EFFECTS OF DRUGS
Emma Ramluahpuii
2nd Semester Rollno-5
Definition
◦It is the specific changes in
the physiological function as
a result of drug interation
with a particular receptor.
Types of effects
◦Therapeutic Effects:
The drugs which are
adminstrated in the patient’s body for
treatment or relief pain. So, it is
important for a nurse to explain about
the desire effects of a medication.
For example:-Advil
◦Adverse Effects:
Also known as side
effects which are the unwanted
effects of the drugs ang have
negative effects.
◦ Local and Systemic Effects:
Local effects of the drugs are expected when they are applied
topically to the skin or mucous membrane.
For example:-Betadine
Systemic effects of the drugs are expected when they are
absorbed into the bloodstream to produce the desire effects in different
part of the body.
For example:-IV (intro-venous)
◦Toxic Effects:
High level of drug in the bloodstream
produce toxic effects. Toxic effects of the drug
occure due to te excess intake of the drug when
that is needed for a therapeutic effects .
For example:Advil
◦Synergistic Effects:
This type of effect occurs when a
combination of medication is given. It is the
interaction of two or more drugs which
leads to lesser effects or greater effects than
the effects of each drug.
◦Effects on the Cardiovascular System:
a. Arrhythmias:irrigular heartbeat
b. Hypotension:low blood pressure
c. Hypertension:high blood pressure
◦ Effects on the Blood Dyscrasias:
a. Aplastic anemia: a rare condition in which the
body is unable to produce enough blood cell.
b. Trombocytopenia: deficiency of platelets in the
blood which can also leads to internal bleeding.
c. Leukopenia: reduction of white blood cells in the
blood.
◦ Effects on the Nervous System:
a.Abnormal involuntary movement: It refers to the
uncontrollable movement and often repetitive motion
that occurs without the individual’s intentional control.
b. Depression of the central nervous system: It is the
decrease rate of breathing, decrease heart rate., loss of
consciousness and possibly leading to coma or death.
◦ Effects on the Gastro-intestinal System:
a. Irritation of the gastric mucosa: This is characterized by nausea,
vomitting and can be prevented by giving drugs.
b. Small bowel ulcerstion: Inflammation and ulcer in the digestive
tract.
c. Constipation
◦ Allergic Reaction:
Allergic reactions are another unpredictable
response to a medication, it can be either mild or severe.
A severe allergic reaction usually occurs immediately
after administration of the drug, it may also leads to
difficulties in breathing and a mild reaction has a variety
of symptom from skin rashes to diarrhea.
◦ Drug Tolerance: Repeated administration of a certain drug can
result on the decreased in their pharmacological effect.
Types:
a. Natural tolerance: due to the individual‘s genetic makeup.
b. Aquired tolerance: due to prolong exposure to a drugs.
◦ Drug Interaction:
Two or more drugs are given simultaneously which can
result in alteration in therapeutic effects of another drug, it may be
benificial or harmful effects. It can occur in :
a. In vitro (outside the body)
b. In vivo ( inside the body)
