Basic Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics & Pharmacokinetics

Medication

A substance used for medical treatment (diagnose, treat, & prevent disease)

Dosage Forms

Tablets, capsules, liquids, injectables

Mechanism of Action

How a drug produces its effect

Risk vs. Benefit

Balancing the risks and benefits of each medication

Prevent

Meds that reduce the risk of illness or disease progression

Cure

Meds that eradicate or eliminate a disease

Manage

Meds that control a chronic condition over time

Alleviate

Meds that relieve symptoms but may not address the root cause

Pharmacology

Study of how drugs interact with living systems

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to the drug

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to the body

Absorption

How a drug enters the bloodstream. Drug is absorbed into circulation through route of administration.

Distribution

The transport of drugs to tissues or organs where they exert their effects

Metabolism

Process of the breakdown of the med into byproducts. Enzymes catalyze reactions; drug is carried across membranes by substances called transporters.

Excretion

Describes the elimination of the drug from the body. (Urine, feces, and/or (rarely) destruction within the body)

Bioavailability

The percentage or fraction of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation and can have an effect.

Volume of Distribution (Vd)

A theoretical space in the body that the drug appears to occupy; helps explain how widely a drug disperses into tissues.

Metabolite

A substance formed when the body chemically changes a drug, often in the liver. Some of these are active and can exert therapeutic or toxic effects.

Half-Life

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half; influences dosing intervals and duration of a therapy.

Receptor-Binding

Lock & Key process (enzymes)

Agonists

Exert their effect by activating the receptor

Antagonists

Block other substances from activating the receptor

Drug

A substance with therapeutic intent

Active Ingredient

The component producing the drug’s effect

Indication

The condition the drug is meant to treat

Contraindication

Circumstances where a drug shouldn’t be used

Dose

The amount to be taken at one time

Frequency

How often the medication is to be administered

Duration

For how long the medication is to be administered

Quantity

How much medication is to be ordered

Adverse Effect

Unintended, undesirable, or harmful effects of a med

Side Effect

Effect of a medication that is not intended as part of its therapeutic use

Efficacy

Drug’s ability to produce the desired result

Potency

Concentration of a drug needed for its effect

Chemical Name

A detailed, scientifcic description of a drug’s molecular structure

Prescription (Rx)

Requires prescriber authorization, pharmacist oversight

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Readily available for self-medication

Dietary Supplements

Things like vitamins, minerals, & herbal products. May have therapeutic and adverse effects . Can interact with medications and should be included in a patient’s medication history.

The Medication Use System

1. Prescribing

2. Transcribing

3. Preparing

4. Dispensing

5. Administering

6. Monitoring

7. Transitioning