:1 Introduction to Pharmacologic Concepts
Lecture 1
Part 1
This lecture is intended solely for the education of Grossmont College nursing students enrolled in Pharmacology 118. It may not be reproduced or distributed. PHARMACOLOGY118
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process :2 Pharmacology and the Nursing Process The Nursing Processis crucial for safe medication administration.
“Crucial = of the greatest significance in determining an outcome”
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process :3 Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Nursing Process draws together all of the aspects of the patient:
Physical
Cultural
Cognitive
Spiritual
Sexual
Financial
Recognizing these aspects allows for a more holistic approach to patient care
The Nursing Process :4 The Nursing Process A research-based organizational framework for professional nursing practice
Central to all nursing care
Encompasses all steps taken by the nurse in caring for a patient
Ongoing and constantly evolving process
Critical thinking
Flexibility is important
The Nursing Process :5 The Nursing Process Assessment
Nursing diagnosis
Planning
Goals
Outcome criteria
Implementation
Evaluation
Nursing Process :6 Nursing Process Assessment
Data collection
-Subjective, objective
- Accurate
Nursing Process :7 Nursing Process Nursing diagnosis
Decision about the need/problem
(actual or at risk for)
Three parts
Human response to illness
“related to”
“as evidenced by”
Nursing Process :8 Nursing Process Nursing diagnosis
critical thinking
creativity
accurate data collection
It is a statement about the patient’s status and will guide nursing interventions
Nursing Process :9 Nursing Process Planning
Identification of goals
-Must be patient-centered
Outcome criteria
-Must be specific, objective, measurable,
realistic
-have a time frame
Prioritization
Nursing Process :10 Nursing Process Implementation
Initiation and completion of the nursing care plan as defined by the nursing diagnoses and outcome criteria
Nursing Process :11 Nursing Process Evaluation
Ongoing part of the nursing process
Determining the status of the goals and outcomes of care
The Nursing Process and Medication Administration :12 The Nursing Process and Medication Administration Assessment
1. Health-
allergies
pattern of health care
experiences/ illnesses
level of education
understanding of the
disease process
financial support
2. Physical assessment –
age and weight
social support at home
chronic conditions 3. Diagnostic Tests, lab values
4. Medication History
Prescriptions
OTCs
Herbals
Responses to medications (therapeutic and adverse responses)
The Nursing Process and Medication Administration :13 The Nursing Process and Medication Administration Nursing Diagnosis
Human response to illness (actual or risk)
drug therapy may only be a small part of
the total pt picture
or, at times it may be an all consuming
factor in the patient’s life
Drug therapy is incorporated into the total picture
The Nursing Process and Medication Administration :14 The Nursing Process and Medication Administration Planning
1. Identification of possible interactions
knowledge of the prescribed medication
over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbs
2. Client and family education
level of patient understanding of disease
level of education
3. Gather equipment, review procedures, safety measures
timing and frequency of drugs
storage of drugs
This phase leads to the provision of safe effective
medication administration
The Nursing Process and Medication Administration :15 The Nursing Process and Medication Administration Implementation
1. Maximizing therapeutic effect
2. Minimizing adverse effects
provide comfort measures and help pt.
cope with the therapeutic or adverse
effects of a drug
3. Six rights of medication administration
The Nursing Process and Medication Administration :16 The Nursing Process and Medication Administration Evaluation
Monitoring the patient’s response to drug therapy
1. Expected outcome
2. Unexpected outcome
The Five Rights of Medication Administration :17 The Five Rights of Medication Administration Right drug
Right dose
Right time
Right route
Right patient
Medication errors are a major problem in health care today
Patient’s Rights :18 Patient’s Rights In addition to the 5 medication “rights”……
DO YOU THINK PATIENTS HAVE
OTHER MEDICATION “RIGHTS”?
What additional systems would you like to see in place to ensure safe drug administration?
