Pharmacology

Question 1

What is pharmacology

Answer 1

the study of drugs - their sources, nature, actions, effects and uses

Question 2

define a drug

Answer 2

any substance causing physiological changes, whether legal/illegal, medicinal/recreational, natural/synthetic

Question 3

what are the 3 types of drug names

Answer 3

Trade (brand), generic, chemical

Question 4

what are the 4 pharmacokinetic processes

Answer 4

Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME)

Question 5

where does metabolism mostly occur

Answer 5

in the liver

Question 6

how are drugs mostly excreted

Answer 6

via the kidneys (urine)

Question 7

what is the first pass-effect

Answer 7

metabolism of oral drugs by the liver before systemic circulation

Question 8

how does asprin relieve pain

Answer 8

by inhibiting COX enzymes

Question 9

define efficacy

Answer 9

the maximum effect a drug can produce

Question 10

define potency

Answer 10

the amount of drug needed to produce a given effect

Question 11

define selectivity

Answer 11

how selectivity a drug targets specific receptors / enzymes

Question 12

define specificity

Answer 12

how exclusively a drug binds to its intended target

Question 13

what are indications and contraindications

Answer 13

indications: conditions the drug is used to treat
contraindications: conditions where the drug should not be used

Question 14

what are adverse drug reactions (ADR’s)

Answer 14

harmful or unintended effects at normal doses

Question 15

what is bioavailability

Answer 15

percentage of a a drug that reaches systemic circulation

Question 16

define half life

Answer 16

time for plasma concentration to reduce by 50%

Question 17

how long to reach steady-state concentration

Answer 17

about 4-5 half lives

Question 18

what affects absorption

Answer 18

absorbing surface, chemical structure, membrane crossing

Question 19

what is distribution

Answer 19

movement of drug to tissues via bloodstream

Question 20

what affects drug activity in plasma

Answer 20

binding to plasma proteins (only free drug is active)

Question 21

what are the 4 main drug targets

Answer 21

receptors, enzymes, carrier molecules, Ion channels

Question 22

what do agonists and antagonists do

Answer 22

agonists: activate receptors
antagonists: block receptors

Question 23

what is competitive enzyme inhibition

Answer 23

drug competes for the active site, reversible

Question 24

what is non-competitive enzyme inhibition

Answer 24

drug binds elsewhere, alters enzyme shape, not reversible by adding substrate

Question 25

what routes are enteral and what is the advantages / disadvantages of these routes

Answer 25

oral, sublingual, rectal +: easy, safe, non-invasive, self administered -: slower onset, first pass metabolism, affected by GI factors

Question 26

why use IV to administer drugs

Answer 26

immediate effect, emergency use

Question 27

why use IM

Answer 27

slower than IV, useful for sustained release

Question 28

why are sublingual routes used

Answer 28

rapid absorption, bypasses the liver

Question 29

why use rectal

Answer 29

when oral route not possibel, partial liver bypass

Question 30

why use topical

Answer 30

local effect, minimal systemic absorption

Question 31

why use inhaler

Answer 31

direct lung delivery, fast local action

Question 32

why use vaginal route

Answer 32

local or systemic delivery, GI bypass

Question 33

what is sustained release

Answer 33

gradual drug release, longer effect, fewer doses

Question 34

what is enteric coated

Answer 34

protects drug from stomach acid, dissolves in intestine

Question 35

advantages of capsules

Answer 35

easier to swallow, taste masking

Question 36

what affects rate of drug action

Answer 36

route of administration and drug formulation