PHARMA - Module 1

Pharmacodynamics

• Drug → Body.

• Mechanism of action & effects.

Pharmacokinetics

• Body → Drug.

• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, & excretion.

Pharmacotherapeutics

• Drugs to prevent, treat, & diagnose disease.

Pharmacogenetics

• Hereditary drug reactions:

• Unusual or unexpected.

Pharmacognosy

• Drugs from herbs & natural resources.

Toxicology

• Harmful or poisonous effects of drugs.

Posology

• Dosage of drugs.

Pharmacy

• Preparation, compounding, & dispensing of drugs.

Prophylactic/Preventative

• Decreases severity & prevents disease.

• Prophylactic antibiotics:

• Prevents RHD.

Diagnostic

• Detects nature of disease.

• E.g - Radiopaque agents.

Curative

• Treats disease.

• E.g - Antibacterial drugs.

Palliative

• Relieves distressing manifestations.

• E.g - Pain meds.

Supportive

• Sustains patient until another measure is made.

• E.g. - IVF = volume expanders.

Substitutive

• Replacement of substances.

• E.g - Insulin = DM.

• E.g - Vitamin B12 = Pernicious anemia.

Restorative

• Helps body return to normal healing state.

• E.g - Vitamins & minerals.

Classification of Drugs

• According to body system.

• According to therapeutic use.

• According to physiologic or chemical action.

Cardiovascular system

• Antihypertensives.

• Anticoagulants.

• Thrombolytics.

Urinary system

• Diuretics.

Respiratory system

• Bronchodilators.

• Mucolytics.

Paracetamol

• Antipyretic or analgesic.

Antipyretic

• Lowers body temperature.

Analgesic

• Relieves mild to moderate pain.

Anticholinergics

• Affect acetylcholine.

Adrenergic blockers

• Affect release of epinephrine.

Prescription drugs

• Ordered by physician.

Non-Prescription drugs/Over the counter drugs

• Drugs purchased from a pharmacy.

• Without prescription of a doctor.

Investigational drugs

• Drugs under study.

• Not yet approved.

Illicit drugs/Illegal drugs

• Drugs abused.

• E.g. - Methamphetamine & Heroin.

Official name

• Listed on official publication as a drug reference.

• E.g. - Nurse’s Drug References (NDR).

Chemical name

• Describes chemical structure.

• Too complex.

Generic name

• Commonly used to identify a drug clinically.

• Non-propriety name & universal.

Propriety name/Brand name/Trade name

• Chosen by drug company.

Pre-clinical trials

• Drugs tested on animals.

Phase I

• 20-80 healthy volunteers, establishes safety, & 1 yr.

Phase II

• 100-300 patients, establishes drug effectiveness, & 2 yrs.

Phase III

• 1000-3000 patients in hospitals, establishes effectiveness & adverse effects, & 3 yrs.

FDA approval

• 3.5 yrs of lab testing & applies to USFDA for human testing.

Phase III

• After testing, applies to FDA approval 2.5 yrs & physicians can prescribe once approved.

Pregnancy categories

• Indicates potential risk birth defects of drugs.

Category A

• Adequate studies & no risks.

Category A examples

• Levothyroxine & folic acid.

Category B

• No adequate human studies, but no adverse effects in animals.

Category B examples

• Metformin & Amoxicillin.

Category C

• No adequate studies in humans & adverse effects in animals, but potential benefits.

Category C examples

• Tramadol & amlodipine.

Category D

• No adequate studies in humans & adverse effects in humans, but potential benefits.

Category D examples

• Losartan.

Category X

• More risks over benefits & terratogenic effects.

Category X examples

• Atorvastatin.