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Classification of Agents

• Antianxiety Agents:

  • Classified as benzodiazepines (ending with "pines").

• Intravenous Medications:

  • Used when a patient cannot swallow.

  • Provides rapid effect as it enters directly into the bloodstream.

Drug Preparations

• Three Types of Preparations:

  • Included:

    • Sprays

    • Liquids

    • Semisolids

    • Not Included: Solid preparations.

Hormonal Compounds

• Extracted from Adrenal Glands of Animals:

  • Cortisone

  • Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine).

Over the Counter vs. Prescription Drugs

• Important distinction needed:

  • Over the Counter Drugs can be purchased without a prescription.

  • Prescription Drugs require a medical prescription (e.g., Valium).

Medication Guidelines

• Important Patient Guideline:

  • Medications must be taken exactly as directed by the physician.

Routes of Administration

• Most Utilized Routes:

  • Oral (by mouth).

  • Parenteral (any route other than oral).

PDR Information

• Generic Name Location in PDR:

  • Found in Section Two of the PDR (Physicians' Desk Reference).

Drug Regulation

• Agency Responsible for Drug Standards:

  • FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Anticoagulants

• Included Medications:

  • Heparin

  • Coumadin

  • Also referred to as blood thinners due to their action of preventing blood clotting.

Drug Interactions

• Drug Potentiation:

  • Involves one drug increasing or diminishing the effect of another, leading to drug interactions.

Drug Distribution

• Process of Drug Transportation:

  • Distribution is the process where a drug is transported from the bloodstream to its intended site of action.

Classification of Medications

• Anticonvulsants:

  • Used to relieve convulsions (e.g., Dilantin – Phenytoin).

• Hypnotics:

  • Induce sleep (e.g., Seconal).

Synergistic Drug Actions

• Synergistic Action Defined:

  • When two drugs work better together than they do individually, enhancing each other’s effects.

Antihistamines

• Classification of Drugs:

  • Antihistamines counteract histamine in allergic reactions.

Drug Side Effects

• Undesirable Actions:

  • Side effects limit the usefulness of a drug (e.g., headaches, nausea).

Administration Route Factors

• Non-Factors in Drug Administration Route Determination:

  • Best access site is not a determinant.

New Medication Administration Systems

• Examples of Systems:

  • Transdermals, implantable devices, infusion pumps.

  • (Identify any that are not included).

Controlled Substances Management

• Storage Requirements for Controlled Substances:

  • Must be stored in a locked cabinet, checked when leaving the office, and separated from other medications.

Computerized Software Capabilities

• Capabilities of Computerized Systems:

  • Can issue automatic alerts and recommendations but cannot track the number of all prescribed drugs.

Drug Indications

• Definition of Drug Indications:

  • Indications refer to the conditions or diseases for which the drug is used.

Narcotics Management

• Procedure for Managing Narcotics:

  • Must be stored securely and checked when leaving the office.

Controlled Substance Schedules

• Schedule Classification Examples:

  • Schedule 1: Not accepted for medical use.

  • Schedule 2: High abuse potential.

  • Schedule 3: Low to moderate dependence.

  • Schedule 4: Accepted for medical use in the US.

  • Schedule 5: Lowest abuse potential.

Drug Effects Identification

• Adverse Reactions:

  • List side effects of drugs.

• Warnings:

  • Potential dangers associated with the drug.

• Description:

  • Origin and chemical composition.

• Contraindications:

  • Specific instances where the drug should not be given.

• Precautions:

  • Possible unfavorable effects on patients.