Mod 1: Core Concepts in Pharmacology

What is therapeutic classification?

used to describe the desired effect to improve the condition.

What is pharmacological classification?

used to describe the physiological mechanism of action.

What is a controlled substance? (name the 5 categories)

1. High potential for addiction with no therapeutic value (LSD, MDMA).

2. High potential for addiction but with therapeutic value (morphine, oxycodone).

3. Lower potential for addiction with therapeutic value (codeine, hydrocodone).

4. Lower potential for addiction with less potency (benzo drugs like lorazepam and diazepam)

5. Unlikely to cause addiction due to dilution (cough syrups with codeine)

What is the significance of the "black box" warning?

emphasizes the possibility of serious adverse effects.

Describe the different routes of medication delivery and explain which routes are faster (ADME).

1. Absorption (taking in the drug)

2. Distribution (transporting the drug)

3. Metabolism (breaking down the drug)

4. Excretion (getting rid of the drug)

What is therapeutic range and safety margin?

getting the right amount.

What is an agonist?

a drug that produces the same type of responses as an endogenous substance.

What is an antagonist?

a drug that blocks the receptor from receiving the chemical.

What is pharmacokinetics?

what the body does to the drug.

What is pharmacodynamics?

what the drug does to the body (mechanism of action).

What is Complementary and Alternative Therapy? (CAM)

anything that isn't mainstream therapy (herbs, minerals, dietary supplements, and therapies such as massage, acupuncture, hypnosis, biofeedback, Reiki)