WK 1. 1 Pharmacology

Pharmacology Overview

Definition: Study of effects of drugs on living systems and their mechanisms of action (M/A)

Types of drugs:

• Therapeutic agents/medicines

• Poisons

• Recreational substances

Sources of drugs:

• Natural (plants/animals)

• Synthetic

• Genetically engineered

Historical Perspective

Example: Isolation of Morphine

• Year: 1805

• First drug isolated as pure crystals

• Allowed reliable dosing by weight

• First to demonstrate chemically-based pharmacological activity in a single substance

• Led to isolation of other plant-derived drugs

• Knowledge of chemical structures facilitated synthesis of new drugs

Complementary Disciplines

• Biochemistry/Molecular Biology: Study of biochemical effects of drug treatment, enzymes, and receptors (e.g., adrenoceptors discovered by Langley (1905) and Ahlquist (1948))

• Chemistry: Focus on novel substances, structures, and functional groups

• Microbiology: Field includes antimicrobials, antivirals, and antifungals

• Physiology/Pathology: Understanding normal bodily functions and abnormalities during disease to identify drug targets and therapeutic effects

• Pharmacology Therapeutics Research: Involves doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and scientists

Relevance of Pharmacology

• Modern medicine relies on pharmacotherapy combined with non-pharmacological strategies (diet, exercise)

• Importance of pharmacology knowledge:

  • Enhances confidence in advanced units (Therapeutics, Pharmacy Practice)

  • Critical during clinical placements

  • Essential when discussing medication with patients and other health practitioners

Role of Pharmacists

• As a professional pharmacist, daily recommendations regarding:

  • Dosage

  • Indications

  • Contraindications

  • Drug interactions

  • Adverse effects