KNR 365 Pharmacology

Pharmacology Defined The study of drugs, their sources, their nature, and their properties. Pharmacology is the study of the body's reaction to drugs. Why important for TR/RT? – Impact on interventions – Team discussions – Administration

Names Drugs may have 4 names – Trademark name – Official name – Chemical name – Generic name

Routes of Administration Oral (PO) – Must withstand acidic environment of stomach – Must permeate the gut lining before entering the blood stream Sublingual – Absorbed under the tongue – Stomach is bypassed

Routes of Administration Rectal (PR) – Unconscious or vomiting or small children – Absorption is unreliable Inhalation – Rapid absorption – Some in devices with metered doses

Routes of Administration Topical – Used for local delivery – Used if toxic effects if administered systematically Transdermal – Patch – Drugs seeps out through skin and capillary bed

Routes of Administration Intravenous (IV) – Injected directly into blood stream – Rapid action Intramuscular (IM) – Passes through capillary walls to enter blood stream Subcutaneous – Injected beneath the skin

Based on research Efficacy – Degree drug is able to induce maximal effects – Drug A vs. drug B Potency – Amount of drug needed to produce 50% of maximal response – Morphine more potent than codeine

Drug Interactions Altered absorptions – Antiulcer drugs coasts stomach may decrease GI absorption of other drugs Altered metabolism Altered excretion – Drugs may act on kidneys

Other terms Tolerance – Decreased response to a drug – Drug must be increased to get same effect Dependence – Needs a drug to function normally – Cessation produces withdrawal symptoms – Physical or psychological Withdrawal – When drug is no longer given to dependent person – Opposite effects of drug

Importance of Patient Profile Age (infants, elderly) Pregnancy or nursing Smoking and drinking habits – Lower than expected drug concentration – Drug reaches toxic concentrations Liver or kidney disease (common in geriatric population) – Failing kidneys excrete fewer drug – Failing livers metabolize drugs poorly

Importance of Patient Profile Pharmacogenetics – Genetic differences between patients Drug interactions Psychosocial factors – Poor patient compliance – Cost – Ease of administration – Dose schedule Olson, 2011

Austin, 2009 chpt 10 Diabetes Seizures Psychotropic drugs

WebMD Health conditions Drugs & supplements – Medications Warning, Uses, Side Effects, Interaction, Overdose – Supplements Symptom checker WebMD for Android, iPhone, & iPad (Free)

Practice Use Olson to find definition of COPD and medications Use WebMD to find definition and treatment – Compare/contrast both sources Use WebMD to find Atrovent Inhl – What is it used for? – What are the side effects & interactions? What if the client is using Lisinopril Oral? (what is this for?) – Uses, side effects, precautions, interactions What if the client is using Glucosamine Oral? (what is this for?) – Uses, side effects, precautions, interactions What medication is 5 sided and peach color?