Introduction to Pharmacology

Drug

A chemical substance that affects living organisms and is used by clinicians to prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition

Pharmacology

Is the study of drugs and their sources, biochemical and physiological effects, mechanism of action, and therapeutic uses

Pharmakon

Greek word which means “drug”

Logos

Greek word which means “study”

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to the drug

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to body

Pharmacotherapeutics

The study of the use of drugs

Pharmacy

Preparing suitable dosage forms

Toxicology

The scientific study of how poisons, chemicals, and other physical or biological agents cause harmful effects in living things and the environment

Phytochemicals

Are naturally occuring compounds produced by plants

Alkaloids

Nitrogen containing compounds with potent pharmacological activities

Ex. Morphine, Quinine, Atropine, etc.

Phenolics

This broad group includes flavonoids, tannins, and lignans. They are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Ex. Resveratrol, Curcumin, Quercetin

Glycosides

These compounds consists of a sugar moiety attached to a non-sugar group.

Ex. Digitalis, Stevia

Saponins

These compounds form soapy solutions in water and have various biological activities

Ex. Ginseng, Tucca

Insulin

Originally extracted from the pancreas of pigs and cattle, and is crucial for managing diabetes. It is primarily produced through recombinant DNA technology

Cod Liver Oil

Rich in vitamins A and D, it is used as a dietary supplement

Heparin

Extracted from the liver of animals, it is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots

Penicillium fungus

Traet a wide range of bacterial infections

Cephalosporium fungus

Treat various bacterial infections like Cephalexin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone

Streptomyces bacteria

Uses: respiratory infections, skin infections, and other bacterial illnesses

Mineral

Have been used in medicine for centuries, and they continue to be essential components in many pharmaceutical formulation

Iron

Used in the treatment of anemia

Magnesium

Used as a laxative, antacid, and for electrolyte replenishment

Zinc

Used in skin ointments, as a dietary supplement, and in the treatment of zinc deficiency

Calcium

Used in the treatment of bone disorders, and as an antacid

Chemical name

Describes the drug’s molecular structure. Often complex and difficult to remember.

Ex. N-acetyl-p-aminophenol

Generic Name

Also known as the nonproprietary name. Shorter and simpler then the chemical name. Internationally recognized and not owned by any company

Ex. Paracetamol

Brand Name

Also known as the trade name. Owned by a specific pharmaceutical company. Often marketed under this name

Ex. Biogesic, Tempra

Therapeutic Classification

Focus: Disease or condition treated

Approach: Practical

Ex: Antihypertensive

Phamacologic Classification

Focus: Drug’s mechanism of action

Approach: Scientific

Ex. Beta-blocker

Anticoagulant

Influence blood clotting

Antihyperlipidemic

Lower blood cholesterol

Antihypertensive

Lower blood pressure

Antidysrhythmic

Restore normal cardiac rhythm

Antianginal

Treat angina

Diuretic

Lowers plasma volume

Calcium channel blocker

Blocks heart calcium channels

Adrenergic antagonist

Blocks physiological reactions to stress

Vasodilator

Dilates peripheral blood vessels

Primary Source

These ae original research studies and reports that present new data for the first time. They are the foundation of medical knowledge

Secondary Source

These resources index, abstact, or organize primary literature to facilitate retrieval

Tertiary Source

These sources summarize and interpret information from primary and secondary sources, providing a convenient overview of a topic

Reliability

Prioritize information from reputable sources like peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional organizations

Currency

Ensure the information is up-to-date, as drug information changes frequency

Accuracy

Verify information from multiple sources to minimize errors

Critical evaluation

Be aware of potential biases and conflicts of interest in information sources