Pharmacy Technician Program - Pharmacology Notes

Week 5 Game Plan

  • Daily sessions include lessons and group projects.
  • Topics: Eyes and Ears, Nervous System I & II.
  • Group Project 2 Focus: Specialized Medication.

Group Project 2

  • Teams research a chosen drug.
  • Research: Drug Indication, benefits, side effects, dispensing considerations.
  • Roleplay patient interaction: Heartfelt Encounter (Nitroglycerin) or Time Sensitive Treatment (Accutane).
  • Recording Session: Present research verbally and role play the scenario.
  • Submit individual answers in the Stepful Classroom.

The Eyes and Ears

  • Cornea: Refracts light, allowing focus on the retina.
  • Lens: Focuses images on the retina.
  • Retina: Processes visual information.

Common Eye Diseases

  • Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure.
    • Treatment: Medications to reduce aqueous humor buildup (Alpha Agonists, Prostaglandin Analogs, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, Beta Blockers).
  • Latanoprost (Xalatan) eye drops should be refrigerated before opening.
  • Other Meds: Antihistamines (-ine), Steroids (-one), Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics (-oxacin), Anti-Inflammatories (-sporine).
  • Eye Product Characteristics: sterile, pH-balanced, clear, particle-free.

Ear Anatomy

  • Outer Ear: Captures and directs sound.
  • Middle Ear: Contains tympanic membrane, malleus, incus, stapes.
  • Inner Ear: Cochlea (hearing), Vestibular labyrinth (balance).

Common Ear Diseases

  • Otitis media: Middle ear infection; treat with antibiotics and steroids.
  • Cerumen buildup: Disrupts self-cleaning; avoid cotton swabs.

Hearing Loss

  • Conductive: Outer/middle ear issue; mild, temporary.
  • Sensory: Cochlear damage; permanent.
  • Drug-Induced: Ototoxic drugs; reversible/irreversible.
  • Neural: Cochlea-brain connection; permanent.

Ear Medications

  • Otic Steroid with Anti-Infective: Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone (Ciprodex Otic) for ear infections.

Nervous System

  • CNS: Brain and spinal cord.
  • PNS: Cranial and spinal nerves.
  • Neuron: Transmits information; consists of soma, axon, and dendrites.
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers for brain-tissue communication.

Anxiety Disorders

  • Definition: Intense emotional state marked by apprehension, worry, and fear.
  • Types: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attack, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Specific Phobias.
  • Treatment: Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, Medications (Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, Beta Blockers).

Drug Classifications for Anxiety

  • Benzodiazepines: -lam or -pam (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam).
  • SSRIs: -pram or -ine (e.g., Citalopram, Sertraline).

Depression

  • Symptoms: Despair, fatigue, difficulty concentrating.
  • Subtypes: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Postpartum Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymia.
  • Treatments: Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, Tricyclic Antidepressants).

Drug Classifications for Depression

  • SSRIs: -pram or -ine (e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine).
  • SNRIs: -ine (e.g., Venlafaxine).
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants: -triptyline (e.g., Amitriptyline).

Bipolar Disorders

  • Symptoms: Severe emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).
  • Treatments: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Lithium (Li+).

Psychosis

  • Symptoms: Illogical thoughts/paranoia, hallucinations, delusions.
  • Schizophrenia: A specific form of psychosis.

Bipolar and Schizophrenia Treatment

  • Antipsychotics: Typical and Atypical.
  • Atypical Antipsychotics: -pine or -ole (e.g., Olanzapine, Aripiprazole) or -done (e.g., Risperidone, Ziprasidone).

Insomnia

  • Treatments: OTC Antihistamines, Prescription Sedatives (Hypnotics, Tranquilizers), Antidepressants (Trazodone), Benzodiazepines.

ADHD & ADD

  • ADHD: Short attention span, hyperactivity, impulsiveness.
  • ADD: Similar to ADHD but without hyperactivity.
    *

Treatments for ADHD/ADD

  • CNS Stimulants: Methylphenidate (-ate or -ine), Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine.
  • Non-Stimulants: Atomoxetine, Antiadrenergic Agents (Clonidine).
  • Note: weight loss is an adverse effect of an ADHD medication such as methylphenidate.

Additional Notes on Stimulants

  • Therapeutic Uses: ADHD, ADD, Treatment-resistant depression, Narcolepsy
  • Adverse Actions: Fatal hyperthermia, seizures, arrhythmias, cardiovascular failure. Paranoia, anger, hostility, headaches, dizziness.
  • Contraindications: Glaucoma, hypertension, coronary artery disease, overactive thyroid.
  • Withdrawal Management: Gradual tapering, antidepressants, detoxification.

Convulsions, Seizures, and Epilepsy

  • Convulsions: Physical expressions of the disorder.
  • Epilepsy: CNS disorder with potential for convulsions and seizures.
  • Seizure: Irregular brain activity; Partial (one side), Generalized (both sides).

Treatment for Convulsions, Seizures, and Epilepsy

  • Anticonvulsants, Anti-Epileptics.
  • Examples: Divalproex, Oxcarbazepine, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, Levetiracetam, Pregabalin, Gabapentin.

Parkinson's Disease

  • Cause: Malfunctioning/dying dopamine-producing neurons.
  • Treatment: Dopamine agonists (-ole) to mimic dopamine effects (e.g., Pramipexole, Ropinirole).

Dementia

  • Alzheimer's disease: short-term memory loss, difficulty with abstract thinking, confusion.
  • Treatments: Manage symptoms with tranquilizers and sedatives. Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Donepezil), CNS Agents (Memantine).

Migraine Headaches

  • Symptoms: Intense throbbing, unilateral.
  • Treatments: Triptans (-triptan), e.g., Sumatriptan.

Cancer Pains

  • Types: Acute, Chronic, Breakthrough.
  • Treatments: Nonopioid analgesics (mild), Opioid analgesics & Adjuvant Drugs (severe).

Other Medications for Nervous System Disorders

  • Narcotic Analgesics: Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen, Tramadol, Acetaminophen/Codeine, Oxycodone.
  • Opioid: Oxycodone
  • Buprenorphine/Naloxone: Narcotic addiction.
  • Promethazine: Allergies, Nausea.
  • Varenicline: Smoking Cessation.

Weekly Slack Competition: Saline Solution

  • Uses: Rinsing contacts/eyes, wound cleaning, nasal cleaning.
  • Materials: 1 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Steps: Boil container and utensils, mix salt and water, boil solution, cool, store in sterilized jar.
  • Use for 3 days at room temperature.