Pharmacology Study Guide (Respiratory Care – NBRC Focus)

Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on biological systems.
Pharmacokinetics (PK): Refers to what the body does to the drug, often summarized as ADME:
  - Absorption: The process of a drug entering the bloodstream.
  - Distribution: The transport of the drug throughout the body.
  - Metabolism: The biochemical modification of drugs, primarily occurring in the liver.
  - Elimination: The process of removing the drug from the body, commonly via the kidneys.
Pharmacodynamics (PD): Describes what the drug does to the body, including mechanisms of action and effects.
Half-life: The time required for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to be reduced by 50%.
Therapeutic range: The concentration level of a drug that is considered safe and effective for treatment.

Always verify medications using drug guides, protocols, or package inserts prior to administration to ensure accuracy and safety.

Inhalation:
  - Fast onset of action.
  - Direct delivery to the lungs.
  - Results in fewer systemic effects compared to other routes.
Oral (PO):
- Slower onset of action.
- Effects can be significantly influenced by first-pass metabolism, where drug concentration is reduced before it reaches systemic circulation.
Intravenous (IV):
- Immediate effect upon administration.
- Considered highest risk due to direct entry into circulation.
Intramuscular/Subcutaneous (IM/SubQ):
- Slower absorption and sustained release of medication over time.

Absorption: The passage of the drug from the site of administration into the bloodstream.
Distribution: Describes how the drug is dispersed throughout the body's tissues and fluids.
Metabolism: The process by which the liver chemically modifies the drug to facilitate its excretion.
Elimination: The methods used by the kidneys and other organs to remove the drug from the body.

Agonist: A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.
Antagonist: A substance that binds to a receptor and blocks or inhibits the action of agonists.
Dose-response relationship: A principle that describes the relationship between the dose of a drug and the magnitude of its pharmacologic effect.

Albuterol: Potential side effects include tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tremors.
Ipratropium: A common adverse effect is dry mouth.
Steroids: Risks include hyperglycemia and increased risk of infection due to immune suppression.

Additive: When two drugs combined increase the effect, resulting in a sum effect greater than that of either drug alone.
Synergistic: When combined drugs produce a significantly greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
Antagonistic: When the effect of one drug is reduced by the presence of another drug.

Pediatrics: Typically have faster metabolism, requiring careful dosing considerations.
Elderly: Increased risk of drug toxicity due to altered metabolism and excretion.
Pregnancy: Many drugs can cross the placenta and potentially affect fetal development.
Breastfeeding: Drugs can be passed into breast milk, affecting the infant.

The study of how genetic differences among individuals affect their response to drugs, including efficacy and risk of side effects.

Age: Drug metabolism can vary significantly with age.
Weight: Dosing may need to be adjusted according to body weight.
Disease State: The presence of other medical conditions can alter drug efficacy and safety.
Liver/Kidney Function: Impaired function of these organs can affect drug metabolism and elimination.
Drug Interactions and Compliance: The interaction of multiple drugs may affect their effectiveness, and patient adherence to prescribed regimens is critical for achieving therapeutic outcomes.

Right patient: Ensure the medication is being administered to the correct patient.
Right drug: Confirm that the medication given is what was prescribed.
Right dose: Verify that the dose is appropriate for the patient.
Right route: Confirm that the appropriate method of administration is used.
Right time: Administer medication as scheduled.
Monitor response and side effects: Observe for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions post-administration.
Document and reassess patient: Ensure all medication administrations are documented and reassess the patient's condition and response after treatment.

In the event of a drug overdose:
  - Stop the administration of the drug immediately.
  - Support the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
  - Notify the physician promptly.
  - Administer antidote if one is ordered by the physician.

Inhalation is considered the best route for lung-specific drug delivery.
IV administration is the fastest but carries the highest risk for complications.
Elderly patients are at a heightened risk for drug toxicity due to various factors.
Always reassess the patient after treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and monitor for any side effects.