HPU 1202 Human Processes II - Pharmacology Summary

Introduction to Pharmacology

  • Pharmacology covers three key areas:
    • Introduction to Pharmacology
    • Pharmacodynamics
    • Pharmacokinetics
    • Nursing considerations

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the history, uses, properties of ideal drugs, and modes of delivery.

History of Pharmacology

  • Greco-Roman Era: Focus on natural healing; fear of poisoning.
  • Middle Ages: Monks utilized drug herbal gardens; introduced animal products.
  • Renaissance (14th-17th Century): Development of the printing press; formalized botany; first pharmacopeia; concept of dosage.
  • Baroque Period (17th-18th Century): Experimental discovery; advancements like smallpox immunization; introduction of intravenous medications.
  • 19th Century: Analytical chemistry emergence; isolation of active ingredients; discovery of morphine.
  • 20th Century to Present: Advances in anesthesiology, synthetic drugs, antibiotics, and multidisciplinary nature of pharmacology.

Drug Nomenclature

  • Brand/Trade Name: Most common form; capitalized and uniquely recognized (e.g., Nurofen).
  • Generic Name: Simpler reflection of the chemical structure (e.g., ibuprofen).
  • Chemical Name: Complex representation based on chemical structure.

Uses of Medications

  • Symptom Control: E.g., pain relief (e.g., Panadol).
  • Curative: E.g., antibiotics for infections.
  • Contraception: E.g., contraceptive pills.
  • Diagnostics: E.g., barium sulfate for imaging.
  • Prevention: E.g., vaccinations.
  • Health Maintenance: E.g., vitamins and minerals.

Properties of an Ideal Drug

  • Effectiveness: Produces desired therapeutic effect.
  • Safety: Minimal side effects; benefits outweigh risks.
  • Selectivity: Targets intended site of action; fewer off-target effects.
  • Reversibility: Possible to reverse action of the drug if needed.
  • Predictability: Effects are consistent and manageable.
  • Ease of Administration: Simple to administer; promotes patient compliance.
  • Freedom from Drug Interactions: Low risk of interactions with other medications.
  • Affordability: Accessible to patients and healthcare systems.
  • Chemical Stability: Remains effective over its shelf life.
  • Simple Generic Name: Unique, easy to pronounce, reflects components.

Dosage Forms of Medications

  • Oral Medications: Includes tablets, capsules, lozenges, sprays, solutions, suspensions, emulsions.
  • Suppositories and Pessaries: For rectal and vaginal use, respectively.
  • Topical Applications: Includes ointments, solutions, transdermal patches, and implants.
  • Parenteral Administration: Includes subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous, intra-arterial, intraosseous, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, and intracameral injections.