Pharmacology Basics Presentation Name Course Name Unit # – Lesson #.# – Lesson Name Pharmacology Basics Human Body Systems © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

What Is Pharmacology? Pharmacology is the study of drugs, including their action and effects in living body systems. To administer a drug safely, doctors must know the usual dose, the route of administration, significant adverse reactions, and major drug interactions.

Drug Names Each drug is referred to by three different names: The generic name of the commonly prescribed antibiotic is amoxicillin. The chemical name is hydroxybenzyl-penicillin. Amoxicillin is marketed using over a dozen brand names such as Alphamox® or Amoxil®. The chemical name Describes the exact chemical composition of the medicine The generic name The more commonly used name of the medication The proprietary or brand name The name assigned by a manufacturer and protected by copyright

Dosage The dose of the drug is the amount a patient takes for a desired effect. Some doses are general and not patient specific, but many doses are calculated using specific data about the patient. Many factors contribute to determining the proper dose of a medication, including Route of administration of the medication Weight of the patient Overall severity of the condition

Routes of Drug Administration Enteral Routes (Routes through the GI tract) Oral Medications taken by mouth, absorbed through stomach or small intestine Can be solids, such a pills or capsules, or liquid Sublingual Medications held under the tongue until they dissolve. Offers rapid action as oral cavity contains a rich blood supply Buccal Medication placed between the gums and cheek

Routes of Drug Administration Parenteral Routes (Routes via injection) – offer immediate delivery of the medication Intradermal (ID) Injections given just below the epidermis into the dermis of the skin. Ex. Often used in allergy skin tests Subcutaneous Injections given into subcutaneous tissue below the dermis in the upper arms, upper back or upper abdomen. Ex. Used for insulin injections Intramuscular (IM) Injections given directly to large muscle groups in shoulder, thigh or hip Ex. Used for delivery of some vaccines

Routes of Drug Administration Parenteral Routes (Routes via injection) Intravenous Injection (IV) Injections given directly into the veins.

Routes of Drug Administration Other Routes of Administration Transdermal Administration via skin preparations Ex. Creams, ointments, lotions, sprays, patches Ophthalmic Medications administered to the eye Otic Medications administered in the ears Nasal Medications administered in the nose

Routes of Drug Administration Other Routes of Administration Inhalation Administration by drawing breath, gas, or vapor into the lungs Could be delivered by aerosols, nebulizers, or inhalers Vaginal Administration into the vagina Rectal Administration into the rectum

Side Effects Side effects are the results of drug (or other) therapy that are beyond the desired therapeutic effects. Side effects may vary for each individual depending on the person’s disease state, age, weight, gender, ethnicity, or general health. Medications undergo rigorous testing before they are released to the public, and all confirmed potential side effects are reported on the literature that comes with a medication.

Drug Interactions A drug interaction occurs when the effects of one drug are altered by the effects of another drug. The interaction leads to an increase or decrease in effectiveness of the new medication. Severe drug interactions can lead to serious consequences in the body, even death.

Anatomy of a Prescription Example prescription might include: Information about the healthcare provider Patient information and date of prescription The Rx symbol The names and quantity of ingredients Directions for how the pharmacist is to fill the prescription Directions for the patient as to how/when to take the medication Information about refills and special labelling

Abbreviations Used in Pharmacology Doctors use a series of abbreviations to communicate with the pharmacist. These abbreviations note: How often to take the medication (twice a day, every 4 hours) When to take the medication (at night, before meals) How much medication to take (one tablet, 100 mg) How to use the medication (apply it topically, take it by mouth)

Abbreviations Used in Pharmacology Obtain a Commonly Used Abbreviations Resource Sheet and use it to analyze this prescription. PLTW Medicine 3939 Priority Way South Drive Indianapolis, IN 46240   Name: Joe Smith Address: 1515 Street Road Date: Today ℞ Diovan 40mg Dispense #90 Sig i po qd Generic Substitution Allowed M.D.  Dispense as Written M.D. Refill 0 1 2 3 PRN LABEL

References http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/prescriptiondrugs/a/understanding_MD_Rx.htm Focus on Pharmacology – Essentials for Health Professionals; Jahangir Moini; Pearson Learning, 2008