1. Intro to Pharmacology

2. What is Pharmacology?
The science of pharmacology involves the action of drugs on humans and animals.
The aim of drug therapy is to diagnose, treat, cure, or lessen the symptoms of disease.
The study of pharmacology applies properties and knowledge of drugs, mechanism of drug action, anatomy and physiology, and pathology,

3. Key Areas and Terms in Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics – study of the action of drugs on living tissue
Pharmacokinetics – study of the process of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
Pharmacotherapeutics – study of the use of drugs in the treatment of disease
Pharmacy – science of preparing and dispensing medication
Posology – study of the amount of drug required to produce therapeutic effects
Toxicology – study of the harmful effects of drugs on living tissue

4. What is a drug?
A drug is any substance that can cause a change in function when administered in a living organism.

5. Therapeutic Effect Side Effect Adverse Effects Toxic Effects
Intended Effect
Not necessarily harmful
- May be harmful
With prolonged use, may effect function of vital organs
Reduction in dosage or switching can minimize harmful consequences
All drugs will act as a poison when taken in excess
Can be life threatening
Drug must be stopped

6. N-Methyl-3-phenyl-propylamine
Drug Nomenclature
All drugs are identified by a generic name, a chemical name, and a proprietary (brand) name.
The official name of the drug is the generic name. Usually a contraction of the chemical name.
The chemical name describes the molecular structure of the drug.
The proprietary (brand/trade) name is assigned by the drug manufacturer.
Prozac
Fluoxetine HCl
N-Methyl-3-phenyl-propylamine

7. A drug can have many brand names as there are manufacturers producing it! Ex. Naproxen Sodium (generic name) Trade Names: Naprelan, Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox

8. Examples of Generic, Chemical, and Brand Names
Generic Name
Chemical Name
Brand Name
Fluoxetine HCl
N-methyl-3-phenyl-propylamine
Prozac
Acetaminophen
4-Hydroxyacetanilide
Tylenol
Ibuprofen
2-p-Isobutylphenyl-propionic acid
Motrin

9. Comparison Between Brand Name Drugs and Generic Drugs
The inventor of a new drug may apply for patent protection. If awarded, the manufacturer is given up to 20 years exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the new drug.
Once the drug is off the patent, other drug companies may manufacture a generic equivalent.
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as the original manufacturer’s drug, in the same strength. However, generic drugs may contain different inactive ingredients, which may affect how much of the drug is available to the body.

10. Drug Safety
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established guidelines that govern the approval of drugs.
Before approval, each drug must fulfill two requirements:
Efficacy – proof of its effectiveness
Safety – Specific criteria as determined by extensive animal testing and controlled human testing

11. Routes of Administration

12. Routes of Administration
Appropriate administration route depends on:
The available dosage form of the drug
The patient’s age
The patient’s condition (LOC, etc.)

13. Oral (PO)
Most convenient and most commonly used route of administration
Advantages:.
Examples: Tablets, capsules, liquids
Infants can be given drugs in liquid form
Unconscious patients can receive meds
with NG tube
Disadvantages:
Some cannot be given orally as they become inactivated by stomach acid
Some can combine chemically with certain foods or beverages to produce adverse side effects (tetracycline and dairy)

14. Parenternal Any route of administration other than the oral route
Intradermal
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Intravenous
Sublingual
Rectal
Vaginal
Topical
Transdermal
Inhalation

15. Subcutaneous
Injection of a liquid into the fatty layer of tissue just below the dermis of the skin but above the muscle layer
Slower absorption of the drug because of fewer blood vessels in the layer (Insulin, Heparin, Allergy shots)
Common abbreviations (s.q., SQ, subQ, S.C.)

16. Intramuscular Injection of liquid into the belly of a large muscle
More rapid absorption than subcutaneous
Only 5 injection sites that allow for administration with lowest risk of damage to adjacent nerves and vessels
Deltoid
Vastus Lateralis
Rector Femoris
Ventrogluteal
Dorsogluteal

17. Intravenous Injection of drug directly into the vein
Effect can be seen immediately
Drug does not need to be absorbed
Examples:
Valium for control of continual seizures
Chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment
Pentothal for induction of general anesthesia

18. Sublingual
Drug, usually in tablet form, is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly
NOT swallowed
Faster therapeutic effect than the oral route
Example:
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray for angina

19. Rectal
Reserved for certain clinical situations, such as a vomiting patient and medication not available in injectable form
Preferred route when drugs are administered to relieve constipation or hemorrhoids
Absorption is slow and often unpredictable in effectiveness

20. Topical
Applied directly to the skin or the mucous membranes of the eye, ear, nose, or mouth
Effect usually local, not systemic
Examples:
Bacitracin Antibiotic
Timoptic Eye drops

21. Transdermal
Applied to the skin via physical delivery through a porous membrane
Effects felt systemically
Release of drug over time, providing sustained therapeutic blood levels
Example:
Nitroglycerin transdermal patch

22. Inhalation
Administration involves inhaling of a drug in gas or liquid form
Absorbed through the alveoli of the lunges
Example:
Albuterol for Asthma (Bronchodialator)