Unit 7 Pharmacodymanics

the study of what the drug does to the body

The desired or intended effect of a particular medication

How the drug works in the body to produce the therapeutic effect

undesirable effects other than the intended therapeutic effect

Weigh risks vs. benefits

immune system response, body interprets drug as foreign and forms antibodies

•Reaction can occur immediately or after hours/days
–Skin erythema and rash
–Bronchoconstriction, tachycardia, anaphylaxis

•Nausea/vomiting not usually considered allergy
(is an intolerance)

body becomes accustomed to the effects of a particular drug over a period of time. Larger doses of the same drug must be taken to produce the desired effect

physiologic/physical or psychologic need for a drug

occurs when 1 drug is affected in some way by another drug, food, or other substance

More drugs =

specific group of symptoms related to drug therapy that carry risk for permanent damage or death

implies chemical-driven liver damage.

is a poisonous effect of some substances, both toxic chemicals and medication, on the kidneys

unusual response to drug related to patient’s genetic makeup

Over response, under response, opposite response

Example: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)

Category A

No risk to animal fetus, human unknown
(vitamins, tylenol)

Adverse effects in animals, human unknown (vitamin B12)

Fetal risk. Risk vs. benefit may be warranted (diazapam)

Positive risks – fetal abnormalities. Should not be used (accutane)

–Expectation of medication
–Placebo

Metabolize drugs faster or slower

•time required for drug to elicit a therapeutic response
–Differs based on route (IV fastest)

time required for a drug to reach its maximum therapeutic response

length of time drug concentration is sufficient to elicit a therapeutic response

•highest blood level of a drug
–If too high, toxicity may occur
–Blood drawn 30-60 minutes after dose is
completed

• lowest blood level of a drug
–If too low, may not have any therapeutic effect
–Blood drawn 30 minutes before dose

peak and trough values are measured to verify adequate drug exposure, maximize therapeutic effects, and minimize drug toxicity

•amount of time it takes for 50% of the blood concentration of a drug to be eliminated from the body
–Measure of the rate at which the drug is eliminated from the body

concentration of drug in the blood serum that produces the desired effect without causing
toxicity

•Some medications have a ________ therapeutic range
–Digoxin (0.5-2 ng/ml)
–Dilantin (10-20 mcg/ml)
–Warfarin (varies- INR 2.5-3.5)

ALL __________ given in a healthcare setting require an order from a licensed practitioner
–Even OTC

–Standing order
–PRN order
–One time use order
–Stat order

–Patient’s full name
–Date and time
–Name of drug
–Dosage & Route
–Frequency
•30 minute rule
–Signature of person writing order, with title
•Verbal order/telephone order