Pharmacology is the study of drugs that later functions by preventing, diagnosing, or curing disease process. Pharmacology provides palliation and offers a decrease in the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Two Types of Medication
- Local. This pertains to a particular or certain area of the body. Examples are creams, ointments and local anesthetics
- Systemic. Is absorbed into the blood stream and circulated to various parts of the body.
Sources of Drugs
- Plants. This yields pharmacologically active substance like alkaloids.
- Animals. Are hormones extracted from animals.
- Minerals. Sources provide iron and potassium preparation among others.
- Synthetic. Are artificially produced from chemical substances in laboratories. Semi-synthetic drugs are naturally occuring substances that have been chemically altered.
Drug Nomenclature is the scientific or systemic naming of the drugs. They are classified or grouped according to effects on particular body systems, therapeutic effect and the chemical characteristics.
A Prototype is a model or individual drug that represents classifications or groups of drugs. It is the standard with which other drugs are compared. The prototype drugs are extremely stable type of drugs. Usually, new drugs can be assigned to a group and compared with an established prototype.
Drugs and their Names
- Generic. Is related to the chemical or official name. It is independent of the manufacturer.
- Brand. The brand name is the trade name. it is designated and patented by the manufacturer.
Sources of Drug Information
- Pharmacology book. Is the best source of information for beginners. It describes the source of drugs in relation to therapeutic use and their effects. It gives an overview of drug classification and its effect on the human body.
- Drug reference book. Most helpful in relation to individual drugs.
- American Formulary Service
- AMA Drug Evaluation
- Prescription Drug Reference
- Journal or Articles. Describes drug usage in specific disease processes.
