Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. When we take a tablet, we are usually interested in its immediate effects. The drug is supposed to relieve a headache or reduce symptoms of a cold. At the same time, we may think about the possible side effects it may trigger. The desired and undesired effects that a drug exerts on … ADME
Definition So-called “creeping in” is a gradual increase in the dose of a drug over days or a few weeks. This is used to slowly accustom the patient to the drug and to test individual tolerability. Creeping in helps to avoid undesirable effects. The target dose may be predefined or determined individually. In the second … Gradual Increase of the Dose of a Drug
Most common mechanism of action Most drugs bind to a macromolecular target structure called a drug target. These are usually proteins such as receptors, transporters, channels, and enzymes, or nucleic acids. For example, opioids interact with endogenous opioid receptors to relieve pain. Targets can also be exogenous structures. Penicillins inhibit bacterial enzymes responsible for building … Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics is a branch of pharmacology and its teaching deals with the biological effect of a drug on the organism. This includes the analysis of mechanisms of action, side effects, the dose and its effect, and toxicology. What is pharmacodynamics? Pharmacodynamics is a branch of pharmacology and its teaching deals with the biological effect of … Pharmacodynamics: Treatment, Effects & Risks
Definition When two or more drugs are combined, they may affect each other. This is especially true with regard to their pharmacokinetics (ADME) and effects and adverse effects (pharmacodynamics). This phenomenon is called interaction and drug-drug interaction. Interactions are usually undesirable because they can lead to, for example, loss of efficacy, side effects, poisoning, hospitalization, … Interactions
Definition On the one hand, drugs contain the active ingredients that mediate the pharmacological effects. On the other hand, they consist of excipients, which are used for the production or to support and regulate the drug effect. Placebos, which consist only of excipients and contain no active ingredients, are an exception. Excipients can be of … Auxiliary Materials
Structure and properties Many active pharmaceutical ingredients are present in the drug as organic salts. This means that the active ingredient is ionized and its charge is neutralized by a counterion (English ). For example, naproxen is present in the over-the-counter pain reliever as a sodium salt. In this form, it is referred to as … Active Ingredient Salts
Definition and examples Any pharmacologically active drug can also cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs). According to the WHO definition, these are harmful and unintended effects during intended use. In English, this is referred to as an (ADR). Typical adverse effects are: Headache, dizziness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, impaired reaction time. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, … Adverse Effects
Definition and examples The duration of therapy or treatment defines the period of time during which a drug is administered preventively or therapeutically. The shortest duration of therapy occurs with a single dose. This involves a single administration of a drug without repetition. An example of this is the antifungal drug fluconazole for the treatment … Duration of Therapy
