Final Test

Definition of Pharmacology
- Study of drugs and their actions on the human body.

Mnemonic: LADME
- Liberation: The process of how the drug is released from its dosage form and begins to take action in the body.
- Absorption: Movement of the drug from its site of administration into the bloodstream.
- Distribution: Movement of the drug throughout the body to reach its target tissues.
- Metabolism: The conversion of the drug into different chemical forms.
- Excretion: The elimination of the drug from the body.

Process of how the drug enters the GI tract.
Involves the dissolution of the drug (e.g., capsule dissolving in stomach acid).
For injections, the drug enters the bloodstream immediately.

Varies by route of administration:
- PO (Oral): Absorbed primarily in the small intestine.
- IM (Intramuscular): Absorbed into the bloodstream from the muscle.
- Topical: Absorbed through mucous membranes (e.g., buccal, intravaginal).
- Subcutaneous: Absorbed from fat tissue.
Factors affecting absorption:
- Blood flow to the administration area.
- Formulation type (e.g., enteric coating).
- Pain and anxiety can inhibit absorption.

Primarily occurs in the liver.
First Pass Effect: Describes the metabolism that occurs when a drug is absorbed from the GI tract and passes through the liver, which may reduce the drug's effectiveness by up to 50%.
Half-Life: The time required for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. Important for determining dosage schedules:
- Short half-life → higher doses needed.
- Long half-life → lower doses needed.

Transfer of drug from bloodstream to tissues and fluids.
Depends on:
- Solubility (fat vs. water).
- Protein binding.
  - Albumin: A key plasma protein produced in the liver. Drugs bound to protein are not bioavailable until released.

The process of elimination, primarily through the kidneys, but also through sweat, lungs, and feces.
Important for determining potential toxicity, especially for fat-soluble drugs that can accumulate in fat tissue.

Different classes of drugs have characteristic side effects and interactions.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone):
  - Side effects include hyperglycemia, constipation, nausea, increased risk of infection, peptic ulcer disease, fluid retention, and potential psychosis.
- Antibiotics:
  - Common side effects include GI upset and skin rashes.

Agonists vs. Antagonists:
- Agonists: Activate receptors to enhance a biologic response (e.g., Albuterol as a beta-2 agonist for bronchodilation).
- Antagonists: Block receptor activation (e.g., Narcan blocks opioid receptors).

Preclinical: Testing in animal models to evaluate safety and efficacy.
Phase I: Testing in a small number of healthy volunteers to assess safety.
Phase II: Larger groups to determine the drug's effectiveness and dose.
Phase III: Testing in larger populations to compare against standard treatments.
Phase IV: Post-marketing surveillance to monitor effects in the general population.

Needle Gauge and Size:
- Selection based on patient characteristics (e.g., BMI) and the viscosity of the medication.
- Standard angles for intramuscular (90 degrees) and subcutaneous injections (45 degrees).

Tolerance: Need for increased dosages to achieve the same effect.
Addiction: Psychological dependence on the drug affecting normal life functioning.

Symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or lips. Serious reactions may lead to anaphylaxis.
Understanding stages of allergic reactions is crucial for patient safety.

Increased risk of polypharmacy due to multiple medications and age-related physiological changes affecting drug metabolism and clearance.
Familiarize with the Beers List for medications to avoid in older adults.

Ethnopharmacology: Variability in drug responses across different populations due to genetic, cultural, or environmental factors.
Recognizing and addressing mistrust in marginalized communities towards healthcare.

Key concerns include:
- Diarrhea: Resulting from increased GI motility and can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Constipation: Marked by decreased motility leading to excessive water reabsorption, causing hard stools.

Focus on understanding drug classes, mechanisms of action, side effects, and interactions.
Review common medication errors, safe administration practices, and pharmacokinetics.
Practice with clinical case scenarios to apply pharmacological knowledge.