“Right to”Constant System Analysis :19 “Right to”Constant System Analysis A “double-check”
The entire “system” of medication administration
Ordering, dispensing, preparing, administering, documenting
Involves the physician, nurse, nursing unit, pharmacy department, and patient education
“Right to” :20 “Right to” Proper drug storage
Proper documentation
Accurate dosage calculation
Accurate dosage preparation
Careful checking of transcription of orders
Patient safety
DRUG ORDERS :21 DRUG ORDERS Accurately written drug orders
are part of
patient rights
Six Elements of a Drug Order :22 Six Elements of a Drug Order 1. Name of the patient
2. Date order is written (start/ stop dates may be ordered)
3. Name of medication
4. Dosage includes size, frequency, and number of doses
5. Route of delivery
6. Signature of the prescriber
Drug Names :23 Drug Names Chemical name
Describes the drug’s chemical composition and molecular structure
Generic name (nonproprietary name)
Name given by the United States Adopted Name Council
Trade name (proprietary name)
The drug has a registered trademark; use of the name restricted by the drug’s patent owner (usually the manufacturer)
Drug Names :24 Drug Names Chemical name
propionic acid
Generic name
ibuprofen
Trade name
Motrin
Drug Evaluation Process :25 Drug Evaluation Process Chemicals which may have therapeutic value undergo a series of clinical studies to determine the therapeutic and toxic effects
This is carefully controlled by the Food and Drug administration (FDA)
The process can take 5-6 yrs or more
Pregnancy Categories :26 Pregnancy Categories All drugs are required by the FDA to be assigned to a pregnancy category of risk / safety
A, B, C, D, X
These categories indicate the actual or potential teratogenic effects on the fetus
Controlled Substances :27 Controlled Substances Drugs with abuse potential are classified by the FDA as controlled substances
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) enforces their control
Over-the-Counter Drugs :28 Over-the-Counter Drugs Available without a prescription
Are deemed to be safe when used as directed
Can cause interactions with prescription medications
Are often considered by patients not to be “drugs”
:29 Introduction to Pharmacologic Principles
Lecture 1
Part 2
This lecture is intended solely for the education of Grossmont College nursing students enrolled in Pharmacology 118. It may not be reproduced or distributed. PHARMACOLOGY118
Pharmacologic Principles :30 Pharmacologic Principles Drug
Any chemical that affects the physiologic processes of a living organism
Pharmacology
The study or science of drugs
Pharmacologic Principles :31 Pharmacologic Principles Knowledge of pharmacologic principles:
why a drug is ordered
how to administer drugs
assessment of therapeutic benefits
how to deal with toxic adverse effects
The nurse with a sound knowledge base in
pharmacology is better equipped to implement the
nursing process
Pharmacologic Principles :32 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics
Pharmacognosy
Toxicology
Pharmacologic Principles :33 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
The study of various drug forms
Deals with the delivery system
IV, PO, IM
Injection, capsule, timed-release, topical
Determines the rate at which the drug will dissolve and be absorbed
Pharmacologic Principles :34 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
The pharmaceutical phase is concerned with the disintegration of the dosage
form or dissolution of the drug in the body
How the dosage forms affect the way the body metabolizes the drug and how the drug affects the body
Pharmacologic Principles :35 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
The dosage form determines the rate at which a drug enters the body
A variety of dosage forms are available to increase the accuracy of dosing and to obtain therapeutic responses with the least amount of adverse effects
Pharmacologic Principles :36 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics
Pharmacognosy
Toxicology
Pharmacologic Principles :37 Pharmacologic Principles 2) Pharmacokinetics
The study of what actually happens to a drug from the time it enters the body until it has left the body
a. Absorption
movement of a drug from the site of administration
b. Distribution
transport of a drug in the bloodstream
c. Metabolism
alteration of a drug in the body
d. Excretion
elimination of the drug or its compound from the body
2) Pharmacokinetics :38 2) Pharmacokinetics a. Absorption
The route of administration affects the rate and extent of absorption of that drug
A. Enteral (GI tract)
B. Parenteral
C. Topical
The extent of absorption is called BIOAVAILABILITY
KEY POINT: not all drug formulations are equally absorbed
a. Absorption of oral drugs :39 a. Absorption of oral drugs Factors that affect absorption
varies according to the dosage form and route
Food or fluids administered with the drug
help or hinder absorption
food may delay transit to the intestines
or, high fat foods may help some fat soluble drugs
Dosage formulation
tablets, capsules- some dissolve in the stomach, others in the
intestine. Certain types are coated to disolve slowly and have timed
release. Some types are formulated with small particles that dissolve
super fast- ie: micronized glyburide
a. Absorption of oral drugs :40 a. Absorption of oral drugs Factors that affect absorption
varies according to the dosage form and route
Status of the absorptive surface
portions of the small intestine may be missing or damaged
Rate of blood flow to the small intestine
blood flow may be decrease to the intestine in certain
instances ie. sepsis, exercise, labor
Acidity of the stomach
food increases gastric acid production leading to decreased
stomach PH. Drugs are formulated to dissolve at a specific
PH level.
