1. Pharmacology Fundamentals
Chapter 51
Pharmacology Fundamentals
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2. Categories and Classifications
Drugs are categorized and classified
By chemical type
By active ingredient
By how it is used to treat a disease or symptom
See Table 51-1 for a listing of the various classifications
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Drug Actions
Chemotherapeutic
Drugs used to cure a disease cause by an infectious organism or cancer
Pharmacodynamic
Drugs used to treat noninfectious processes by changing the body’s actions or nonactions
Miscellaneous agents
Pain relievers
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Agonists
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Antagonists
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Drug Effects
Local
Effect is manifested where drug was administered
Remote
Effect is manifested in a place other than where drug was administered
Systemic
Effect is generalized throughout the body
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7. Considerations of Drug Action
Many factors affect how drugs affect the body
Age
Method of administration
Time
Weight
Tolerance
Interaction
Body surface area
Allergies
Rate
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Drug Forms
Capsules
Liquids
Suppositories
Drops
Powders
Tablets
Inhalants
Skin preparations
Transdermal patches
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Drug Names
Chemical name
>> N-(4-hydroxylphenyl) acetemide
Generic name
>> acetaminophen
Trade name
>> Tylenol
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Prescription Drugs
Drugs that can only be purchased by or administered to patient with licensed provider’s written prescription
Many drugs have serious side effects even when used appropriately
Monitored by the FDA
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11. Controlled Substances
Any drug that has the potential for abuse
May be prescription drug or illegal drug
Schedules of controlled substances
I, II, III, IV, V
I is highest potential of abuse
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12. Controlled Substances
Providers must register with the DEA to administer controlled substances
Controlled substances in the medical office must be stored under double lock
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13. Nonprescription Drugs
Also called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Considered safe and effective for use without a prescription
However, improper use of OTC drugs can still be harmful
Also monitored by the FDA
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14. Vitamins and Supplements
When asking about all drugs taken by patient, also ask about vitamins and supplements
Some may duplicate compounds in prescribed drugs
Some may counteract prescribed drugs
Some may cause toxicity
Little oversight by the FDA
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Handling Medications
Stock medications
Samples
Refrigerated medications
Disposal of medications
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16. Pharmaceutical References
Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR)
For prescription drugs
Current edition of PDR has five sections
Find the brand name > Brand and Generic Name Index
If only the classification is known, go to the Product Category Index
Older editions have six sections and are color-coded
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17. Pharmaceutical References
PDR for Nonprescription Drugs
Product Inserts
Professional Drug Handbooks
Electronic and Online Resources
USP-NF
PDR.net
Other sources: Make sure you verify authority of website
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