Understanding the Basics of Pharmacology

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Understanding the Basics of Pharmacology
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Pharmacology

• Study of drugs that alter body functions
• Generic name chemical name
• Brand name /Trade name

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PharmacokineticsBodys affect on drug

• Absorption incorporating drug into body
• Distribution transport to tissues
• Metabolism inactivation of drug
• Excretion elimination of drug

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Half -Life

• Time total amount of drug diminishes by one
  half
• Loading dose larger dose given rapidly to reach
  therapeutic level quickly

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Pharmacodynamics

• How drugs produce physiologic actions
• Drug action interaction between drug and
  cellular components
• Drug effect response from drug action

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Receptors

• Are located on the cell
• Are proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids
• Drug-receptor interaction can modify cell
  function /rate of function

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Ion Channel Effects

• May be opened or closed
• Causing ions to move in or out of cell
• Produces cell excitation or inhibition

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Drug Action

• Influenced by receptor type,
  location, number of sites
• Affinity Binding to given receptor site
• Efficacy After binding, initiates activity

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Agonists

• May stimulate cell function
• Produce effects similar to natural effects

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• Antagonist
• Inhibits cell function by occupying receptor sites