Status of GI motility
Fast or slow transit time due to pathology, conditions, or other
medications change transit time
a. Absorption of oral drugs :41 a. Absorption of oral drugs Some drugs need to be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
Other drugs should be taken on a full stomach or with food to enhance absorption or minimize gastric irritation
a. Absorption of oral drugs :42 a. Absorption of oral drugs Drugs given by the oral route are absorbed into the mesenteric blood system and go to the liver for biotransformation before traveling on to the general systemic circulation. This is called the
FIRST PASS EFFECT
Therefore some of the drug is inactivated and not all will be available for use at its intended site of action.
Drugs are formulated to account for this difference in availability to the tissues- called (bioavailability)
This is why different forms of drugs are not equal ( see pg 18- Ch 2)
a. Absorption of parenteral drugs :43 a. Absorption of parenteral drugs Intravenous
(fastest delivery
into the blood
circulation)
Intramuscular
Subcutaneous Intrathecal
Intraarticular
Intradermal
Transdermal- can be considered parenteral too
a. Absorption of parenteral drugs :44 a. Absorption of parenteral drugs Parental drugs have no first pass effect
Intravenous
rapid and 100% bioavailable
Avoids problems with stomach acid and intestinal
absorption issues
Intramuscular
not as rapid as IV- will absorb better if there is a good
blood supply
Some IM medications are in DEPOT form- have a very slow
absorption time (even months)- due to the
formulation these drugs they should not be given IV-
can cause an embolus
Absorption of topical drugs Avoids the first pass effect :45 Absorption of topical drugs Avoids the first pass effect Skin (including transdermal patches)
Eyes
Ears Nose
Lungs (inhalation)
Rectum- can have some first pass effect
Vagina
a. Absorption of topical drugs :46 a. Absorption of topical drugs Many different formulations of topical drugs
May be given for local or systemic effect
All have different designs for absorption
Gels and ointments- erratic absorption
Lotions
Patches- absorption at different rates
Drops- eyes and ears
Nasal sprays-
Suppositories
Inhalers
a. Absorption of oral drugs sublingual and buccal :47 a. Absorption of oral drugs sublingual and buccal Avoids the first pass effect
Absorbed into the highly vascularized tissue under the tongue or between the cheek and the gum- the oral mucosa
Bypass the liver
Rapidly absorbed
a. Absorption :48 a. Absorption The ROUTE of administration affects
the rate and extent of absorption
of that drug
Pharmacologic Principles :49 Pharmacologic Principles 2) Pharmacokinetics
The transport of a drug in the body by the
bloodstream to its site of action
a. Absorption
b. Distribution
c. Metabolism
d. Excretion
b. Distribution :50 b. Distribution Drugs are distributed first to areas that have extensive blood supplies
heart liver kidneys brain
Areas of slower distribution are
muscles skin fat
Sites like bone and brain may be very difficult for drugs to reach due to either poor blood supply or barriers
b. Distribution of drugs :51 b. Distribution of drugs Factors that affect distribution
Protein-binding
Many drugs bind to proteins in the bloodstream
-Albumin is the main protein to bind with drugs
-Drugs bound to proteins are not available for use
*called protein bound
-Drugs not bound to protein are available to act at
the intended site of action and exert their effects
*called free drug
Drug companies adjust drug dosages to allow for protein binding
b. Distribution of drugs :52 b. Distribution of drugs Factors that affect distribution
If a patient has low albumin more free drug is available and the patient may have increased adverse effects (toxicity)
If 2 drugs are given that are highly protein bound they compete for binding sites on the albumin. The drugs will have higher levels of “free” drug and the patient may have increased adverse effects
Similar to musical chairs for binding sites
b. Distribution of drugs :53 b. Distribution of drugs Factors that affect distribution
