CONCEPTS OF PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS.pptx

The concept of Pharmacology and therapeutics

1. CONCEPTS OF PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS Pharmacology is derived from Greek word “ Pharmakon ” meaning drug or medicine and “logy” meaning science . It is the science that deals with the study of drugs including their origin, chemical structures, preparation, administration, action, metabolism and excretion.

2. Significance of Pharmacology In Nursing To gain adequate knowledge about the mechanism of action of the various drugs ( pharmaco -dynamics) on the living human body tissue. To know the various classifications or groups to which these drugs belong to enhance quick application of the drugs to diverse clinical manifestations presented by the patients. To apply their knowledge of mathematics in determining the correct doses (dosages) of drugs based on age, body weight, severity of the illness or infection etc. in order to bring the desired effects. To accustom the nurse to the expected or undesired side effects that these drugs can bring upon the human body and how to remedy i.e give antidotes to counteract or neutralize the side effects of the given drugs.

3. 5. To familiarize the nurse with the various ways (route) by which drugs can enter the body tissues, including the advantages and disadvantages of these routes before drugs are administered in order to achieve their desired effects. 6. To enable the nurse know the necessary precautions to take before and while administering the drugs either to avert any danger or to enhance the good effects of the drugs. 7. Enable the nurse to know the various terminologies, forms of drugs and its applications in the health industry. 8. To equip the nurse with concepts of drug abuse and addiction, including their prevention as well as the management of patients with drug abuse and addiction.

4. 9. To adequately equip nurses concerning the administration and legal controls of dangerous and poisonous drugs to reduce or eradicate negligence and irresponsibilities in drug administration. 10. To equip nurses with knowledge concerning the factors that can influence the effects of drugs on the body tissues. E.g. Body weight, age, sex, immunological status, psychological, pathological factors etc.

5. SOME COMMON TERMINOLOGIES USED IN PHARMACOLOGY Therapeutics is the application of drugs and other measures in the treatment of disease. Pharmacotherapeutic is the use of drugs to prevent, diagnose, or treat signs, symptoms, and disease processes. Pharmacy is the scientific study of how drugs are presented in a form suitable for administration to patients. I t can also be defined as a place where medicinal drugs are stored and dispensed. Pharmacist is a person who is qualified to prepare and dispense medicinal drugs.

6. Drug is any chemical substance which when taken changes normal body functions. Thus a chemical used in the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of diseases. A drug has two main biological properties: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokineticcs . Drugs and medication are synonymous. A medication is a chemical preparation, which usually but not necessarily contains one or more drugs, administered with the intention of producing a therapeutic effect. Drug abuse – this describes the self-direct use of drug for therapeutic or non-therapeutic purposes; a practice that does not comply with the pharmacopeia culture or norms. Drug dependence – Is a strong psychological and or physical need to take a certain drug.

7. Drug misuse – this is the improper use of common drugs that can lead to acute, or chronic toxicity with such problems as GIT bleeding, kidney damage and many more. A recreational drug – it is the one used for pleasant psychological or physical effect with no therapeutic intent. Strength is the amount/quantity of active ingredients contained in a drug. For example, Amoxicillin comes in 250mg and 500mg strengths. A dose is the amount of the drug to be administered to the patient.

8. Dosage is the total quantity of medication to be administered over a period of time to produce the desired effect e.g. Tab. Paracetamol 500mg t.i.d x 5 A prescription drug can only be used safely under the supervision of a health care professional who is licensed to prescribe or dispense drugs according to a country’s law. Such drugs cannot be purchased without prescription. A non-prescription drug (over-the-counter, or OTC drug) can be used by consumers safely without the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner, provided consumers follow the directions. A controlled drug may lead to drug abuse or drug dependence and therefore its use is controlled by law.

9. Pharmaco -vigilance: i s the pharmacological science relating to the collection, detection, and prevention of adverse effects to pharmaceutical products. Idiosyncratic effects – these are the unpredictable and inexplicable symptoms caused by a genetic effect in the client that alters the way in which he/she responds to a medication. Allergic reaction – this results from an immunologic response to a medication to which the client has been sensitive. A foreign substance or antigen has been introduced into the body and body respond by producing antibodies

10. Medication interaction – occurs when effect of medication are altered by a concurrent effect presence of either medication or food. Medication interaction may results in potential action, synergism or antagonism . The nurse must be aware of drug interaction with other medication and foods to protect the client from harmful effects. E.g. Metronidazole and alcohol, tetracycline and milk. Placebo - Is any treatment, medication, surgical or diagnostic procedure or nursing action that elicits a client’s response simply because of its intent rather than its known active properties. Examples include lactose sugar, distilled water, normal saline or a small dose of innocuous substance such as a vitamin. Tonics are substances or medicine that increases ones strength or energy, taken especially after an illness.