Pharmacology Intro

Pharmacology

The study of drugs (chemicals), including their origins, properties, and interactions with living organisms.

Chemical name

The chemical ‘recipe’ for the drug, detailing the molecular structure.

Generic name

Assigned to a chemical when it has shown good results and is marketed as a drug; becomes the official name post-approval.

Official name

Often the same as the Generic name; used in a medical context.

Trade name

The name given by a specific manufacturer that markets the drug.

First Pass Effect

The metabolic process where most of the drug’s activity is terminated through the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.

Aerosolized medication

Medications delivered in aerosol form, advantageous for quick absorption and targeted delivery.

Receptor

A molecular structure that drugs bind to, producing effects in the body; based on the ‘lock and key’ theory.

Potency

The strength of a drug relative to the dose required to produce a therapeutic effect.

Tolerance

The diminished response to a drug after prolonged use, requiring increased doses for the same effect.

Bioavailability

The amount of drug that reaches systemic circulation after administration.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how drugs move through the body, encompassing absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of what a drug does to the body, including effects on enzymes, hormones, and metabolic functions.

Adverse effect

Harmful effects produced by a drug, distinct from side effects.

Hypersensitivity

An excessive response to a medication beyond the expected outcome, potentially leading to serious complications.

Synergism

The interaction of two drugs in which one enhances the effect of the other.

q.i.d

4 times a day

P.r.n

As needed

T.i.d

3 times a day

q._.h

Every “blank” hour

Q.d

Every day

Ut dict

As directed

Enteral

By digestion (through GI tract)

Parenteral

By injection, IV, IM, subcutaneous (under skin), IT (directly injected to CNS)

Transdermal

Through skin

Inhalation

Breathing in through gas or aerosol

Topical

Applied to skin or mucous membranes

Bronchodilator

Opens airway lumen

Bronchorestriction

Reduces airway lumen

Aerosol

Particles suspended through gas

What metabolizes the drugs?

Liver

What eliminates the drugs?

Kidneys

Plasma half life

Time required for plasma concentration of a drug to be reduced by half

Agonist

Unlocks cell response (lock and key)

Antagonist

Blocks cell response (jams the lock)