Pharmacology Notes
1. Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: How a drug enters the bloodstream after administration (e.g., oral, IV).

Distribution: How the drug is transported through the body, usually by blood flow.

Metabolism: How the body breaks down the drug, primarily in the liver.

Excretion: How the drug is eliminated from the body, usually via the kidneys or feces.
2. Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of Action: How the drug works to produce its effect on the body, usually through
receptor binding, enzyme inhibition, or alteration of cell function.

Therapeutic Effect: The desired and beneficial effect of the drug.

Side Effects: Unintended effects that occur alongside the therapeutic effect.

Adverse Effects: Unintended, harmful effects that may require intervention.
3. Drug Classifications

Drugs are often grouped into classes based on their similar effects or mechanisms of action, such
as:
o
Antibiotics: Treat bacterial infections (e.g., penicillin, cephalosporins).
o
Analgesics: Relieve pain (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids).
o
Antihypertensives: Lower blood pressure (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers).
o
Diuretics: Help remove excess fluid from the body (e.g., furosemide).
4. Dosage Forms

Oral: Pills, capsules, liquids taken by mouth.

Topical: Creams, ointments applied to the skin.

Parenteral: Injectable forms (e.g., IV, IM, subcutaneous).
5. Routes of Administration

Oral: Through the mouth.

Intravenous (IV): Directly into the bloodstream.

Intramuscular (IM): Injected into a muscle.

Subcutaneous: Injected under the skin.
6. Patient Safety

The Five Rights of Medication Administration:
1. Right Patient
2. Right Medication
3. Right Dose
4. Right Time
5. Right Route
7. Drug Interactions

Synergistic Effect: Two drugs that work together to enhance the overall effect.

Antagonistic Effect: One drug reduces or blocks the effect of another.

Contraindications: Specific situations where a drug should not be used due to potential harm.
8. Half-Life

The time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. This affects dosing
schedules and duration of the drug's effect.
9. Toxicity

Occurs when drug levels in the blood become too high, leading to harmful effects.
These concepts are foundational to nursing practice and are essential for safely administering and
monitoring medications.