Introduction to Pharmacology

What does pharmacokinetics describe?

The movement of the drug through the body.

What does pharmacodynamics describe?

The way the drug affects the body.

How are drugs grouped in drug classification systems?

By physiologic function and disease state treated.

What is a generic drug name?

The non-proprietary, official name not capitalized.

What is a brand (trade) drug name?

The proprietary name with a capital letter and ® symbol.

What is the main purpose of the FDA in pharmacology?

To protect patients and ensure drug effectiveness.

What does a Black Box Warning indicate?

A severe reaction pattern has emerged with a new drug.

What type of drugs are in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act?

High abuse potential with no approved medical use.

What type of drugs are in Schedule II?

High abuse potential, medical use, written prescription with no refills.

What type of drugs are in Schedule V?

May be used for cough/diarrhea, lowest abuse potential.

What is dissolution in the pharmaceutical phase?

Breaking down a drug into liquid to be utilized.

What is bioavailability?

The amount of drug reaching circulation to act on cells.

What usually improves absorption of medications?

Taking them on an empty stomach.

What does an enteric coating on medication do?

Prevents dissolution until the drug reaches the intestine.

Where do drugs distribute most rapidly?

Heart, liver, kidneys.

What is the effect of high protein binding on drugs?

Only unbound 'free' drug exerts effect.

Why do patients with low albumin levels require lower doses of protein-bound drugs?

More free drug is available in circulation.

What is the first-pass effect?

Oral drugs extensively metabolized in the liver before systemic circulation.

What organ is the primary site of metabolism?

Liver.

What organ is the primary site of drug excretion?

Kidneys.

What does onset of action describe?

Time required to produce a therapeutic effect.

What does duration of action describe?

Length of time a drug produces therapeutic effect without another dose.

What is drug half-life?

Time for 50% of drug to be removed from body.

Why do drugs with a long half-life pose a higher risk of toxicity?

They remain in the body longer before elimination.

What is the primary therapeutic effect of a drug?

The desired, intended effect for which it was prescribed.

What is an idiosyncratic reaction?

Unexpected or abnormal response to a drug.

What is an additive effect between two drugs?

1+1 = 2.

What is an antagonistic drug interaction?

One drug counteracting another drug.

What is an example of a selective systemic effect?

Lasix acting on the kidneys.

What population group may require dose adjustments due to body composition differences?

Neonates and older adults.

What are secondary drug effects?

Unintended side effects.

What type of drug reaction is caused by the immune system?

Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity).

What cultural factor can influence drug response?

Genetic differences.

What vulnerable population may face barriers to adequate health care and drug therapy?

Homeless individuals.