CMA: Pharmacology

Absorption

Absorption

time and process in which drug reaches cells and produce action; depends on form of medication and other factors

Distribution

drug distributed in body by circulatory system; if circulatory system impeded by other factors (e.g. cardiovascular disease), distribution is impeded and effects of medication are diminished

Metabolism

chemical reactions in body’s functions; dosage varies on metabolism based on patient or diseases

Excretion

waste products of medication are excreted; kidneys, intestines, lungs, and skin, impairment of these organs can cause dangerous buildup of drug

Therapeutic Drugs

treat and relieve symptoms of disease/disorder

Diagnostic Drugs

help diagnose disease (e.g. medication helps make imaging visible)

Curative Drugs

intervene disease process and cure/improve condition

Replacement Drugs

restore patient’s normal body substance/chemical that is deficient or not produced

Prophylatic Drugs

maintain healthy state by preventing disease

Drug Classification

• CNS Drugs

• Analgesics

• Anesthetics

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs

• Cardiovascular Drugs

• Anti-Infective Agents

• Resp System Drugs

• Endocrine Sys Drugs

• Urinary Sys Drugs

Schedule Drugs

drugs with potential for abuse

C-I Drugs

• illegal to obtain or prescribe

• highly dangerous for drug abuse

• ex: narcotics + heroin, stimulants (Ecstasy), Depressants, Hallucinogens (LSD), Cannabis

C-II Drugs

• accepted medical use but high potential of abuse

• no refills

• ex: narcotics (morphine, codeine), amphetamines, cocaine, short-acting barbiturates

C-III Drugs

• accepted medical use, lower abuse potential

• refill 5x within six months with physician note

• ex: combo drugs with lesser amounts of narcotics/stimulants (Tylenol with codeine)

C-IV Drugs

• accepted medical use, lower abuse potential

• refill 5x within six months with physician note

• ex: anti-anxiety drugs (Xanax), sedative hypnotics (Dalmane, Ambien, Versed)

C-V Drugs

• accepted medical use, limited abuse potential

• physician note, show ID for 18+

• ex: cough medicines with codeine, antidiarrheal medication (Lomotil)

Form of Medications

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Lozenges

• Suppositories

• Dermatological Forms

• Liquids

• Injectables

• Intravenous

Medication Routes

• Oral

• Sublingual

• Transdermal

• Parenteral

Infusion Therapy Methods

1. into primary infusate container

2. directly into a vein

3. S-A-S method (Saline, Administration, Saline)