Principles of Pharmacology Flashcards
(24 cards)
Purposes of Medications
List 3
- Correct/decrease disease severity
- Manage life threats
- Reduce patient discomfort
Pharmacology
Definition
the scientific study of how various substances interact with or alter the function of living organisms
What is the purpose of the FDA?
Approve new medications and remove unsafe medications from use
Schedule I drugs
High potential for abuse with no medical application
heroin, LSD, cannibis
Schedule II drugs
High potential for abuse, however serve a medical purpose
Pain medications (morphine, demerol, oxycodone are examples)
Schedule III drugs
Less potential for abuse than Schedule II, used for medical purpose
Ketamine, tylenol #3 (with codeine) are examples
Schedule IV drugs
Less potential for abuse than Schedule III, low risk of dependence
xanax (alprazolam), ativan (lorazepam) are examples
Schedule V drugs
Lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV, may have small amounts of narcotics in them
Robitussin AC (guaifenesin & codeine) lomotil (diphenoxylate & atropine)
What are the 3 medication names for every drug?
Chemical
Brand
Generic
Chemical: 4-chloro- N -furfuryl-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid
Generic: furosemide, Brand: Lasix
What is the purpose of TALL man lettering?
To differentiate sound-alike/look-alike medications
Improves patient safety
Use/indication
The reason a medication is given
Category or class of medication
How a medication is grouped
Ex: Analgesics (treat pain), anxiolytics (treat anxiety)
Mechanism of action
How a medication creates the desired response
Pregnancy risk factor
Categorizes potential risk to a fetus
Contraindications
Conditions, diseases or other medication interactions which are likely to cause an undesirable effect
Available forms
How the medicine is manufactured or distributed
Packaging, vials, syringes
Dosage
Recommended dose or volume to be given to a patient as well as the routes of delivery
Administration and monitoring considerations
Specific things a clinician should watch for in response to the medication
Potential incompatibilities
Problems which may occur if medications are mixed together
Typically refers to liquid medications in IV or nebulized form
Adverse effects
Abnormal or harmful responses to a medication
May be functional or anatomic
What does an ACE inhibitor do?
ACE = angiotensin converting enzyme
Inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
decreases blood pressure and afterload
What body system do ACE inhibitors work on?
Kidneys
Specifically, the Renin-Angiotensin system
What are Calcium Channel Blockers used for?
Hypertension and some dysrhythmias
Why do we give low dose Aspirin?
It prevents platelet coagulation
