Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology: Drug Classifications, Forms, and Pharmacokinetics

What is a medication?

A medication is any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment, or prevention of disease or intended to affect the structure or function of the body.

What regulates drug classification in the Philippines?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates drug classification to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

What are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription Drugs (Rx/Ethical Medicines) require a valid prescription from a medical professional and are prescribed when unsupervised use can lead to health risks.

What are Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs?

OTC drugs can be purchased without a prescription and are intended for short-term, self-limiting conditions such as mild pain or allergies.

What are Pharmacist-Only OTC medicines?

Medications that require consultation with a pharmacist before purchase, used for safety, monitoring, and abuse prevention.

Give an example of a Pharmacist-Only OTC medicine.

Oral decongestants containing phenylephrine or phenylpropanolamine.

What are Household Remedies?

Low-risk, traditional formulations for common health complaints, such as liniments or mild antacids.

What are Herbal and/or Traditional Medicines?

Plant- or animal-based products intended for folk medicine, labeled as 'Food Supplements' with no approved therapeutic claims.

What are Vitamins and Minerals classified as drugs?

They are classified as drugs when used to treat or prevent deficiencies in doses above ordinary nutritional requirements.

What are Biological Products?

Products derived from living organisms, including vaccines and blood products, subject to enhanced regulatory scrutiny.

What are Dangerous Drugs/Controlled Drugs?

Narcotics and psychotropic substances regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Act, requiring special prescription forms and strict record-keeping.

Name a prohibited drug in the Philippines.

Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu).

What are Regulated Drugs?

Drugs that possess therapeutic value but are highly restricted due to potential for abuse, such as Ketamine and Fentanyl.

What are the dispensing requirements for Dangerous Drugs?

Triplicate copies of prescriptions, with original for pharmacy, duplicate for patient, and triplicate for doctor.

What is the validity period for a yellow prescription for Dangerous Drugs?

Valid for 60 days from the date issued by the doctor.

What is a key guideline for dangerous drug prescriptions?

Only one dangerous drug or preparation is allowed per prescription form.

What are the common dosage forms?

1. Oral Dosage Forms 2. Topical Dosage Forms 3. Parenteral Dosage Forms 4. Inhalation Dosage Forms

What is the purpose of drug classification?

To determine how medicines are prescribed, dispensed, monitored, and controlled.

What is the role of pharmacists in Pharmacist-Only OTC medicines?

To ensure the medicine is appropriate for symptoms and to prevent drug interactions.

What is the significance of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002?

It regulates dangerous drugs in the Philippines, enforced by the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

What are some examples of higher-strength OTC medications?

Certain higher-dose NSAIDs or combination pain relievers.

What is the classification of drugs used for treating deficiencies?

Vitamins and Minerals classified as drugs.

What is the purpose of the Philippine National Drug Formulary?

To include herbal and traditional medicines that meet specific criteria or proven folkloric use.

What is the primary concern with dangerous drugs?

Their potential for abuse and the need for strict regulation.

What is the importance of proper drug classification?

It plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.

What is the definition of a medication in the context of nursing pharmacology?

Any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment, or prevention of disease.

What are solid dosage forms?

The most popular dosage forms due to their stability and ease of handling, including tablets and capsules.

What is an enteric-coated tablet?

A tablet designed to prevent stomach irritation by dissolving in the intestines.

What are extended-release (XR/ER) tablets?

Tablets that release medication slowly over time.

What are chewable tablets?

Tablets designed to break down in the mouth without water.

What are capsules?

Medications encased in a gelatin or plant-based shell, which can be hard or soft.

What are lozenges?

Solid medications designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, usually for throat or mouth issues.

What is the difference between sublingual and buccal administration?

Sublingual is placed under the tongue, while buccal is placed between the cheek and gums.

What are liquid dosage forms?

Ideal for individuals who have difficulty swallowing solids, including solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs.

What is a solution in liquid dosage forms?

A medication that is completely and evenly dissolved in a liquid.

What is a suspension?

A liquid dosage form with undissolved solid particles that require shaking before use.

What are syrups?

Highly concentrated, sweetened aqueous solutions that mask the bitter taste of drugs.

What are topical dosage forms?

Pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations designed for localized drug delivery to body surfaces.

What are semisolid formulations?

Includes creams, ointments, gels, and pastes used for localized treatment.

What is the purpose of ointments?

Oil-based formulations that form an occlusive barrier to prevent moisture loss.

What are novel delivery systems in topical forms?

Includes foams, sprays, and transdermal patches for effective drug delivery.

What are parenteral dosage forms?

Sterile pharmaceutical products administered via injection or infusion for rapid absorption.

What is the key characteristic of parenteral dosage forms?

They must be sterile and are directly absorbed into the bloodstream.

What are small volume parenterals (SVPs)?

Injections packed in containers with 100 mL or less.

What are large volume parenterals (LVPs)?

Sterile solutions in volumes exceeding 100 mL, intended for IV infusion.

What is the intravenous (IV) route?

A method of delivering medication directly into the bloodstream for rapid onset.

Why is the IV route crucial in hospital settings?

It provides immediate drug effects and is used in emergencies, anesthesia, and chemotherapy.

