Pharmacology ‘Pharmac’ Medicine

Categories Drugs are categorised according to function e.g. anti inflammatories, antihypertensives, Antibiotics Are known as group names

Drugs Generic Name Name given to individual drugs – usually relates to chemical compounds e.g. paracetamol Trade or brand name Name given to a drug by the company that made it Names are registered and must be written with a capitol e. Panadol Some drugs can have many trade names

Routes of Administration Drugs can be administered in a variety of ways This depends on what type the drug is; how quickly it produces an effect & whether the patient is conscious or not Route is described as “per” meaning through

Terms and Abbreviations TermMeaningAbbreviationMedication type per oralthrough the mouth PO,Otablets, syrup, powders Inhaledbreathed into the lungs inhalsprays or powders Sublingualunder the tongue SLcertain tablets Topicalon the skinTOPcreams, lotions, powders

Terms and Abbreviations TermMeaningAbbreviationMedication type Intramuscularinto the muscleIM,IMIsolutions for injections Intravenousinto the veinIV,IVIsolutions specifically for injection Per vaginainto the vaginaPVpessaries, douches Per rectuminto the rectumPRSuppositries, enemas

Drug Actions Side effects – e.g. Aspirin relieves pain but can cause irritation to the gastric mucosa,and trigger asthma Contraindications (cautioned against) – e.g. aspirin is contraindicated for people with gastric ulcers or asthma Cumulation – some drugs can accumulate in the body if taken in high doses of over a long period of time and cause toxic effects

Cumulation Digoxin is a drug used for cardiac arrhythmias. (slows & strengthens the heartbeat Digoxin can accumulate in the body causing the heart to slow down too much, as well as causing GIT upsets, dizziness, and confusion

Tolerance This occures as the body becomes accustomed to the drug so larger doses are needed over time to achieve the desired effect E.g. drugs of addiction such as Pethidine, Morphine

Common types of drugs Type of drugAction Antihistamineworks against allergies Antipyreticworks to decrease temperature (pyr/o means heat) Analgesicworks to stop pain Antifungalworks to overcome fungal infections Antibioticworks to overcome bacterial infections Anti arrhythmicworks to stop abnormal heartbeats

Common types of drugs Type of drugAction Diureticworks to increase the amount of fluids filtered by the kidneys Vaccineworks to protect the body from infectious diseases Antidepressantworks to overcome depressive illness Anti- inflammatory works to reduce inflammation in soft tissue Act 1

Dangerous drugs -2 main categories Prescription medication – can only be dispensed with a registered doctor’s prescription Over-the- counter medication- can be purcheased without a script

Medical Practices & medications Moderate supply is kept on the premises. Be aware that medications & scripts are targets for theft Poisons Act describes laws regarding storage of drugs and handling of all medications Drugs in Medical Practices are Schedule 4 and 8.These are classed as dangerous drugs You may be responsible for checking and recording stock numbers and ordering new supplies. Know your responsibility and follow policy & procedure regarding medications

Dangerous Drugs – Schedule 4 Can only be bought on prescription Include mild addictive drugs e.g. those used for sleeping disorders, as well as hormones, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory

Schedule 8 drugs Include highly addictive drugs e.g. Morphine, and Pethidine These drugs are kept in a separate lockable cupobosrd securely attached to the wall. All S8 drugs are recorded in a register which shows all transactions Any loss or theft must be reported to Pharmaceutical Services Branch

Consumer Product Information Is the written information that accompanies the medication It explains what it is when &how it should be taken possible side effects

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Is provided by the Commonwealth Government Form of subsidy – costs less to the public PBS Safety Net – after a specified maximum amount is paid per year, medication will be cheaper for the remainder of the year

MIMS Is a manual that describes all current drugs and product information Includes generic and trade names

Abbreviations Refer to notes

General Terms AnaphylaxisAn acute allergic reaction to a medication which can be life threatening depending on severity Bacteriasingle celled organisms – responsible for many infections that antibiotics are used ContraindicationsAny factor in a patient’s condition that makes it unwise to use a particular treatment HypersensitivityAbnormal reaction of theimmune system to an antigen.Only occurs on second or subsequent exposures InteractionAltered reaction of the body to one drug when another is taken at the same time ParentalA term applied to the administration of drugs or pther substances ay any route other than GIT tract