1. Understanding the Basics of Pharmacology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Agonists May stimulate cell function
Produce effects similar to natural effects

10. Antagonist Inhibits cell function by occupying receptor sites