Water soluble
Water soluble drugs
tend to stay in the bloodstream and have slow absorption into the tissues. vs. fat soluble
Fat soluble drugs
are distributed to the
tissues more quickly
b. Distribution of drugs :54 b. Distribution of drugs Factors that affect distribution
Blood-brain barrier
-network of capillaries that makes it more
difficult for drugs to pass through--will allow
some fat soluble drugs to pass through
Placental barrier
-in general whatever mom gets the fetus gets
Pharmacologic Principles :55 Pharmacologic Principles a. Absorption
b. Distribution
c. Metabolism
d. Excretion
:56 Introduction to Pharmacologic Principles
Lecture 1
Part 3
This lecture is intended solely for the education of Grossmont College nursing students enrolled in Pharmacology 118. It may not be reproduced or distributed. PHARMACOLOGY118
Pharmacologic Principles :57 Pharmacologic Principles 2) Pharmacokinetics
a. Absorption
b. Distribution
c. Metabolism
d. Excretion
c. Metabolism of drugs :58 c. Metabolism of drugs Also Known as Biotransformation
A biochemical reaction involving a parent drug
It takes place mainly in the liver and produces
1. An inactive metabolite
2. A more soluble compound
3. A more potent metabolite
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :59 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) Organs or body tissues responsible for metabolism:
Liver (mainly)
Skeletal muscle
Kidneys
Lungs
Plasma
Intestinal mucosa
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :60 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) Hepatic Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system
These enzymes control a variety of biochemical reactions that aid in metabolism
These enzymes are largely targeted against lipid-soluble and nonpolar (no charge) drugs which are difficult to eliminate
These include the majority of medications
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :61 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) The capability of the liver to metabolize drugs varies widely between patients
Age
Elderly have decreased hepatic enzymes
Neonates have immature liver functions
Genetics
certain genetic groups metabolize drugs at
different rates
Foods
Grapefruit and certain other foods
Concurrent use of other medications
Tylenol and many other drugs
Diseases
Cardiovascular or Renal dysfunction
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :62 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) Factors that decrease (delay) metabolism
Cardiovascular dysfunction
Renal insufficiency
Starvation
Obstructive jaundice
Slow acetylator
Erythromycin or ketoconazole drug therapy
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :63 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) Decreased drug metabolism
results in:
Accumulation of drugs
Prolonged action of the drugs
Possible toxic levels
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :64 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) Factors that increase (stimulate) metabolism
Fast acetylator
Drugs that stimulate the formation of new enzymes
Barbiturate therapy
Rifampin therapy
3. Metabolism (biotransformation) :65 3. Metabolism (biotransformation) Increased drug metabolism
results in:
Drugs may leave the system more quickly
Diminished pharmacologic effects
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :66 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) FIRST PASS EFFECT
The initial metabolism of a drug and its passage from the liver into the circulation
– A drug given via the oral route may be extensively metabolized (inactivated or changed) by the liver before reaching the systemic circulation high first-pass effect
Oral drugs ( because they go through the liver) may not be 100% available to reach the intended sites of action
3. Metabolism (biotransformation) :67 3. Metabolism (biotransformation) FIRST PASS EFFECT– routes of administration
The same drug—given IV—initially bypasses the liver, getting to it’s intended site of action more quickly and preventing the first-pass effect from taking place.
