AMA 109 Pharmacology
Drug Names
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Chemical Name: describes the drug’s
molecular structure – i.e.
2-(N,N-dimethylcarbamimidoyl)guanidine
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Generic Name: is the drug’s official name
(lower case, can be made by more than one
pharmaceutical company) i.e. metformin
Trade or Brand Name: registered by patent
and protected for 17 years – i.e. Glucophage
Legal Regulations
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- regulates manufacture and distribution of drugs and food
products
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Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- strong regulatory control over all controlled substances
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Controlled Substances Act
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
I – highest potential for abuse - Opium
II – high potential for abuse - Morphine
III – limited potential for dependence - Fiorinal
IV – lower potential for abuse - Valium
V – lowest potential for abuse - Lomotil
Storage and Handling
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Store in original containers
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Keep in locked cabinet
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Follow special handling i.e. refrigeration, freezing, keep in dark place,
etc..
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Drug labels indicate proper handling, always read!
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Always label drawn up medication!
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Keep medications for internal use separate from those for external use
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Always check expiration dates!
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Read the label 3 times!
Parts of a Prescription
Medication Label
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Medication Name
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Medication Strength
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Medication Use
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Expiration Date
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Manufacturer
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Medication Information
Dosage Calculations
Ratios: 3:4 = 1:2 multiply the means and the extremes
(4) (1) means (3) (2) extremes
Solve for X
30mg : 1cc = 60mg : x
1cc x 60mg = 30mg x x
60 = 30x
60/30 = x
2 = x give 2cc or 2mL
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Formula Method: Dose ordered X Quantity = Amount to give
Dose on hand
Ordered: 40mg Demerol / On hand: 80mg X Quantity: per 1mL
40/80 x 1mL = 0.5mL(cc)
Children’s Dosages by BSA (Body Surface Area):
BSA of Child x Adult Dose = Child’s Dose
1.7
0.7 (40 inches tall, weight 38 pounds) x 50mg Demerol(adult dose) = child dose
1.7
0.41 x 50 = 20.6mg Demerol for the child
* Then go to formula method to determine what is on hand to determine cc’s to give…
Medical Uses for Drugs
Medical uses for drugs:
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Therapeutic: used in treatment such as antihistamine for allergies
Diagnostic: used in radiology such as barium for x-rays
Curative: used to kill the causative agent in a disease such as antibiotics
Replacement: used to replace substances normally found in the body such as
hormones
Preventative or Prophylactic: used to lessen severity or ward off disease such
as immunizations
Ways to handle drugs:

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Prescribe: licensed practitioner gives a written prescription to be filled later
Dispense: to give medication ordered by the practitioner to be taken at another
time
Administer: to give medication by mouth, injection, etc… right then as ordered
by the practitioner
Drug Actions
In general drugs may be grouped as follows: those that act directly on
one or more tissues of the body; those that act on microorganisms; and
those that replace body chemicals.
Certain drugs have selective action: such as stimulants which increase
cell activity and depressants, which decrease cell activity.
Other drugs may have what is known as:
 Local Action – the drug acts on the area to which it is administered, i.e.
ointment for a rash

Remote Action – a drug affects a part of the body that is distant from
the site of administration, i.e. chemotherapy

Systemic Action – the drug is carried via the bloodstream throughout
the body, i.e. antibiotics
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Synergistic Action – one drug increases or counteracts the action of
another, i.e. HIV meds
FACTORS THAT AFFECT DRUG
ACTION
The four principal factors that affect drug action are: absorption,
distribution, biotransformation, and elimination. These factors depend
on the individual patient, the form and chemical composition of the drug
and the method of administration.
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Absorption is the process whereby the drug passes into the body fluids
and tissues.
Distribution is the process whereby the drug is transported from the
blood to the intended site of action, site of biotransformation, site of
storage and site of elimination.
Biotransformation is the chemical alteration that a drug undergoes in
the body.
Elimination is the process whereby the drug is excreted from the body.
Elimination occurs via the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, skin,
mucous membranes and mammary glands.
Undesirable Actions of Drugs

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Side Effect: undesirable action that may limit
usefulness
Drug Interaction: one drug potentially increases or
diminishes the action of another, (drugs may also
interact with food, alcohol, etc…)
Adverse Reaction: unfavorable or harmful
unintended action such as allergic reaction
Routes and Administration

Direct Application: lotions, creams, transdermal
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Sublingual: under the tongue, tablets, liquid, drops
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Buccal: in the cheek, tablets
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Rectal: suppositories, ointments
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Vaginal: suppositories, creams, etc…
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Inhalation: inhalers, oxygen, sprays
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Instillation: liquid, drops (eyes and ears)
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Parenteral: injections
Emergency Medications and Supplies –
Medication Errors
Some examples of emergency drugs and their use:
 Adrenalin: anaphylactic shock (vasoconstrictor)
 Albuterol: asthma (bronchodilator)
 Benadryl: allergic reaction (antihistamine)
 Compazine: relieves nausea and vomiting (antiemetic)
 Dextrose: hypoglycemia
 Hydrocortisone: suppresses swelling and shock (antiinflammatory)
 Insulin: diabetic coma
 Narcan: drug overdose (antidote)
 Nitroglycerin: angina (vasodilator)
 Oxygen: respiratory difficulties
When an error occurs:
 Recognize
 Stay calm
 Report
 Follow orders
 Document
“6 Rights” – Check the Label x 3!
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Right Drug
Check the label 3 times!!
1) when removing from storage area
2) when removing from container
3) when returning to storage or before discarding
empty container
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Dose
Route
Time
Patient
Documentation
Patient Education

Take medication exactly as directed for the prescribed duration; do
not stop unless you ask provider
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Inform the Provider of any unusual or adverse reactions
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Do not take other meds unless you ask the provider; never take another
person’s medication
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Store away from children
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Discard properly; always check expiration date

Heed warning labels; always check label of prescribed meds at
pharmacy to be sure it is correct

Be sure you understand what you are taking; ask for explanation if
needed
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Enroll in education classes if you are taking lifelong drug therapy
References
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http://www.drugs.com/top200.html
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http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=79509
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http://home.sc.rr.com/nurdosagecal/
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http://classes.kumc.edu/son/nurs420/clinical/basic_review.htm#Paren
teral%20Medications
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http://nursesaregreat.com/articles/drugcal.htm
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http://www.cdc.gov/Nip/recs/child-schedule.htm