Pharmacology Basics

Pharmacology Basics

First rule of thumb:
NEVER EVER ADMINISTER A DRUG YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH
* Ancient vs. Modern Pharmacology
o Pharmekos-study of medicine/drug
o Ology-study
* Studies effects of drugs/how they exert their effects

Therapeutic Purposes of Medications
* Prevent disease
* Diagnose disease
* Cure disease
* Relief of symptoms

Drugs
* A drug may be defined as:
o Any substance taken by mouth; injected into a muscle, blood vessel, or cavity of the body; inhaled, or applied topically to treat or prevent a disease or condition.
* Drug- any substance that alters physiologic function w/potential for affecting health
* Drug interaction
* Adverse drug reaction-undesirable drug effect

Sources of Drugs
* Plants
* Animals
* Minerals or mineral products
* Synthetic chemical compounds
* Biotechnology

Drug Nomenclature
Drug Classification Indicates
Forms or Preparations of Drugs
* Liquid (solution, elixir, emulsion, spirit, syrup, suspension)
* Solid (tablet, capsule, powder, granules)
* Suppository (rectal, vaginal)
* Creams or lotions
* Aerosol
Sources of Drug Information
* Pharmacology textbook
* Pharmacists
* Internet sources
* Journal articles
* Drug reference books

Drug Standards Ensure
* Strength or potency
* Purity
* Efficacy
* Safety
* Bio-availability

Federal Drug Laws in the USA
Categories of Controlled Substances
* Schedule I - not approved for medical use and have high abuse potential
* Schedule II - used medically and have high abuse potential
* Schedule III - less potential for abuse but may lead to physical or psychological dependence
* Schedule IV - some potential for abuse
* Schedule V - contain mod. amounts of controlled substances, limited abuse potential

Scope of Management
Medication Assessment
Name of Medication
Include Generic & Brand Name Classification
Ordered Dose & Route
Is Dose Safe?
Standards of Practice
* Information for Administering Medications
o Generic Name/Trade Name/Classification
o Clinical Uses/Safe Dosage
o Mechanism of Action
o Side Effects/Adverse Effects
o Contraindications/Precautions
o Significant Drug Interactions
o Monitoring Needs/Client Teaching
o Evaluation of Effectiveness

N.C. Nursing Practice Act
Routes of Administration
Three Phases of Action
Pharmaceutics
Pharmacokinetics
Factors Which Influence Drug Absorption
Factors Which Influence Drug Distribution
Protein Bound Drugs
Highly protein bound drugs
First Pass Effect
Serum Half-Life
Pharmacodynamics
Time Intervals of Drug Action
Therapeutic Index
Drug interactions:
Drug Effects
Non-therapeutic Drug Use
Common or Serious Side Effects
Drug Related Variables Affecting Drug Actions
Client Variables Affecting Drug Actions
Nursing Process
Assessment
Planning
Implementation
Evaluation

Pharmacology Basics.ppt