Pharmacology Terminology

Farm and Ethics Terms

  • Introduction to class schedule and reminders.
  • Extra study time for students due to class cancellation on President's Day.

Overview of US Health Systems

  • Discussion on the U.S. health care system and how it has improved the quality and affordability of care.
    • Lowered uninsured rates allowing more people access to insurance.
    • Note on restrictions, co-payments affecting affordability.
  • Importance of access to care.
    • Challenge of reaching healthcare services.

Drug Models and Ethical Implications

  • Example of breastfeeding and herbal supplements for increasing milk flow.
    • Disclaimer: "The FDA does not support this. No proof this ensures…"
  • Importance of infection control regulations and ever-changing guidelines from CDC regarding vaccinations.
  • Prescription practices: eScripts, patient confidentiality, and office supply ethics.
    • Adherence to standards to avoid overprescribing and kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmaceutical Ethics

  • Discussion on the ethical implications surrounding pharmaceutical representatives.
    • Examples of kickbacks related to opioid prescriptions leading to the opioid epidemic.
    • Consequences for the community and pharmacists.

Chapter Six: Terminology, Abbreviations, and Drug Forms

  • Introduction to critical drug terminologies relevant to exams.
  • Definitions of common prefixes:
    • Anti-nausea: refers to preventing nausea.
    • Anti-hypertensive: refers to decreasing hypertension (high blood pressure).
    • Example of need for these terms in practical applications.

Medical Abbreviations

  • Detailed explanation of common abbreviations used in medication administration:
    • AC: Before meals.
    • IM: Intramuscular (e.g., tetanus shots).
    • PO: By mouth.
    • NPO: Nothing by mouth.
    • PRN: As needed (often for pain medication) and how it relates to medication urgency.
  • Importance of understanding dosage, weight conversions (2.2 lbs = 1 kg).

Drug Classifications

  • Explanation of chemical names, generic names, and trade names:
    • Chemical name: Long names indicating molecular structure.
    • Generic name: Non-proprietary, official name (e.g., Acetaminophen).
    • Trade name: Proprietary name (e.g., Tylenol).
  • Importance in distinguishing between names due to potential confusion in prescriptions.

Sources of Drugs

  • Various sources of drugs:
    • From natural plants (e.g., digoxin for heart failure).
    • The significance of drug recalls (e.g., contaminated eye drops).
    • Consequences of adverse effects and importance of ongoing FDA monitoring.

Pharmaceutical Preparations and Forms

  • Dosage forms categorized by:
    • Physical state: Liquid, solid, etc.
    • Importance of correct usage (e.g., oral medications).
    • Risk factors associated with incorrect administration.
  • Other forms and methods of drug administration:
    • Topical (local effects), Oral (systemic effects).

Administration Methods of Drugs

  • Explanation of injection types (e.g., intraarticular, intradermal).
  • Overview of drug packaging (e.g., vials, sterile requirements for eye drops).
  • Responsibilities of prescribers and pharmacists in dispensing and administering drugs.

Common Drug Actions and Uses

  • Highlight common medications for different conditions:
    • Antihypertensives: For blood pressure.
    • Antiemetics: To relieve nausea (e.g., Sofran, Decadron).
    • Antitussives: To inhibit cough reflex.
  • Importance of accurate notation in medical prescriptions to avoid errors (e.g., zero before decimal).

Review of Drug Classifications and Pharmacology

  • Scheduling of drugs based on addictive properties:
    • Schedule I: Very addictive substances.
    • Schedule V: Less addictive substances.
  • Summary of medicine's journey within the body (absorption, metabolism, excretion).
    • Key terms: absorption, biotransformation (metabolism), elimination (excretion).
  • Reference materials for drug information (e.g., Physician's Desk Reference).