Untitled Flashcard Set

What is pharmacology?

The study of drugs, including their chemical formulas, uses, and effects on the body.

What are the categories of drugs?

Natural or Synthetic, Legal or Illegal, Prescription or Non-prescription.

Define natural drugs.

Drugs obtained from plant, animal, or mineral sources.

Give examples of natural drugs.

Morphine (from opium) and Digitalis (from foxglove).

Define synthetic drugs.

Drugs manufactured in a laboratory setting by chemists.

What are examples of synthetic drugs?

Demerol and Prevacid.

What distinguishes legal drugs from illegal drugs?

Legal drugs are approved by the FDA, while illegal drugs are prohibited by law.

Give examples of legal drugs.

Penicillin and Aspirin.

Give examples of illegal drugs.

Heroin and Cocaine.

What are prescription drugs?

Drugs that require written authorization from a healthcare provider.

What are non-prescription drugs?

Drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.

What is the pregnancy safety classification for Category A drugs?

Safe for use during pregnancy.

What does Category D indicate in pregnancy safety classification?

Evidence of risks to humans.

What is the significance of the 1906 Pure Food & Drug Act?

It was the first significant attempt to regulate drug processing.

What did the 1914 Harrison Narcotic Act introduce?

Prescription requirements for narcotics.

What did the 1938 Pure Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act establish?

The FDA to oversee drug manufacture and safety testing.

What are drug schedules?

Classifications of drugs based on their potential for abuse and medical use.

What characterizes Schedule I drugs?

High abuse potential, no accepted medical use; research only.

Give examples of Schedule I drugs.

Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy.

What characterizes Schedule II drugs?

High abuse potential with severe restrictions; no refills allowed.

Examples of Schedule II drugs include?

Morphine and Oxycodone.

What is pharmacokinetics?

The study of movements of drugs through the body.

What are the key aspects of pharmacokinetics?

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion.

What does 'absorption' refer to in pharmacokinetics?

The process of drug molecules transferring from the administration site to the circulatory system.

How does distribution work in pharmacokinetics?

Movement of drugs into body compartments over time.

What is meant by drug metabolism?

The body's alteration of the drug for excretion.

What is absorption influenced by?

Physiochemical properties, absorption site, pH, fat solubility, and molecule size.

Define pain.

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

What are the two primary components of pain?

Perception (Physical Component) and Reaction (Psychological Component).

What is the pain threshold?

The point at which pain begins to be felt.

What can increase the pain threshold?

Sleep, sympathy, and analgesics.

What can decrease the pain threshold?

Fear, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and specific emotional states.

Define analgesics.

Medications that relieve pain.

What are the two main classes of analgesics?

Narcotic (Opioid) and Non-narcotic (Non-opioid).

Give examples of non-narcotic analgesics.

Aspirin, Tylenol, NSAIDs (Ibuprofen).

How does aspirin work?

It decreases prostaglandin synthesis to reduce inflammation and pain.

What are the pharmacological effects of aspirin?

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-platelet, keratolytic.

What are common adverse effects of aspirin?

Tinnitus, gastrointestinal issues, Reye’s syndrome, and potential for GI bleeding.

What is the hypersensitivity triad related to aspirin?

Aspirin allergy, asthma, and nasal polyps.

How do NSAIDs work?

They decrease prostaglandin synthesis, effective for pain associated with inflammation.

What are the adverse effects of NSAIDs?

GI issues, CNS effects, increased risk of bleeding, urinary tract infections.

Name some examples of NSAIDs.

Naprosyn, Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Celebrex.

What is the mechanism of action of Tylenol?

Unknown, but it provides pain relief and is an antipyretic.

What should be avoided when using Tylenol?

Alcohol, as it increases the risk of liver damage.

What is the main purpose of opioids?

To manage pain when NSAIDs are ineffective.

What defines opioid agonists?

Drugs that stimulate receptors directly, like Morphine.

What defines opioid antagonists?

Drugs that block receptors, like Narcan (Naloxone).

What are endorphins?

Naturally occurring peptides with analgesic effects.

What are some adverse effects of opioids?

Respiratory depression, nausea, constipation, urinary retention.

What is the primary risk associated with prescription opioids?

Life-threatening respiratory depression.

What characterizes substance abuse?

Utilization of drugs to elicit mood or behavioral changes outside acceptable norms.

What is physical dependency?

Compulsive drug use to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

What is psychological dependency?

Compulsion to use drugs for pleasurable experiences.

What is the timeline for heroin withdrawal?

Begins when the next dose is due, peaks in 36-72 hours, diminishes in 4-5 days.

What symptoms are observed in cocaine toxicity?

Irregular heartbeat, memory impairment, hallucinations.

What are some signs of chronic marijuana use?

Lack of interest, neglect of hygiene, pervasive apathy.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol?

Tremors, anxiety, nausea, seizures, hallucinations.

What is the opioid crisis?

An unprecedented epidemic with significant public health implications due to opioid overdoses.

What are some vulnerable populations to opioid issues?

Younger adults (18-25), individuals with mental health disorders.

How has the opioid crisis impacted public health?

Over 130 deaths per day from opioid-related overdoses nationally.

What does the opioid crisis present in terms of prevention?

The necessity of making treatment for opioid addiction and overdose reversal more accessible.

What safety measures should be taken with prescription medications?

Secure storage to prevent access by children and pets.

What is the proper disposal guideline for unused medications?

Follow community take-back programs and disposal instructions on labels.

What role do drug interactions play in opioid use?

They necessitate special precautions, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Provide an example of a historical misuse of opioids in product marketing.

Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, containing morphine for teething children.

What guidelines can be followed for proper disposal of prescription drugs?

Remove medications from original containers, mix with undesirable substances, and discard.

What is the significance of labeling in prescription writing?

To ensure clarity, reduce alteration opportunities, and communicate essential information.

What are common abbreviations in prescription writing?

To save time, space and reduce errors in medication details.

What components are included in a prescription?

Heading, superscription, inscription, subscription, signature (Sig), closing.