IV drugs are 100% available to the body (bioavailability)
3. Metabolism (biotransformation) :68 3. Metabolism (biotransformation) FIRST PASS EFFECT– routes of administration
The first-pass effect is one reason why drug dosages and frequency of administration are different depending on the route of administration
IV DOSE is not always equal to an ORAL DOSE
c. Metabolism (biotransformation) :69 c. Metabolism (biotransformation) Which labs will the nurse review if there is a concern about the patient’s ability to metabolize drugs??
Pharmacologic Principles :70 Pharmacologic Principles 2) Pharmacokinetics
a. Absorption
b. Distribution
c. Metabolism
d. Excretion
d. Excretion :71 d. Excretion The elimination of drugs from the body
Kidneys (main organ)
Whether the drug is an original compound
(parent compound), an active or an inactive
metabolite----
Liver
Bowel
Biliary excretion
Enterohepatic recirculation
:72 The kidneys remove the drugs that are unbound (free) in the plasma
Certain drugs (like highly protein bound drugs) can’t be excreted and are reabsorbed back into the system d. Excretion
d. Excretion :73 d. Excretion Patients with renal failure will not be able to excrete drugs efficiently
Drug levels will increase
Patients may experience more adverse effects and toxicity
More Pharmacologic Principles of Pharmacokinetics :74 More Pharmacologic Principles of Pharmacokinetics Onset, Peak, Duration and Trough
Onset
The time it takes for the drug to elicit a therapeutic response
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :75 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Onset, Peak, Duration and Trough
Peak
The time it takes for a drug to reach its maximum therapeutic response
when is the peak effect- ( good time for a dressing change or other
painful procedure)
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :76 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Onset, Peak, Duration and Trough
Duration
The time a drug concentration is sufficient to elicit a therapeutic response
how long is it going to last- (anticipate the next dose)
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :77 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Onset, Peak, Duration and Trough
Trough
Lowest blood level of a drug
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :78 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Half-life
How do pharmaceutical companies determine how often a drug needs to be given to remain in a therapeutic range?
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :79 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Half-life
The time it takes for one half of the original amount of a drug in the body to be removed
A measure of the rate at which drugs are removed from the body
Most drugs are considered to be effectively removed after about five half-lives**
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :80 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Some drugs are eliminated quickly and need to be given frequently in order to remain in a therapeutic range
Other drugs have extremely long half lives and remain in the body for a very long time
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :81 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Short ½ life– need to take frequently
compliance may be a problem
example: acyclovir 5 times daily
Long ½ life- pt has an adverse reaction
the drug will be in the body for hours or days
example: Cialis T1/2 = 17 hours
(Viagra might have been a better choice for this pt with a T1/2 of 4 hours)
Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics :82 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmacokinetics Steady state
Where the amount of drug excreted is equal to the amount of drug absorbed with each dose
Drugs accumulate until they reach a steady state
- requires proper dose and timing
- efficient metabolism and excretion
Giving more drug could cause toxicity
Giving less drug would not be therapeutic
Typically occurs after 4-5 half-lives of administration
Pharmacologic Principles of Pharmacokinetics :83 Pharmacologic Principles of Pharmacokinetics Steady state
Drugs with a very long half-life make take a longer time to reach a steady state
- some antidepressants
With certain drugs, to reach a steady state more quickly, a LOADING DOSE may be ordered
This is a higher initial dose
:84 Introduction to Pharmacologic Principles
Lecture 1
Part 4
This lecture is intended solely for the education of Grossmont College nursing students enrolled in Pharmacology 118. It may not be reproduced or distributed. PHARMACOLOGY118
Pharmacologic Principles :85 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics
Pharmacognosy
Pharmacologic Principles :86 Pharmacologic Principles 3) Pharmacodynamics
The mechanism of drug actions in living tissues
How drugs alter a system
Pharmacodynamics :87 Pharmacodynamics A positive change in a physiologic system is called a
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT
This is the goal of drug therapy
Pharmacodynamics :88 Pharmacodynamics Drugs exert their action on cells in 3 ways:
Receptor interactions
Enzyme interactions
Nonspecific interactions
Pharmacodynamics :89 Pharmacodynamics a) Receptor interactions
Key in a lock
Drug binds to a specific site on the cell (called a receptor site) and modifies the function of the cell
This is the way many drugs work
How strong a drug binds to the receptor site is called the AFFINITY for that binding site
Pharmacodynamics :90 Pharmacodynamics a) Receptor interactions
AGONISTS
Drugs that fit well at the receptor site and elicit their own response
ANTAGONISTS
Drugs that attach to the receptor site and block
other drugs from attaching
Pharmacodynamics :91 Pharmacodynamics a) Receptor interactions
Both Agonists and Antagonists are used in drug
therapy
Albuterol inhaler- for asthma is an example of an agonist medicine
Benadryl ( diphenhydramine) is an antagonist.
