Introduction: Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to the drug, involving absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).

Absorption

How does the medication get into the bloodstream? Different methods include PO, IV, IM, subcutaneous, and more.

Distribution

Once the medication reaches the bloodstream, it distributes throughout body tissues and fluids.

Metabolism

The body chemically changes the medication, often making it easier to eliminate, primarily occurring in the liver.

Excretion

How does the medication leave the body? Main route is via the kidneys, but can also occur through urine, feces, lungs, and sweat.

Half-life

The time it takes for the amount of medication in the body to decrease by 50%.

Short half-life

Medication leaves the body relatively quickly and may require more frequent dosing.

Long half-life

Medication stays in the body longer and may require less frequent dosing.

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to the body, including effects on receptors and dose-response relationships.

Agonist

A drug that activates a receptor.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks a receptor or prevents activation.

Therapeutic effect

The desired effect of a medication.

Side effect

An expected secondary effect that is not the intended therapeutic effect.

Adverse effect

An undesirable and potentially harmful reaction to a medication.

Toxicity

Harmful effects resulting from too much drug effect or excessive drug accumulation.

Therapeutic index

The margin between an effective dose and a toxic dose; narrow therapeutic window indicates less room for dosing error.

ACE inhibitors

A class of medications that decrease blood pressure by interfering with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Beta blockers

Medications that decrease heart rate and blood pressure by blocking sympathetic effects.

Calcium-channel blockers

Medications that relax blood vessels and/or decrease cardiac activity.

Diuretics

Medications that increase sodium and water excretion through the kidneys.

Anticoagulants

Medications that decrease clot formation; major concern is bleeding.

Antiplatelets

Medications that interfere with platelet aggregation to decrease clot formation.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels; requires monitoring for hypoglycemia.

Opioids

Medications used for pain management, with major concerns including respiratory depression and dependency.

NSAIDs

Medications that decrease pain, inflammation, and fever, with concerns for GI irritation and kidney injury.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections; not effective against viruses.

Corticosteroids

Medications that decrease inflammation and suppress immune responses; potential side effects include increased blood glucose.

Benzodiazepines

CNS depressants that provide sedation/anxiolysis; combined use with opioids requires caution.

Antidepressants

Medications that increase serotonergic signaling, including SSRIs and SNRIs; often take weeks to show effects.

PO

By mouth; a common route for medication administration.

IV

Intravenous; medications administered directly into the bloodstream.

IM

Intramuscular; medications administered into muscle tissue.

SQ / SubQ

Subcutaneous; medications administered under the skin.

SL

Sublingual; medications absorbed under the tongue.

PR

Rectal; medications administered via the rectum.

Topical

Applied to the skin for local effects.

Inhalation

Breathed into the lungs for systemic effects.

Transdermal

Medication administered through the skin into systemic circulation.

Medication safety

Verify right patient, medication, dose, route, time before administration.

Medication Reconciliation

Process of identifying all medications a patient is taking, including prescriptions and OTC products.

Drug Interaction

When one medication affects the action or efficacy of another medication.

Drug-food interaction

When food affects a medication's absorption or effectiveness.

Pharmacological treatment

Involves using medications along with considering non-pharmacological interventions.

Medication Assessment

Evaluating why a patient is receiving a medication and understanding its actions, effects, and monitoring needs.

Electrolytes

Essential ions in the body, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that need to be monitored with medications.

Lab Values

Key clinical tests including BUN, creatinine, liver enzymes, and blood counts that relate to medication management.

Vital Signs + Medications

Monitor related vital signs based on the impact of the medication.

Weight-based medications

Doses calculated based on patient's weight, often expressed as mg/kg.

Concentration

The amount of medication in a specific volume; helps calculate the correct dose for administration.

IV Medications

Administered directly into the bloodstream with careful monitoring for errors due to risks.

High-alert medications

Medications with a high risk of causing significant harm if administered incorrectly.