what is a drug?
any chemical affecting living process
what is difference between pharmacology, clinical pharmacology and therapeutics?
pharmacology: study of all drugs
clinical pharmacology: study of drugs in humans
therapeutics: study of medical use of drugs
what should the ideal drug be (3 things)?
effective, safe, predictable
what are more ideal drug properties (6)?
selective
easy to administer
low cost
reversible
minimal drug interactions
chemically stable
what is the therapeutic objective of drugs?
optimize risk-benefit ratio -> maximize benefits while minimizing harm
what are the abbreviations: PO, IV, Subcut, Tx, Sx, Dx, Rx, PRN, Stat
oral
intravenous
subcutaneous
treatment/drug
surgery/symptoms
diagnosis
prescription/drugs
as required
immediately
why should we teach pharmacology to nurses?
anticipate potential drug responses
intervene promptly and effectively
defence against medication errors
improve patient care + education
what are the goals in dosage + administration?
provide trade + generic name (acetaminophen + Tylenol)
teach proper dosage, schedule, administration, storage
what are the goals in maximize therapeutic effects?
teach expected effects, inform on delays, teach non drug measures (exercise)
what are the goals in minimize therapeutic effects?
inform of potential adverse effects
what are the goals in minimize adverse interactions?
inform of potential drug-drug / drug-food interactions
what are 4 steps of pharmacological nursing process?
1. pre-administration assessment: predict therapeutic + adverse effects
2. analysis + detection: appropriateness of Rx, potential adverse effects + interactions, self-care capacity
3. planning: define therapeutic goals + priorities
4. evaluation: therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, adherence, satisfaction, quality of life
how many names do drugs have?
3
chemical: N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
generic: acetaminophen
brand: aspirin, Tylenol
best to use generic!
what are 6 stages of new drug R&D and their question answered?
drug discovery -> optimize target affinity, cytotoxicity tests
preclinical (animal tests) -> organismal toxicity, kinetic parameters
phase I: is it safe (humans)?
phase II: does it work (humans)?
phase III: better than what we already have?
IV: rare and long term adverse effects
this can take 10-25 years