Pharmacodynamics :92 Pharmacodynamics b) Enzyme interactions
The drug alters the enzymes necessary for a certain body function
The Ace Inhibitor class of blood pressure medicines are an
example of drugs that exert their action by altering enzyme
pathways
Pharmacodynamics :93 Pharmacodynamics c) Non-specific interactions
alter the cell structure
alter some crucial cell process
Antibiotics are an example of drugs that alter the cell
wall or alter the internal function of the bacterial cell
Pharmacodynamics :94 Pharmacodynamics Once the drug is at the site of action, it can modify the rate (increase or decrease) at which the cells or tissues function
A drug cannot make a cell or tissue perform a function it was not designed to perform
Pharmacologic Principles :95 Pharmacologic Principles Pharmaceutics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics
Pharmacognosy
Toxicology
Pharmacologic Principles :96 Pharmacologic Principles 4) Pharmacotherapeutics
The use of drugs and the clinical indications for drugs to prevent and treat diseases
Pharmacotherapeutics :97 Pharmacotherapeutics Acute therapy-------- stroke, heart attack
Maintenance therapy--- hypertension, hyperlipidemia,
Supplemental/replacement therapy----insulin, iron, thyroid
Palliative therapy--- high dose opioids for cancer patients,
Supportive therapy—fluid and electrolytes, volume expanders
Prophylactic therapy--- antibibiotics before surgery
Empiric therapy– experience shows it works- no evidence-
Pharmacotherapeutics :98 Pharmacotherapeutics Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Certain drugs need close monitoring of blood levels during administration
They have a potential to become toxic--
some can become toxic at very low blood levels
Pharmacotherapeutics :99 Pharmacotherapeutics Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
The goal is to have enough drug in the body to get the positive desired effect--without producing undesirable adverse effects or toxicity. If the peak is too high, organ damage may result. If the trough is too low, the drug may not be at therapeutic levels
Some drugs have a very narrow range between therapeutic and toxic
Digoxin (heart med) and Gentamycin (antibiotic) are
examples of drugs commonly monitored with blood levels
Pharmacotherapeutics :100 Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Peak Level
Highest blood level
Trough Level
Lowest blood level
Blood is drawn at specfic times before and after drug administration--- the amount of the drug in the body guides the pharmacist in adjustment of drug dosages Pharmacotherapeutics
Pharmacotherapeutics :101 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
The effectiveness of drug therapy must be evaluated
Intended therapeutic action (beneficial)
Unintended but potential adverse effects (predictable, adverse reactions)
Pharmacotherapeutics :102 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
Therapeutic index
Drug concentration
Patient’s condition
Tolerance and dependence
Interactions
Adverse drug effects
Pharmacotherapeutics :103 Pharmacotherapeutics MONITORING
Therapeutic index
Ratio of safety: the range between a drug’s therapeutic & toxic effects– a LOW therapeutic index means the drug has a greater chance of causing an adverse reaction
Drug concentration
Drug levels may become toxic if increased i.e.: renal/hepatic patients whose normal mechanisms for metabolism and excretion are compromised
Patient’s condition
Diseases and and other conditions such as stress and anxiety are just a few examples of conditons that can alter a patient’s response to drug therapy
Pharmacotherapeutics :104 Pharmacotherapeutics MONITORING
Tolerance
a decreasing response to repeated doses
Dependence
a physiological or psychological need for a drug
Pharmacotherapeutics :105 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