What are the benefits of using transdermal patches?

They provide controlled, continuous release of drugs through the skin.

What is the role of foams in topical dosage forms?

They deliver active ingredients quickly and spread easily, minimizing irritation.

What is the purpose of elixirs?

Clear, sweetened, hydro-alcoholic liquids used for medications that do not dissolve well in water.

What are the characteristics of gels?

Transparent, semisolid systems that liquefy on contact with the skin, leaving a non-greasy effect.

What is the function of pastes in topical applications?

Stiff preparations that stay localized on the skin and absorb secretions.

What is the intramuscular (IM) route used for?

Vaccines, hormonal therapies, depot injections

Where is the intramuscular (IM) injection delivered?

Into muscle tissue (e.g., deltoid, gluteus)

What is the subcutaneous (SC) route used for?

Insulin, heparin, monoclonal antibodies

Where is the subcutaneous (SC) injection delivered?

Into the subcutaneous fat layer

What is the intradermal (ID) route used for?

Allergy tests, tuberculosis screening, DNA vaccines

Where is the intradermal (ID) injection delivered?

Between the dermis and epidermis

What are intra-articular injections used for?

Injected into joints to reduce inflammation and pain

What are intra-thecal injections administered for?

Treatments such as chemotherapy and anesthetics

What is the purpose of intra-peritoneal injections?

Introduced into the abdominal cavity for procedures like dialysis

What is an inhalation dosage form designed for?

To deliver medication directly to the respiratory tract

What are the primary types of inhalation devices?

Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs), Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs), Nebulizers, Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)

What is a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)?

A handheld device delivering a specific dose of medication in aerosol form

What is the function of a spacer in inhalation therapy?

Slows down medication for easier coordination of inhalation

What do dry powder inhalers (DPIs) deliver?

Medication as a fine dry powder requiring a deep breath to disperse

What is the purpose of nebulizers?

Convert liquid medication into a fine aerosol mist for inhalation

How do Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs) work?

Use mechanical energy to create a slow-moving aerosol cloud

What are suppositories used for?

Inserted into body cavities to release active ingredients

What are the primary routes for suppositories?

Rectal, vaginal, and urethral

What is a common use for the rectal route?

Delivering pain relievers and anti-nausea drugs

What are vaginal suppositories commonly used for?

Treating vaginal infections and delivering localized hormones

What is the urethral route primarily used for?

Administering medication directly into the urethra for local effects

What are drops in pharmacology?

Liquid preparations administered in small volumes for precise dosing

What are oral drops used for?

Administered into the mouth to be swallowed, often highly concentrated

What are ophthalmic drops designed for?

Applied directly to the surface of the eye, must be sterile

What are otic drops used for?

Instilled directly into the ear canal to treat localized conditions

What are nasal drops used for?

Administered into the nasal passages for localized effects

What are the common use cases for ear drops?

Earwax removal, treating infections (otitis externa), and relieving inflammation.

What is the purpose of nasal drops?

Liquid medications administered into the nasal cavity to treat congestion or mucosal inflammation.

What are the characteristics of nasal drops?

Available in droppers or squeezable plastic pipettes, delivering medication to specific regions of the nasal passages.

What does drug information encompass?

Details surrounding the discovery, use, and management of medications, including dosages, indications, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and drug interactions.

Name a resource for drug information.

Official Databases: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Medical & Consumer Portals: Medscape, Up-to-Date, WebMD, Drugs.com.

What is a drug package insert?

An official document included with a medication that outlines its usage, dosage, contraindications, and safety profile.

What is the difference between a Prescription Drug Package Insert and a Non-Prescription Drug Patient Information Leaflet?

Prescription Drug Package Inserts are intended for healthcare professionals, while Patient Information Leaflets are written for patients in layman's language.

What does a comprehensive patient information repository include?

Medical history, demographic data, clinical treatments, active diagnoses, prescribed medications, allergies, and lab test results.

How do nurses gather patient information?

Through direct assessment (interviews and physical examinations), electronic health records (EMR), and secondary sources (shift handover reports and interviews with relatives).

What are the basic components of pharmacology?

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and adverse reactions.

What does pharmacokinetics refer to?

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

What is the process of drug absorption?

The progress of a drug from administration to its availability for use by the body.

What are the types of drug absorption?

Passive transport (diffusion), active transport (requires energy), and pinocytosis (cell engulfs drug particle).

What is the First-Pass Effect?

Drugs absorbed by the small intestines are transported to the liver before entering circulation, where they may be metabolized.

What factors affect drug distribution?

Blood flow (perfusion rate), physicochemical properties of the drug (lipid solubility, molecular size), and the characteristics of tissues.

What are the classifications of drugs?

Analgesics, antipyretics, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, and more.

What is the significance of blood flow in drug absorption?

Higher blood flow to certain areas can lead to more rapid absorption of drugs.

What are some routes of administration for drugs?

Intraperitoneal, epidural, intrapleural, intra-articular, and intraosseous.

What is the role of pharmacodynamics?

It studies the effects of drugs on the body and their mechanisms of action.

What is the definition of analgesics?

Medications used to relieve pain.

What is the purpose of antihypertensives?

To manage high blood pressure.

What are NSAIDs?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.