Week 2 Farm Course: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Course Structure Update

• All synchronous online classes switched to asynchronous.
  • Due to travel concerns for some students.
  • Pre-recorded lectures will be posted.
• Weeks with theory quizzes (Weeks 3, 5, 8, and 12) will have pre-recorded lectures.
• Theory quizzes are written in class.
  • Ensure to use laptops with lockdown browser and Respondus.
  • Deferral process for quizzes involves forms and approval by the dean.

Lecture Overview

• Focus: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Recap from last week:
  • Introduction to pharmacology.
  • Rights of medication, patient assessment, potential dangers.

Pharmacokinetics (What the body does to the drug)

• ADME: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
• Key Concepts:
  • Absorption: Entry of drug into bloodstream.
    • Influenced by route, blood flow, lipid solubility, pH.
    • Common routes: Oral, IV, IM, subcutaneous, topical, and more.
  • Distribution: Movement from blood to tissues/cells.
    • Affected by blood flow, capillary permeability, tissue binding.
  • Metabolism: Chemical alteration of drugs.
    • Mostly in the liver via P450 enzyme system.
    • Consequences include drug inactivation, toxicity, interactions.
  • Excretion: Removal of drugs from the body.
    • Primarily via kidneys, also through bile, lungs, sweat, saliva.

Pharmacodynamics (What the drug does to the body)

• Receptor interaction:
  • Agonists (activate receptors) vs Antagonists (block receptors).
  • Potency vs Efficacy:
    • Potency: Amount needed for effect.
    • Efficacy: Maximum effect achievable.
• Dose-response relationship:
  • Threshold dose, effective dose, maximum effect.
  • Importance of maintaining therapeutic window.

Practical Applications

• Educating patients about medications.
• Making PRN decisions and evaluating drug responses.
• Collaboration with prescribers on drug therapy.

Key Takeaways

• Understand core concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Importance of drug-receptor interactions and patient education.
• Review and understand different routes of administration and their implications.

Preparation for Next Week

• Theory quiz on modules 1 and 2.
• Quiz details: 45 minutes, 40 questions. Starts at 8:15 AM.
• Ensure timely arrival and setup for the quiz.

Recommended Actions

• Watch suggested videos on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Refer to textbooks for further reading and understanding.
• Contact the instructor with any questions or clarifications needed.

Prepare well for the upcoming quiz, utilizing these notes and additional resources provided.