CCMA: Basic Pharmacology Student Packet

Necessary information pertaining to the state examination.

Analgesics

Purpose: Pain relief.

Common examples: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Morphine.

Antibiotics

Purpose: Treat bacterial infections.

Common examples: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, and Ciprofloxacin.

Antihypertensives

Purpose: Lower Blood Pressure

Examples: Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Amlodipine

Anticoagulants

Purpose: prevent blood clots

Examples: Warfarin, Heparin, Apixaban

Anti-diabetics

Purpose: Lower Blood Glucose

Examples: Metformin, Insulin, Glipizid

Diuretics

Purpose: Remove excess fluids

examples: Lasix, HCTZ, Spironolactone

Bronchodilators

Purpose: Open airways

Examples: ProAir, Altrovent

Antidepressants

Purpose: Treat depression and anxiety disorders

Examples: Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro

Antacids/ PPIs

Purpose: Reduce stomach acid; treat GERD/ulcers

Examples: Prilosec, Pepcid, Tums

Corticosteroids

Purpose: reduce inflammation and immune response

examples: Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone

Antihistamines

purpose: Treat allergies

Examples: Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin

Statins

Purpose: Lower Cholesterol

Examples: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin

Anticonvulsants

Purpose: Prevent/ control seizures

Examples: Dilantin, Keppra, Valproic Acid

Thyroid Agents

Purpose: treat hypothyroidism

example: Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

What are the four Parenteral Routes (injections)?

1. Intradermal (ID): 10-15 degree angle

2. Subcutaneous (SubQ): 45-90 degree angle

3. Intramuscular (IM): 90 degree angle

4. Intravenous (IV): Directly into vein

Intradermal (ID)

Angle: 10-15 degrees

Injections site: Right under the epidermis

Needle Size: 25-27G

Anatomical location: Inner Forearm, upper back, Upper chest

Subcutaneous (SubQ)

Angle: 45-90

Injection site: fatty tissue under the skin

Needle Size: 25-31G

Anatomical location: Abdomen, Outer Thighs, Upper Arms

Intramuscular (IM)

Angle: 90

Injection Site: deep into muscle

Needle Size: 22-25 G

Anatomical location: deltoid, thigh, hip, buttock

Intravenous (IV)

Angle: 15-30

Injection site: directly into vein

Needle Size: 14-26G

Anatomical location: forearm, inner arm, and back of hand

Medication administration common routes:

1. Oral

2. Sublingual

3. Buccal

4. Rectal

5. Vaginal

6. Topical

7. Transdermal

8. Inhalation

9. Ophthalmic

10. Otic

11. Nasal

Oral (PO)

Description: Swallowed by mouth

Onset: 30-60min

Sublingual (SL)

Description: Placed under the tongue to dissolve

Onset: 1-5 min

Buccal (-)

Description: Placed between the cheek and gum

Onset: 1-5 minutes

Rectal (PR)

Description: inserted into the rectum

Onset: 15-30 min

Vaginal (PV)

Description: inserted into the vagina

Onset: varies

Topical (TOP)

Description: applied to the skin surface

Onset: Varies

Transdermal (TD)

Description: Absorbed through the skin via patch

Onset: slow, sustained

Inhalation (INH)

Description: inhaled into the lungs

Onset: 1-3 min

Ophthalmic (-)

Description: administered into the eyes

Onset: Local

Otic (-)

Description: administered into the ear

Onset: local

Nasal (-)

Description: Sprayed or dropped into the nose

Onset: 5-15 minutes

Solid forms of medication

1. Tablet

2. Capsule

3. Caplet

4. Enteric-coated tablet

5. Extended/ sustained- release (ER, SR, XR, XL)

6. Suppository

7. Lozenge/troche

Tablet

Description: Compressed powder; may be scored for splitting

Capsule

Description: Medication enclosed in a gelatin shell

Caplet

Description: Smooth, coated tablet shaped like a capsule - easier to swallow

Enteric - coated tablet

Description: coated to resist stomach acid; dissolve in the intestine (do not crush)

Extend/ sustained-release (ER, SR, XR, XL)

Description: Designed ton release medication slowly over time (do not crush or chew)

Suppository

Description: Solid form inserted rectally or vaginally; melts at body temperature

Lozenge/troche

Description: Dissolve slowly in the mouth for local or systemic effects

Liquid Forms

1. solution

2. suspension

3. Elixir

4. Syrup

5. Emulsion

Solution

Description: Drug fully dissolved in a liquid

Suspension

Description: Fine particles mixed in liquid; must be