written or oral prescription expires after 6-month period (Ex. Valium, Ativan).

Lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV. Approved medical uses. May or may not require a prescription depending on state law (Ex. drugs used for cough and/or diarrhea that contain limited quantities of narcotics - Lamotil, Phenergon with Codeine)

Preparing and dispensing drugs

Drug taken orally in one form is changed into solution in order to be utilized

A process in which a solid substance solubilizes in a given solvent i.e. mass transfer from the solid surface to the liquid phase

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion

Movement of the drug from the place it enters the body until it reaches the bloodstream

The amount of the drug that gets into the circulation and is available to act on body cells, Usualky, meds are better absorbed on an empty stomach

Blood flow to area, Drug solubility (liquid or pill), Route of administration - topical, oral, parenteral (local vs systemic), pH/ionization, Food (slows rate of absorption), Enteric coating (EC) - dissolve when in intestine, Time-release medications (LA, SR, CR, XR)

The drug is carried to the tissues and organs by the circulation, Rapid distribution to organs with good blood supply (heart, liver, kidneys) and less rapid to those with decreased blood supply (skin, fat, bone), Factors affecting distribution (blood flow to area, membrane permeability (brain and placenta), protein-binding capacity)

An important factor in drug distribution, Many drugs are highly protein bound (mainly to albumin). Only the unbound “free” drug exerts the therapeutic effect, Those with low protein in their blood will require lower doses of these drugs, Ex. burns, blood loss, malnutrition, liver and kidney disease

The chemical conversion of a drug by changing it to a more water-soluble form or metabolite that can be excreted from the body

Primary organ of drug metabolism