Pharmacology: In-Depth Summary

Pharmacology: In-Depth Summary1. IntroductionPharmacology is the study of drugs, their mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, side effects, and clinical uses. It is divided broadly into systemic pharmacology (organ-system based) and general pharmacology (drug absorption, metabolism, excretion, and adverse effects).Key concepts:Pharmacokinetics (PK): What the body does to the drug - Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME).Pharmacodynamics (PD): What the drug does to the body - receptor binding, dose-response relationships.Memonic for ADME: Any Drug Must Exist2. Major Drug ClassesA. AntibioticsPurpose: Kill or inhibit bacteria.Classes & Key Points:ClassMechanismExamplesKey Side EffectsMnemonic/T ipBeta-lactamsInhibit cell wall synthesisPenicillin, Amoxicillin, CephalosporinsAllergy, GI upsetBeta walls block bacteriaAminoglycosidesInhibit 30S ribosomeGentamicin, AmikacinNephrotoxicity , OtotoxicityGentle AMINO ears/kidneysMacrolidesInhibit 50S ribosomeErythromycin, AzithromycinQT prolongation, GI upsetMYCIN - makes you nauseousTetracyclinesBind 30S ribosomeDoxycycline, T etracyclinePhotosensitivity , teeth stainingTetra = 4 teeth problemsFluoroquinolonesDNA gyrase inhibitorCiprofloxacin, LevofloxacinTendon rupture, QT prolongationFlox your tendonsClinical T ip: Always check allergies for penicillin/cephalosporins.B. Cardiovascular DrugsPurpose: T reat hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias.ClassMechanismExamplesSide EffectsMnemonicACE inhibitorsBlock conversion of Ang I Ang IIEnalapril, LisinoprilCough, Hyperkalemia, T eratogenicPRIL = Protect the heart, but watch coughARBsBlock Ang II receptorLosartan, V alsartanHyperkalemia, HypotensionSARTAN spares coughBeta-blockersBlock 1/2 receptorsMetoprolol, AtenololBradycardia, Asthma worseningLOL = lower rateCalcium channel blockersBlock Ca in heart & vesselsAmlodipine, V erapamilEdema, ConstipationPINE for vessels, MIL for heartDiureticsIncrease renal excretionFurosemide,