Interactions
The alteration of the action of a drug by other substances
may occur with other drugs or food
Other prescribed drugs
Over-the-counter medications-
Herbal therapies
Certain foods
Important to get a good nursing history of all drugs, herbs and problem foods that patient is taking
Older patients are typically on multiple medications that may interact--- “polypharmacy”
Pharmacotherapeutics :106 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
Interactions
Drug interaction issues
Additive effect--smaller doses can be given with same effect ie. Tylenol and Codeine
Synergistic effect—2 drugs have a greater effect than either drug alone-- HCTZ with enalapril
Antagonistic effect--2 drugs have less of an effect than with either drug alone-- antacids with tetracycline-
Incompatibility—2 drugs mixed together and one or more deteriorates---furosemide and heparin
Pharmacotherapeutics :107 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
Interactions
Incompatibility- can be oral or IV drugs
Focus for nurses when giving different IV drugs together
Drugs may precipitate, become hazy, or change color when they are incompatible in the same IV tubing
Pharmacotherapeutics :108 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
Adverse Drug Events
Potential hazards of medication use
can be mild and minor
can be life- threatening
Two broad categories
1. Medication errors
2. Adverse drug reactions
Pharmacotherapeutics :109 Pharmacotherapeutics Monitoring
Adverse Drug Events
1. Medication errors
Big focus in all health care areas today
Can occur anywhere along the chain-
prescriber, pharmacist, nurse, technician
Medication errors are PREVENTABLE
Pharmacotherapeutics :110 Pharmacotherapeutics Adverse drug reactions
Any reaction to a drug that is unexpected and undesirable that occurs at therapeutic doses
1. Hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction
2. Pharmacologic reactions
Predictable, well-known reactions that result in little or no change in
patient management
-Predictable frequency
Usually resolve when the drug is discontinued
Pharmacotherapeutics :111 Pharmacotherapeutics Contraindications to therapy
Any characteristic of the patient, especially a disease state, that makes the use of a given medication dangerous for the patient
It is important to assess for contraindications!
Pharmacotherapeutics :112 Pharmacotherapeutics Contraindications to therapy
When the drug will be dangerous for the pt.
Allergic to drug
Pregnant
Impaired liver or kidney function
Wrong drug for the problem
Many others
Pharmacologic Principles :113 Pharmacologic Principles 5) Pharmacognosy
The study of natural (plant and animal) drug
sources
Pharmacologic Principles :114 Pharmacologic Principles 5) Pharmacognosy
Four main sources for drugs
Plants
Animals
Minerals
Laboratory synthesis
Pharmacologic Principles :115 Pharmacologic Principles 5) Pharmacognosy
The source of all early drugs was from nature
Foxglove--cardiac drugs
Insulin– pigs and beef
aluminum hydroxide
Most new drugs are created synthetically in the lab
can be mass produced
We continue to discover many natural sources for drugs
Pharmacologic Principles :116 Pharmacologic Principles 6) Toxicology
The study of poisons and unwanted responses to drugs and other chemicals
Toxicology :117 Toxicology Drug Related Effects
Teratogenic
drugs or chemicals that result fetal defects
Accutane
Mutagenic
drugs or chemicals that cause permanent changes in the genetic
composition
may pose a genotoxic hazard to hospital personnel or family
members caring for the patient.
Carcinogenic
drugs, chemicals etc. that cause cancer
Tobacco
Tamoxifen
Toxicology :118 Toxicology http://toxicology.ucsd.edu/modules.htm California Teratogen Information Service & Clinical Research Program(800) 532-3749 (CA only), UCSD Medical Center , Department of Pediatrics