Introduction to Basic Pharmacology and Selected Therapies

1. Introduction to Basic Pharmacology and Selected Therapies Chapter 16 Pgs 218-230

2. Overview • Basic principles of drugs • Administration and distribution of drugs • Drugs and receptors • Prescription and medication orders • Other common traditional forms of therapy • Physiotherapy • Occupational therapy • Speech/language pathologist • Nutritionist/dietitian • Complementary or alternative therapies • Osteopathy • Chiropractic • Homeopathy • Aromatherapy • Asian concepts of disease and healing • acupuncture

3. Basic Principles • Pharmacology • Sources of drugs • Natural • Synthesized

4. Drug • Substances that alters biologic activity • Prescribed for many reasons: • To promote healing • To cure disease • To control or slow progress of disease • To prevent disease • To decrease risk of complications • To increase comfort level • As replacement therapy • To decrease excessive activity in body

5. Drug Effects • Exerts therapeutic action by stimulating or inhibiting cell function • Block effects of biochemicals in tissue • Have physical/mechanical action • Classified by primary pharmacologic action and effect • Indications vs. contraindications • Side effects vs. adverse effects

6. Specific Forms of Adverse Effects • Hypersensitivity • Idiosyncratic reactions • Iatrogenic reactions • Teratogenic • Interactions • Synergism • Antagonism • Potentiation

7. Administration and Distribution of Drugs • 1st consideration is dosage • Amt required to produce specific desired effect in an adult • “loading dose” • Should not increase prescribed dose (Duh!) • Freq important in maintaining approp blood levels • Dosing schedule based on: • Absorption • Transport in blood • ½ life of drug

8. Factors affecting blood levels

9. Factors Affecting Blood Levels of Drug • Also dependent on individual’s: • Circulation • Age • Weight • Ability to metabolize and excrete drug • What organs have that responsibility? • Genetic factors • State of health/illness

10. Administration and Distribution of Drugs • Drug enters body  blood  target site  exerts effect  metabolized & secreted • Routes for administration • Orally • Parenterally • Inhalation • Topical • Rectal

11. Drug Circulation • Often bound to plasma proteins • Some of drug may follow different pathway • Enters target tissue/organ  ISF  exerts effect • Blood brain barrier

12. Drug Absorption, Distribution, & Excretion

13. Drugs and Receptors • Many in body • Respond to natural substances • Enzymes • Hormones • NT • Electrolyte • Many meds at receptor sites in cells or on cell membrane • Stimulate receptor (agonist) • Block receptor (antagonist)

14. Drug Receptor Sites

15. Prescription and Medication Orders • Prescription is a legal signed document • Must include: • Pt’s name, address, age • Prescriber’s name, address, identification • Date • Name of drug, amount, dosage, route, directions, # refills • Has chemical name, generic name, trademark name • FDA regulates • OTC • Official schedules

16. Clinical Research • Preliminary studies • Trials • Research • Experimental group • Control group (placebo)

17. Physiotherapist • Assess physical function and words to restore any deficit and prevent further dysfunction • Pts with acute neurologic, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary disorders • Rehabilitation and long-term care

18. Occupational Therapy • Provide a functional assessment of pt. capabilities related to normal activities of daily living (ADL) • Goal is to assist in max. func. & indep.

19. Speech/Language Pathologist • Specialist in assessment and treatment of those with communication and swallowing problems • Infants  elderly

20. Nutritionist/Dietitian • Advise to individuals and groups • On nutritional demands • Food management best suited to diagnosis • Consulted regarding extreme diets, anorexia

21. Alternative Therapies • Considered to be on outside range of traditional Western medication • Many have roots in Asia • Emphasis on preserving healthy lifestyle • Holistic approach • Increase in usage • Varying degrees of training, professional regulation

22. Osteopathy • Medical Drs. • Use traditional treatments and procedures • Also promote body’s natural healing processes

23. Chiropractic • I love them!!!! • Based on concept that one’s health status depends on state of N.S.

24. Homeopathy • Goal is to stimulate the immune system and natural healing power in the body

25. Aromatherapy • Essential oils extracted from plants • Rubbed on skin, inhaled • Chamomile  calming, sleep-inducing • Lavender  soothe headache, calming • Eucalyptus  stress reliever • Rosemary  relieves muscle and joint pain

26. Asian Concepts of Disease & Healing • Based on balance (or imbalance) of life energy • Called qi • Disease caused by excess/deficit of qi • Qi derived from three sources • Inherited or ancestral factors • Food ingested • Air breathed in

27. Asian Concepts • Imbalance between yin and yang • Caused by changes in • Diet • Stress • Metabolism • Activity • Environment

28. Asian Concepts • Meridians • Specific channels in body • Qi flows along them • May be located far from organ from which it is named • All bilateral except: • Midline anterior (conception vessel) • Midline posterior (governor’s vessel)

29. Asian Concepts • Acupoints • To access qi and it’s flow • Each has specific action or property • Moving qi or blood, decrease pain, heating, cooling, drying, calming, emotions • Disharmony may involve many acupoints and meridians

30. Acupuncture • Chinese therapy (3000 years old) • Involves inserting very fine needles into merdian acupoints • Classically 365 acupoints • Only 150 used today • Each point has specific therapeutic action • Treatment • 5-15 needles • Connected to low-level electrical current • Period of 30-45 min