COMMON DRUGS & THEIR USES

Chapter 18 BCC

Pharmacy Technician

ObjectivesAt the completion of the study the student

will: Describe how drugs are named Describe how drugs are classified List brand and generic names for

commonly prescribed drugs Identify at least one medical use for

drugs that are commonly prescribed Identify medication safety issues for

commonly prescribed drugs

Drug Names & Classes A drug is named by it’s chemicals and

describes it’s structure/components Marketed drugs under patent protection

have one nonproprietary or generic name and one proprietary or brand name

The US Adopted Names Council (USAN) designates the official nonproprietary names for drugs

Classification Schemes Various systems of classification By disorder, body system affected, type

of receptor acted on, type of action, etc. Can be complicated… P. 421 Classifications we have been using

Analgesics Analgesic drugs create a state in which

the pain from a painful medical condition is reduced or not felt. Angalesics Action

Salicylates Relieve mild to moderate pain. Anti-inflammatoryAnti-pyretic

Acetaminophen Relieves mild to moderate pain. Anti-pyretic

NSAIDS More potent than salicylatesRelieve moderate painAnti-inflammatoryAnti-pyretic

Opiate-type For severe painAddiciting

Anesthetic Agents Cause an absence of sensation or pain. Local or general Local anesthetics block pain conduction

from peripheral nerves to the CNS Dental work, birth pain, sunburn, hemorrhoids Groups: Esters, Amides, Others

General anesthesia depresses the CNS to the level of unconsciousness. Classified by route of administration Stages I, II, III, IV

Anti-Infective Treat disease produced by

microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasitic worms

Types of action Damage bacterial cell wall, modify protein

synthesis, modify energy metabolism, modify DNA synthesis

Classes Antibiotics, Antivirals, Antifungals

Antineoplastics Treatment of cancer Drugs are targeted at cells with fast growth

rates Toxicity destroys cancerous and healthy cells Classes

Antimetabolites Alkylating Agents Plant Alkaloids Hormones Anti-tumor Antibiotics Radioactive Isotopes

Cardiovascular Agents Treat disease and conditions of the heart. Classes by Action Classes by Condition:

Antianginals Antiarrhythmics Antihyperlipidemics Antihypertensives Thmobolytics Vasopressors

Dermatologicals Skin (Integumentary System) the body’s

largest organ Drugs used to treat conditions related to

the skin Trauma, edema, rashes, pigment, dry

skin or scaling, cancers, growths

Electrolytic Agents Maintaining the proper balance of body

fluids is essential to health and body function.

Water is the primary element in the body Electrolytes are water soluble substances

that are contained in our body fluids as salts.

Common Electrolytes Sodium Potassium Chloride Bicarbonate

Gastrointestinal & Urinary Tract Agents

Treat disorders of the stomach or intestines

Classes: Enzymes, Antidiarrheals, Antiemetics, Antacid, Laxatives, Urinary Tract Agents

Hemtological Agents Blood coagulation or clotting is a complex

process in which the protein fibrinogen is transformed to an insoluble fiber called fibrin

Hematopoietics are drugs that treat various forms of anemias by stimulating or helping to stimulate blood cell growth.

Hemostatic drugs are used to treat or prevent excessive bleeding.

Hormones & Modifiers Hormones are secretions of the

endocrine system’s ductless glands.

The endocrine system regulates our weight, appetites and metabolism, raises or lowers our blood sugar levels, is responsible for normal growth and brain development, signals menstruation, and stimulates the production of sperm and ovaries in human sexual reproduction.

Endocrine glands release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream where they can be transported to cells that have built-in receptors to receive them.

Immunobiologic Agents & Vaccines

Used to produce passive or active immunity Some Immunobiologic agents contain antibodies that

attack and destroy antigens Immunobiologic agents can be either vaccines, toxoids or

immune globulins There is a possibility that an immune globulin can contain

an infectious agent—watch for signs of infection Passive immunity from animals may be used for pathogens

such as : diphtheria, rabies, botulism, and black widow spider venom

Human passive immunity is often used in the treatment of: measles, pertussis, mumps, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B

A toxoid is a toxin that is no longer toxic but is till able to stimulate the production of antibodies

Musculoskeletal Agents Muscular System Skeletal System Conditions Types: Anti-Gout,

osteoporotic, antispasmodics, muscle relaxant

Neurological Agents Nervous system- CNS & PNS Nerve impulses are communicated

through chemical transmissions Disorders: Parkinson’s Disease,

Alzheimer’s Disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis and ADHD.

Ophthalmic & Otic Agents Eye and ear treatments Infection and inflammation Ophthalmic agents treat conditions such as

glaucoma, eye infection, eye pain, and inflammation (also used in eye examinations)

Otic agents treat conditions such as accumulation of ear wax and infections to the outer ear

Types of Ophthalmics: Antibiotics, Antiviral, Antihistamine, Cortico-steroids, NSAIDS, Mydriatics, Ocular lubricant, Antiglaucoma

Types of Otics: Anti-infective, Ear wax softener

Psychotropic Agents Psychotropic drugs

are drugs that affect behavior, psychiatric state and sleep.

Antipsychotic, antiseizure, sedatives, hypnotics, antianxiety, antidepressants, drugs for treating alcohol and drug dependency

Respiratory Agents Balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide

levels correctly is essential to health. Use oxygen and produce carbon dioxide

as waste. Respiratory system is responsible for this

exchange. Common disorders: Asthma, allergy,

emphysema, bronchitis, COPD and pneumoia.

Common drugs: antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives and bronchodilators

Review END of Chapter Review Match Terms Multiple choice

Questions?