Pharmacology Basics

Absorption	The movement of a drug from its administration site into the circulation
Additive Effect	2 drugs with similar properties are taken together.1+1=2 E.G. aspirin and codeine boost analgesic properties if taken together
Agonist	Drugs that bind with and activate recepatientors
Albuterol (Ventolin)	Beta 2 Agonist, stimulates the Beta 2 recepatientors to relax smooth muscle in bronchioles
Albuterol Adverse	Tremors, tachycardia
Amount of Absorption	Intensity of the drugs effects
Antagonism	One drug inhibits the effect of another. 1+1=0 Vitamin K given to inhibit bleeding from warfarin or Nalazone to antagonize morphine induced respiratory depression
Antagonists	Drugs with affinity for recepatientors but no intrinsic activity
Antibiotic Commonalities	All antibiotics have potential for renal toxicity, diarrhoea and hypersensitivity
Antibiotics-Renal Toxicity	If BUN and creatinine levels are outside of normal range then the kidney ability to excrete wastes may be impaired
Anticoagulants Nursing Implications	Monitor I&O, monitor labs, monitor for bleeding, instruct patient to report bleeding
Bacteriostatic	Inhibits growth but does not kill
Biotransformation	Drug metabolism. The most important consequence of metabolism is promotion of renal excretion
Blood brain Barrier	No slit junctions in brain so drugs must either pass directly thourough (lipid soluble) or via active transport
Blood Flow	The more vascular a site the quicker the absorpatiention. Works on concentration gradient, blood containing newly absorbed drug will be replaced rapidly by drug free blood
Captopril Nursing Implications	Administer 1 hour before meals, monitor bp for first dose syncope, intruct patient to lie down after first dose or after rapid increase in dose, adequate hydration, monitor K levels
Captopril Side Effects	Dry hacking cough (sensitivity in cough center), first dose syncope (bp decreases and fainting after 1st dose or rapid increase in dose), hyperkalemia
Captopril Toxic Effects	Angioedema- swelling of mucosa and submucosa in face, lips, tongue and potentially hands
Captopril/Capoten Action	Reduces the levels of angiotensin II thereby dilating blood vessels and lowering bp
Captopril/Capoten Classification	Antihypertensive/ACE inhibitor
Captopril/Capoten Indication	For mild to severe hypertension. More effective in young caucasians than in young African Americans (fare better with combo therapy of diruetics and ace inhibitors)