1. Pharmacology

2. Medication
A chemical substance that is used to treat or prevent a disease or relieve pain

3. Pharmacodynamics Process by which medications work on the body.
Receptor sites are located throughout the body
Meds can stimulate a receptor (Agonist) or
Inhibit or blocks a receptor (Antagonists)
Alpha vs Beta

4. Terms Dose – Amount of drug given Indication – why we are giving it
Usually based on pt’s weight
Indication – why we are giving it
Contraindication – why we don’t give it
Action – what med is intended to do
Side effects – actions other than desired
Unintended effects – undesirable but pose little risk (nausea)
Untoward effects – effects that can be harmful (anaphylaxis)

5. Names
Generic name – simple name that identifies the medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin)
Trade Name – A brand name (Tylenol, Advil, Bayer)

6. Distribution of Medications
Prescription – must obtain from a pharmacist with a doctors order
Over The Counter (OTC) – can buy these meds at local supermarket or discount store.
Can include herbal supplements and vitamins
Street drugs- illegal drugs that are unregulated such as heroin or cocaine

7. Routes of Administration
Enteral meds – enter body through digestive tract
Per Rectum (PR) exp suppositories
Oral (PO)- by mouth (baby ASA, Oral Glucose)
Parenteral meds – enters body other than by way of digestive tract.
IM (Intramuscular) Epi
SL (sublingual) Nitro /Zofran
Inhalation – Albuterol TX, O2
IV (intravenous)
IN (Intranasal) Narcan
IO (intraosseous)
SC (subcutaneous)
Transcutaneous

9. Medication Forms Tablets or Capsules Solutions or Suspensions
Aerosal (albuterol, Metered Dose Inhalers)
Topical (creams)
Medication Patches (nitro, nicotine)
Gels
Gases

10. Six Rights of medication Administration

11. Assessment Check for allergies prior to med administration
Full set of vital signs prior to and after medication administration
Assess effectiveness
Monitor for side effects
When in doubt call medical command