Neurotransmission & Pharmacodynamics

Define an agonist drug

Binds to a receptor & actviates it producing a biological response

Define an antagonist durg

Binds to a receptor but does not activate it - blocking repsonse.

What is a partial agonist

Activates receptor but produces a weaker reponse than full agonist.

Where is ACh active

CNS & PNS

What are the main roles of ACh

Skeletal mm contraction, parasympathetic function, memory & learning.

What is the main function of glutamate

The primary excitatory neurtoransmitter in CNS. (Increases likilihood of an AP).

what does GABA stand for

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

Main function of GABA

Primary inhibtory neurotransmitter in brain - reduces neuronal excitability

Gaba and glutamate relationship

Maintain balance in the CNS

Main function of dopamine

Movement control, motivation

Main function of Norepinephrine

Arousal, stress response.

How many clinical trial phases

5

What happens in preclinical studies?

Studies carried out prior to administration to humans. Often animal trials.

Phase I – main goal?

Healthy colunteers, initially micro dosing and increasing until a pharmacological effect is seen or an unwanted event occurs.

Phase II – main goal?

100-300 pts w/ intended clinical condition. Aim to define relationship between dose and pharmacological/therapeutic response.

Phase III – main goal?

Large-scale testing for efficacy & safety in target population. Compares placebo w/ actual drug or best available treatment.

Phase IV – when does it occur?

Monitoring of possible links between prescription of a drug and any medical event that occurs whilst that person is taking the drug.

What is MEDSAFE

A business unit of MoH and is the authority responsible for the regulation of therapeutic products.

What is PHARMAC

Goverment body which decides which medicines to fund and manages a fixed budget for those medicines.