ITP Review

Introduction to Pharmacy Exam Review

Standardized Education for Pharmacy Technicians

• The need for standardized education for pharmacy technicians was recognized by various organizations, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Historical Figures in Medicine

1. Father of Medicine: Hippocrates

2. Language of Medicinal Recipes: Latin until the 1900s

3. First Vaccine: Developed in 1796 for smallpox

Plant-Derived Medications

• Numerous medications come from plants, such as morphine (from opium poppy) and digoxin (from foxglove).

Coca-Cola and Cocaine

• The original formula of Coca-Cola contained both cocaine and caffeine.

Civil War Medical Practices

• Laudanum was problematic due to its addictive nature and the overuse leading to dependence.

• A significant number of soldiers died from infections and diseases.

Key Discoveries

• Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming.

• Major contributions to genetics were made by Gregor Mendel, who is known as the Father of Genetics.

Pharmacy Education and Historical Milestones

• The first pharmacy school in the United States opened in 1821 at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

• The first pharmacy operated by a registered pharmacist opened in 1823 in Philadelphia.

• The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) was formed in 1995.

Pharmacy Practice and Patient Care

1. Pharmacy Technicians: Initially, they were often apprentices in pharmacies, helping licensed pharmacists.

2. Criteria for Becoming a Pharmacist:

   • Education (Doctor of Pharmacy degree)

   • State licensure

3. Health Proponents: Hippocrates advocated for health improvements through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

4. Ancient Treatment: Trepanation (cutting a hole in the skull) was believed to allow evil spirits to exit the body.

5. Mercury Poisoning: Many individuals in early America died from mercury treatments for various diseases.

Communication in Pharmacy

1. Communication Channels: Include various methods used to convey messages.

2. Nonverbal Cues: Actions like rolling the eyes signify impatience or disbelief.

3. First Impressions: Most people form judgments within first seven seconds of meeting someone.

4. Patient Reaction Stages: The first stage upon learning of terminal illness is often denial.

Customer Interaction

• Use empathy by showing customers that you understand their situation.

• When placing on hold, check back every 1-2 minutes.

Medication and Drug Regulations

1. Drug Diversion: Refers to the misuse of a pharmaceutical product.

2. DUE: Drug Utilization Evaluation.

3. Regulatory Agency: The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) ensures drug safety and efficacy.

4. Medicare insures individuals aged 65 and older, along with certain younger individuals with disabilities.

5. OSHA: Oversees workplace safety.

6. PHI: Protected Health Information.

Drug Codes and Requirements

1. NDC System: First set of NDC numbers identifies the drug's labeler.

2. OBRA ’87 and ’90: Addressed healthcare quality and pharmacist counseling.

3. Controlled Substances: C-II prescriptions cannot be refilled.

4. DEA Inventories: Narcotics must be inventoried every 2 years.

5. Pseudoephedrine Purchase Limits: Limited to 3.6 grams per day and 9 grams per 30 days.

6. I-Pledge Program: Covers isotretinoin (Accutane).

Dosage Forms

1. Broad Categories: Major types include solids, liquids, and semi-solids.

2. Forms Include: Creams, ointments, syrups, etc.

3. Enteric Coated Tablets: Designed to dissolve in the intestine rather than the stomach.

4. Local Actions: Dosage forms aimed at the mouth or throat include lozenges and sprays.

Pharmacopoeia and Drug References

1. USP-NF: Provides official drug standards.

2. Drug Classification: Based on structure, mechanism, etc.

3. Reference Books Include: Package inserts, therapeutic equivalence listings, and price directories.

Prescription Essentials

1. Proprietary Drug Name: Another term for brand name.

2. Prescription Elements: Includes dosage form, strength, and directions for use.

Pharmacy Operations

1. Sole Proprietorship: Example includes an independently operated pharmacy.

2. NPI Number: National Provider Identifier used for billing.

3. Refills on Prescription: If no indication, consult with prescriber.

4. Auxiliary Labels: Instructions for the patient addressing specific conditions or usage.

5. Electronic Records: Must be maintained for two years from the creation date.