Drug Classification

Question 1

Define ‘MOA’

Answer 1

“Mechanism of Action”: how drugs biochemically work in the body to produce the intended effect

Question 2

Difference between pharmacologic vs therapeutic drug classification?

Answer 2

Pharmacologic: grouping based on how they work–MOA, essentially. (Ex: beta blockers)

Therapeutic: grouping based on what they’re intended to treat. (Ex: antidepressants)

Question 3

Controlled Substance C-1 and C-2 drugs (give examples, name abuse potential)

Answer 3

C-1: heroin, marijuana, LSD, psilocybin, meth (‘abuse potential high’, no medical use lol)
C-2: Codeine, cocaine, most opiates (AP high)

Question 4

C-3 and C-4 drugs (name examples, abuse potential)

Answer 4

C-3: Codeine combined w/ other drugs like acetaminophen (AP less than C2)
C-4: Phenobarbital, benzos (“-pams”, tramadol (AP less than C3)

Question 5

C-5 drugs (name examples, abuse potential)

Answer 5

C-5: OTC meds for cough relief, diarrhea control–contain small amounts of opioids (AP less than C4)

Question 6

FDA phases of approval

Answer 6

I: cell/animal studies
II: few people
III: more people
IV: ‘post market’ (“after 10 years of use…”)

Question 7

Black Box Warnings (3 classes)

Answer 7

Class 1: severe side effect will occur
Class 2: treatable side effect may occur
Class 3: possibility of side effect, esp for certain populations

Question 8

“5 Rights” of med admin

Answer 8

Right…
-Medication
-Patient
-Dose
-Route/form
-Time
+DOCUMENTATION

Question 9

3 Checks of med admin

Answer 9

-check the drug in MAR
-check drug when preparing
-check before administering (2 identifiers)

Question 10

Polypharmacy

Answer 10

A patient with multiple prescriptions that might conflict each other