Pharmacology

1. Pharmacology ‘Pharmac’ Medicine

2. Categories • Drugs are categorised according to function e.g. • anti inflammatories, • antihypertensives, • Antibiotics Are known as group names

3. Drugs Generic Name • Name given to individual drugs – usually relates to chemical compounds e.g. paracetamol Trade or brand name • Name given to a drug by the company that made it • Names are registered and must be written with a capitol e. Panadol • Some drugs can have many trade names

4. Routes of Administration • Drugs can be administered in a variety of ways • This depends on what type the drug is; how quickly it produces an effect & whether the patient is conscious or not • Route is described as “per” meaning through

5. Terms and Abbreviations

6. Terms and Abbreviations

7. Drug Actions • Side effects – e.g. Aspirin relieves pain but can cause irritation to the gastric mucosa,and trigger asthma • Contraindications (cautioned against) – e.g. aspirin is contraindicated for people with gastric ulcers or asthma • Cumulation – some drugs can accumulate in the body if taken in high doses of over a long period of time and cause toxic effects

8. Cumulation • Digoxin is a drug used for cardiac arrhythmias. (slows & strengthens the heartbeat • Digoxin can accumulate in the body causing the heart to slow down too much, as well as causing GIT upsets, dizziness, and confusion

9. Tolerance • This occures as the body becomes accustomed to the drug so larger doses are needed over time to achieve the desired effect • E.g. drugs of addiction such as Pethidine, Morphine

10. Common types of drugs

12. Common types of drugs

13. Dangerous drugs -2 main categories • Prescription medication – can only be dispensed with a registered doctor’s prescription • Over-the- counter medication- can be purcheased without a script

14. Medical Practices & medications • Moderate supply is kept on the premises. • Be aware that medications & scripts are targets for theft • Poisons Act describes laws regarding storage of drugs and handling of all medications • Drugs in Medical Practices are Schedule 4 and 8.These are classed as dangerous drugs • You may be responsible for checking and recording stock numbers and ordering new supplies. • Know your responsibility and follow policy & procedure regarding medications

15. Dangerous Drugs – Schedule 4 • Can only be bought on prescription • Include mild addictive drugs e.g. those used for sleeping disorders, as well as hormones, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory

16. Schedule 8 drugs • Include highly addictive drugs e.g. Morphine, and Pethidine • These drugs are kept in a separate lockable cupobosrd securely attached to the wall. • All S8 drugs are recorded in a register which shows all transactions • Any loss or theft must be reported to Pharmaceutical Services Branch

17. Consumer Product Information • Is the written information that accompanies the medication It explains • what it is • when &how it should be taken • possible side effects

18. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme • Is provided by the Commonwealth Government • Form of subsidy – costs less to the public • PBS Safety Net – after a specified maximum amount is paid per year, medication will be cheaper for the remainder of the year

19. MIMS • Is a manual that describes all current drugs and product information • Includes generic and trade names

20. Abbreviations • Refer to notes

21. General Terms