Week 1 Flashcards
What is pharmacokinetics?
the science of the rate of movement of drugs within biological systems, as affected by absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of medications
What is pharmacodynamics?
the study of the biochemical and physiological processes underlying drug action
What is bioavailability?
the fraction of the administered dose of drug that reaches the systemic circulation
Expressed as F
What is volume of distribution?
volume = dose/plasma concentration
What is clearance?
volume of plasma cleared of drug per unit of time
What is half-life?
time required for serum plasma concentration to decrease by half
WHat is half life determined by?
clearance and volume of distribution
How many half lives does it take to reach steady state?
4-5
WHat is meant by linear pharmacokinetics?
concentration that results from a dose is proportional to the dose
rate of elimination is proportional to the concentration
What is meant by non-linear pharmacokinetics?
concentration that results is not proportional to dose
rate of elimination is constant regardless of amount of drug present
WHat are the key types of drug receptors?
enzyme linked
ion channel linked
g protein linked
nuclear linked
What is affinity?
measure of propensity of a drug to bind receptor
What is efficacy?
ability of a bound drug to change the receptor in a way that produces an effect
What are the core features of ADHD?
inattention and lack of persistence in activities requiring concentration
excessive activity
impulsivity
What are the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis?
apparent before the child is 7 excessive for child's age and development pervasive in more than 1 environment symptoms may worsen in the afternoon must have significant impact on life
What are some of the main genes associated with ADHD?
DRD4 receptor
SLC6A3 /DAT1
DRD5
SL6A4/5HTT
Describe the genetic-environmental interactions in ADHD
genes can either increase or reduce the impact of an environment or an environment can activate a genetic effect
genetic factors contritute to the development of behavioural symptoms on a background of high environmental adversity
What are some of the executive difficulties found with ADHD?
organisation planning working memory attention response inhibition impulse control
What are some of the comorbid associations with ADHD?
sleep disorders behavioural difficulties specific learning disabilities developmental co-ordination disorders social communication anxiety tic disorders mood difficulties
What are the first line ADHD medications?
psychostimulants - methylphenidate and dexamphetamine
What is the second line medication for ADHD?
atomoxetine
What are the third line treatments for ADHD?
clonidine and guanficine
What are the factors associated with persistence of ADHD into adulthood?
progressive reduction in cerebellar and hippocampal volumes maternal depression marital discord negative parent-child interaction family socio-economic disadvantage familial ADHD
Describe dopamine neurotransmission relative to ADHD
enhances signal improves attention focus on task behaviour on task cognition