Understanding the Basics of Pharmacology

Pharmacology Study of drugs that alter body functions Generic name: chemical name Brand name /Trade name

Pharmacokinetics Body’s affect on drug Absorption: incorporating drug into body Distribution: transport to tissues Metabolism: inactivation of drug Excretion: elimination of drug

Half -Life Time total amount of drug diminishes by one half Loading dose: larger dose given rapidly to reach therapeutic level quickly

Pharmacodynamics How drugs produce physiologic actions Drug action: interaction between drug and cellular components Drug effect: response from drug action

Receptors Are located on the cell Are proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids Drug-receptor interaction can modify: cell function /rate of function

Ion Channel Effects May be opened or closed Causing ions to move in or out of cell Produces cell excitation or inhibition

Drug Action Influenced by receptor type, location, number of sites Affinity : Binding to given receptor site Efficacy: After binding, initiates activity

Agonists May stimulate cell function Produce effects similar to natural effects

Antagonist Inhibits cell function by occupying receptor sites