Introduction to Pharmacology and Toxicology: Lecture 1

Question 1

What is Pharmacology

Answer 1

The study of the effect of drugs on the function of living systems

Question 2

What is pharmacodynamics?

Answer 2

The effect of the drug on the body- example: Paracetamol- mechanism of action is dependent on the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis

Question 3

What is pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

The effect of the body on the drug (relates to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME))

Question 4

What is a drug?

Answer 4

Biologically active compound (other than a nutrient or essential dietary ingredient) taken with the intent to produce a change in the body

Question 5

What is a medicine

Answer 5

A chemical preparation which usually contains one or more drugs that is administered with the purpose of producing a therapeutic effect. Also contains other substances to make them more convenient.

Question 6

What is a drug that activates a receptor called?

Answer 6

Agonist

Question 7

What is a drug that blocks a receptor called?

Answer 7

Antagonist

Question 8

What is a concentration response curve?

Answer 8

Logarithmic scales used to generate concentration response curve

Question 9

What does the word target mean in terms of drug targets?

Answer 9

The molecular recognition site to which a drug will bind- majority are proteins

Question 10

What are the four pharmacological principles?

Answer 10

1. Active ingredient (drug molecules)
2. Selectively bind to certain molecular targets (proteins) to:
   - Exert cellular effect
   - Exert effect on the system
3. Produces therapeutic effect in a concentration related or concentration dependent fashion
4. Efficacy (usefulness) of medicine is then supported by clinical trials using agreed outcome measures and statistical validation