Pharmacology, which is the science of drugs, is a great responsibility to any allied health professional. Medication mistakes made can injure or even cause the death of a patient. It is important to begin with a good working knowledge of the foundations of pharmacology. This chapter provides an overview of the role of drugs in ambulatory medical facilities.

Outline

• The Medical Assistant's Role in Pharmacology
• Drugs and Pharmacology
• Sources of Drugs
• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Toxicology
• Sources of Drug Information
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulatory Function
• Vaccines
• Patient Information about Medications

Learning Outcomes

After completing Chapter 50, you will be able to:

50.1  Describe the five categories of pharmacology.
50.2  Differentiate between chemical, generic, and trade names for drugs.
50.3  Describe the major drug categories.
50.4  List the main sources of drug information.
50.5  Contrast over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs.
50.6  Compare the five schedules of controlled substances.
50.7  Describe how to register a physician with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for permission to administer, dispense, and prescribe controlled drugs.
50.8  Describe how to telephone a medication refill.
50.9  Describe how vaccines work in the immune system.
50.10  Identify patient education topics related to the use of nonprescription and prescription drugs.

Summary

Pharmacology is the study of drugs, or pharmaceuticals. The pharmacologist studies pharmacognosy, pharmacoki-netics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and toxicology. Pharmacognosy is the study of the characteristics of natural drugs and their sources. Pharmacokinetics pertains to how the body absorbs, metabolizes, distributes, and excretes a drug. Pharmacodynamics relates to a drug's mechanism of action, or how it affects the body. Pharmacotherapeutics addresses the use of drugs to pre-vent or treat disease. Toxicology is the study of poisons and the toxic effects of drugs, including adverse effects or drug interactions.

Every drug has several names, including chemical, generic, and trade names. Based on its action, a drug can be-long to one of many classifications. These data can be found in the Physicians' Desk Reference and other sources of drug information.

Patients can obtain nonprescription (OTC) drugs with-out a physician's order. For prescription drugs, patients must have a physician's written (or oral) order. For drugs that have been classified as controlled substances because they are potentially dangerous and addictive, extensive regulations apply. The physician must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration and follow the legal requirements of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to administer, dispense, and prescribe these drugs.

Immunizations usually contain killed or weakened organisms. They are used to provide immunity against specific diseases. Childhood immunizations should follow a recommended schedule. Other immunizations should be given as the need arises.

No matter what type of drug a patient must take, your role is an important one. Patients should be given instruction about specific drugs and required safety precautions. When you instruct a patient carefully and thoroughly about a drug, you enhance the likelihood of patient compliance and safety.