KNR 365Pharmacology

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

WebMDhttp://www.webmd.com/

• 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?