Pharmacology: An Introduction

Henry Hitner earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and spent several years working in the pharmaceutical industry, first as a research assistant in toxicology for Wyeth Laboratories and then as a research pharmacologist for National Drug Company, both in Philadelphia. During this time he earned a master of education degree in biology from West Chester University. He attended graduate school at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, where he earned a PhD in pharmacology. Dr. Hitner then went into academia, where he held numerous faculty positions, first as an instructor of biology and allied health sciences at Montgomery County Community College, followed by 30 years of teaching and research at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). At PCOM he served as professor and vice chair of the neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology department. Other positions included director of the animal facility and chair of the institutional animal care and utilization committee. Professional memberships included the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He was the recipient of the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching and a Mentor Award from the National Student Association. Henry and his wife Carlotta enjoy traveling, the beach, and time spent with family and their nine grandchildren. Barbara Nagle earned a master of science and doctorate at Hahnemann Medical College and University in the department of pharmacology. Following postdoctoral training in ocular pharmacology at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, she taught pharmacology and physiology to medical students at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and to nursing students at Widener University. After several years in academia, she moved into the pharmaceutical industry at Glaxo Smith-Kline, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Bio-Pharm Clinical Services, ICON, and InKine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as Director of Clinical Information and later Vice President of Clinical Research, Training and Quality Assurance. She has been part of the research effort to bring products through clinical development to FDA approval such as gastric acid suppressants (antihistamines), beta-blockers, antiinfectives, muscle relaxants, and oral contraceptives. Her most recent affiliation was with Endo Pharmaceuticals in pain management research prior to her current activities as consultant and educator. She has served as International Director of Drug Development Training and Medical Education for BioPharm. Professional memberships include the Sigma Xi Scientific Research and American Medical Writers Association. Barbara is a freelance photographer, traveler, and silk painter.

Part I General Concepts 1 Introduction to Pharmacology 2 Biological Factors Affecting the Action of Drugs 3 Geriatric Pharmacology 4 Math Review and Dosage Calculations Part II Pharmacology of the Peripheral Nervous System 5 Autonomic Nervous System 6 Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic Nervous System 7 Drugs Affecting the Parasympathetic Nervous System 8 Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Ganglia 9 Skeletal Muscle Relaxants 10 Local Anesthetics Part III Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System 11 Introduction to the Central Nervous System 12 Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs and Alcohol 13 Antipsychotic and Antianxiety Drugs 14 Antidepressants, Psychomotor Stimulants, and Lithium 15 Psychotomimetic Drugs of Abuse 16 Antiepileptic Drugs 17 Antiparkinson Drugs 18 General Anesthetics 19 Opioid (Narcotic) Analgesics 20 Nonnarcotic Analgesics Anti-inflammatory, and Antigout Drugs Part IV Pharmacology of the Heart 21 Cardiac Glycosides and the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure 22 Antiarrhythmic Drugs 23 Antianginal Drugs Part V Pharmacology of the Vascular and Renal Systems 24 Diuretics 25 Antihypertensive Drugs 26 Anticoagulants and Coagulants 27 Nutrition and Therapy 28 Hypolipidemic Drugs 29 Antianemics Part VI Drugs that Affect the Respiratory System 30 Antiallergic and Antihistaminic Drugs 31 Bronchodilator Drugs and the Treatment of Asthma Part VII Pharmacology of the GI Tract 32 Therapy of Gastrointestinal Disorders: GERD, Ulcers, and Vomiting 33 Agents that Affect Intestinal Motility Part VIII Pharmacology of the Endocrine System 34 Introduction to the Endocrine System 35 Introduction to the Endocrine System & Adrenal Steroids 36 Gonadal Hormones and the Oral Contraceptives 37 Drugs Affecting the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands and Bone Degeneration 38 Pancreatic Hormones and Antidiabetic Drugs 39 Posterior Pituitary Hormones and Drugs Affecting Uterine Muscle Part IX Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases 40 Antibacterial Agents 42 Antifungal and Antiviral (AIDS) Drugs 43 Antiprotozoal and Anthelmintic Drugs 44 Antiseptics and Disinfectants Part X Antineoplastics and Drugs Affecting the Immune System 45 Antineoplastic Agents 46 Immunopharmacology