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Pharmacology Basics

The document provides an overview of basic pharmacology principles, including drug classifications, pharmacokinetics, medication safety, and common drug categories with nursing considerations. It details various drug classes such as analgesics, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and emergency drugs, along with their specific risks and monitoring requirements. Key information on drug routes, onset of action, and the '6 Rights' of medication administration is also included.

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trez lazala
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2 views

Pharmacology Basics

The document provides an overview of basic pharmacology principles, including drug classifications, pharmacokinetics, medication safety, and common drug categories with nursing considerations. It details various drug classes such as analgesics, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and emergency drugs, along with their specific risks and monitoring requirements. Key information on drug routes, onset of action, and the '6 Rights' of medication administration is also included.

Uploaded by

trez lazala
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHARMACOLOGY REVIEWER

Page 1: Basic Pharmacology Principles

1. Drug Classifications

●​ Analgesics (Pain Relievers) → Opioids, NSAIDs, Acetaminophen


●​ Antibiotics (Infection Treatment) → Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Macrolides
●​ Antihypertensives (Lower BP) → Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel
blockers
●​ Diuretics (Increase Urine Output) → Loop, Thiazide, Potassium-sparing
●​ Anticoagulants (Prevent Clots) → Heparin, Warfarin
●​ Hypoglycemics (Diabetes Meds) → Insulin, Metformin
●​ Psychotropics (Mental Health Drugs) → Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anxiolytics

2. Pharmacokinetics (ADME)

●​ Absorption: How drugs enter the bloodstream (oral, IV, IM, SQ).
●​ Distribution: Transport of drugs to body tissues.
●​ Metabolism: Breakdown of drugs (mainly in the liver).
●​ Excretion: Drug elimination (mainly via kidneys).

3. Drug Routes & Onset of Action

●​ IV (Intravenous): Fastest onset (seconds-minutes).


●​ IM (Intramuscular): Moderate onset (10–30 minutes).
●​ SQ (Subcutaneous): Slower absorption (30 minutes–hours).
●​ PO (Oral): Slowest onset (30 minutes–2 hours).

4. Medication Safety (6 Rights)

●​ Right Patient
●​ Right Medication
●​ Right Dose
●​ Right Route
●​ Right Time
●​ Right Documentation

Page 2: Common Drug Categories & Nursing Considerations


1. Analgesics (Pain Relievers)

●​ NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin)


○​ GI bleeding risk → Give with food.
○​ Avoid in renal disease.
●​ Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
○​ Max dose: 4g/day (risk of liver damage).
●​ Opioids (Morphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone)
○​ Respiratory depression risk.
○​ Antidote: Naloxone (Narcan).

2. Antibiotics

●​ Penicillins (Amoxicillin, Ampicillin)


○​ Check for allergy (rash, anaphylaxis).
●​ Cephalosporins (Cephalexin, Ceftriaxone)
○​ Cross-allergy with Penicillin.
●​ Macrolides (Azithromycin, Erythromycin)
○​ QT prolongation → Risk of arrhythmia.
●​ Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin)
○​ Tendon rupture risk.

3. Cardiovascular Drugs

●​ Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol)


○​ Bradycardia risk → Hold if HR <60 bpm.
●​ ACE Inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril, Captopril)
○​ Side effect: Dry cough, angioedema.
●​ Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Diltiazem)
○​ Watch for hypotension & edema.
●​ Diuretics (Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone)
○​ Monitor potassium levels.

4. Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets

●​ Heparin
○​ Monitor aPTT (normal: 30–40 sec, therapeutic: 1.5–2x normal).
○​ Antidote: Protamine sulfate.
●​ Warfarin (Coumadin)
○​ Monitor INR (therapeutic: 2–3).
○​ Antidote: Vitamin K.
Page 3: Endocrine, Psychiatric, & Emergency Drugs

1. Endocrine Drugs

●​ Insulin Types:​

○​ Rapid-acting (Lispro, Aspart): Onset 15 min, peak 1 hour.


○​ Short-acting (Regular): Onset 30 min, peak 2–3 hours.
○​ Intermediate (NPH): Onset 1–2 hours, peak 6–12 hours.
○​ Long-acting (Glargine, Detemir): No peak, lasts 24 hours.
●​ Oral Hypoglycemics (Metformin, Sulfonylureas)​

○​ Metformin: Hold 48 hours before contrast tests (risk of lactic acidosis).

2. Psychiatric Medications

●​ SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram)


○​ Suicide risk in early therapy.
○​ Serotonin Syndrome: Agitation, confusion, hyperreflexia.
●​ Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam)
○​ CNS depression risk.
○​ Antidote: Flumazenil.
●​ Antipsychotics (Haloperidol, Risperidone, Clozapine)
○​ Monitor for EPS (tremors, rigidity, tardive dyskinesia).

3. Emergency Drugs

●​ Epinephrine (Anaphylaxis, Cardiac Arrest)


○​ IM for allergic reaction (0.3–0.5 mg).
○​ IV for cardiac arrest (1 mg every 3–5 min).
●​ Atropine (Bradycardia)
○​ Increases HR in bradycardia.
●​ Amiodarone (Ventricular Arrhythmias)
○​ Treats life-threatening arrhythmias.
●​ Naloxone (Opioid Overdose)
○​ Give if RR <8 bpm.
●​ Activated Charcoal (Poisoning)
○​ Binds to toxins in GI tract.

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