Pharmacology Exam Blueprint: Key Concepts and Study Guide
Pharmacology Exam Blueprint
1. Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics: The science of dealing with interactions between living organisms and foreign chemicals. What does the drug do to the body?
- Receptor Site
Pharmacokinetics: The study of absorption, distribution, metabolism (biotransformation), and excretion of drugs. What does the body do to the drug?
- Absorption – Route
- Distribution – Lipid soluble
- Metabolism – Liver
- Excretion – Kidney
- Onset of drug action – How long it takes to feel the
Understanding Analgesics: Opioids, NSAIDs, and Aspirin
Analgesics are symptomatic medications that decrease the perception of pain without affecting its cause. They are broadly divided into:
Opioid Analgesics
These act centrally (in the CNS) to alleviate severe pain.
Non-Opioid Analgesics
These act peripherally (in the PNS) and are often used in dental pathologies.
Further Classification of Non-Opioid Analgesics:
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antipyretics: These have antipyretic action and little to
Analgesics: Non-Opioid and Opioid Medications
Non-Opioid Analgesics
There is a correlation between dosage and distribution throughout the day.
Contraindications:
- Gastroduodenal Pathology
- Blood Dyscrasias
- History of allergy to aspirin
Antipyretics with Little or No Anti-inflammatory Activity
1. Paracetamol: An analgesic and antipyretic with efficacy similar to that of Aspirin, but without anti-inflammatory action.
Pharmacokinetics
- Rapid gastrointestinal absorption. Peak serum concentrations are attained within 45 minutes.
- Good Histic diffusion (of fabrics)
Immunosuppressants and Antihistamines: Uses and Side Effects
Immunosuppressive Drugs: Patient Education
Preventing Infection
When taking immunosuppressive drugs, it’s crucial to prevent infection by:
- Practicing exhaustive hand-washing.
- Avoiding crowds whenever possible.
- Avoiding contact with people who have active infections.
Managing Renal Insufficiency
To control renal insufficiency:
- Monitor urine production.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.
- Avoid consumption of grapefruit juice.
Cyclosporine: Side Effects and Interactions
Most Common Side Effect
Renal impairment,
Read MoreAntiparkinsonian Medication: Nursing & Patient Care
Nursing Diagnoses in Patients on Antiparkinsonian Drugs
- Risk of falls: Related to dyskinesia, loss of balance, and orthostatic hypotension.
- Knowledge deficit: Regarding medication management.
- Constipation: A common side effect of some antiparkinsonian medications.
Dietary Recommendations for Antiparkinsonian Treatment
Rationale: Optimizing medication absorption and minimizing interactions.
- Take medication on an empty stomach. Food can be taken 15-20 minutes later to reduce gastric distress.
- Avoid taking
Opioids and NSAIDs: Mechanisms, Actions, and Effects
Opioids: Neuroanatomic Basis of Pain
Pain stimulus, receptors, thermoreceptors, mechano, chemo, polymodal. Nerve fibers – A, C – SNC.
Analgesia
State of inhibition or suppression of pain without loss of sensory capacity; consciousness is unaltered.
Endogenous Opioid System
- Peptides endogenous antigens: proopiomelacortina derived from the proenkephalin and the prodynorphin.
- Widely distributed in the body.
Opioid Receptors
Mu (?), kappa (k), sigma (or), and delta (A) receptor subtypes exist. Present in CNS,
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