Intro to pharmacology
Define pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, drugs, and medicines.
-Pharmacology/pharmacotherapy: the study or science of drugs
-Drug: any chemical that affects the process of living organisms
-Medicine: drugs used in the preventions or treatment of illness
Describe the process of drug development.
Preclinical investigational drug studies: can take years and tons of billions
Phase 1: safety "healthy volunteer" to test the drug and closely monitor. 100 healthy individual age 25-50
monitor side effects
Phase 2: effective; comparing the groups checking for symptoms and less variables whether it works or
not. 100-500 individuals.
Phase 3: effectiveness, safety, dosage range: larger group- blind (pt. Doesn't know the pill they're taking)
or double blind (pt. And as well as the physician doesn't know the pill) 1000-3000 individuals
Phase 4: post marketing studies- still research the medication even after its open to public (if after the
exposure to public, they find something the medication could be taken down)
Describe the purpose of drug legislation and standards in Canada.
The food and drugs act is the primary legislation that protects consumers from contaminated/adulthered
unsafe drugs and labeling practices. Regulates the advertising and sale of food, drugs, cosmetics and
medical devices.
Describe the role of the nurse
Nurses role:
assessment:
-physical assessment,
-lab reports,
-health history,
-current medical condition,
-diet history,
-vital signs,
-cognitive abilities,
-knowledge level & learning needs,
-current medication profile (prescription...),
-alcohol/ tobacco caffeine use, -allergic or unusual
response to medications,
-swallowing ability,
-motor skills, attitude regarding --medication- SES/Financial concerns
Interventions:
-receiving order,
-transcription and
-communication of orders,
-accurate dose calculations and measurement,
-correct administration (5R),
-recording medication
-administration,
teaching.
Evaluation: monitor responses to a medication on an ongoing basis. Determine whether the goal was met
or not? Ex: 30 minutes later you go back and ask how the pain is now.
Describe valid sources of information about medications and drug therapy.
CPS: compendium of pharmaceuticals & specialities.
The pharmacist,
package inserts,
labels on medication containers, electronic database or websites. Nursing drug handbooks.
Drug therapy monograph in the CPS
Distinguish among the major drug classifications.
-By the body system they affect ex: drugs affecting that GI tract, or the CNS
-By the therapeutic use ex: pain reliever or anti anginal or decongestant (stuffy nose)
-By their physiologic action ex: calcium channel blocker, proton pump indicator
Describe adverse drug events including adverse drug reactions
- Adverse effects or side effects: expected well known reactions, resulting in little or no change in client
management. Effects resolve after drug is discontinued
- Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions: immune response to medications. Occurs when a person becomes
sensitized to an initial dose of medication. Repeated doses can result in allergic reactions. Reactions may
be mild; itchy/rash/hives=urticaria to life threatening (anaphylaxis)
-Idiosyncratic reactions: unusual, unexpected and unpredictable reactions to a medication particular to a
client (other than an allergic reaction). Often genetically determined (G6PD deficiency); enzymes some
people have and some food enzyme that they lack
-Teratogenic effects: teratogenic are substances that cause structural defects in the fetus. A medication
that induces malformations in the developing fetus is considered "teratogenic". What stage of pregnancy
is the fetus most vulnerable?- first trimester.
-Carcinogenic effects: the ability of a medications to cause living cells mutate and become cancerous
-Mutagenic effect: causes permanent changes in genetic composition of living organisms. After the
number and chromosome structure or the genetic code of DNA
why do nursing students need to study pharmacology?
- to avoid errors
- to understand the therapeutic use and potential toxicity of drugs
- to be able to educate our clients
chemical name
- an exact description of the drugs composition and molecular structure
Generic or common name
ex: acetaminophen
- the official name given by the manufacturer who first develops the medication
Brand Name or Trade Name
- the name under which a manufacturer markets the medication
ex: tylenol (brand name) and tempra both are acetaminophen (generic name)
generic vs. trade medication
- must be identical: must have the same amount of active ingredients, in the same quanity
what can vary?
- inactive ingredients (flavors, preservatives, filler, etc) - shape, color, marking, generic is cheaper 45%
role of the nurse
person administering the medication 5R
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