Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Occupations

Ruth Woodrow is a Medical Consultant for Education and Infection Control in the Health Services Department at Senior Friendship Centers, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. She previously served as Director of Staff Development at Plymouth Harbor, Inc., and she also taught pharmacology at the Sarasota County Technical Institute. Bruce Colbert is an Associate Professor and Director of the Allied Health Care Department at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The author of 10 traditional books, he also developed an interactive worktext and DVD program on student success. Focusing on such topics as stress and time management, he has presented more than 250 regional and national lectures and workshops devoted to professional skills, enhancing critical and creative thinking and effective decision-making. In addition, Mr. Colbert consults with educational programs to improve teaching effectiveness as well as presents active teaching workshops. David M. Smith is President of Westcoast Pharmacy Consultants and the former Director of Pharmacy for Bons Secours-Venice Hospital and Health System. His articles have appeared in Pharmacy Times, Hospital Formulary, and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1. Consumer Safety and Drug Regulations. Drug Laws. FDA and DEA. Health Care Workers and the Law. 2. Drug Names and References. Classifications. Identifying Names. Legal Terms Referring to Drugs. Terms Indicating Drug Actions. Drug References. The Internet as Reference. Drug Cards. 3. Sources and Bodily Effects of Drugs. Sources of Drugs. Effects of Drugs. Drug Processing by the Body (Pharmacokinetics). Absorption. Distribution. Metabolism. Excretion. Other Variables. Unexpected Responses to Drugs. 4. Medication Preparations and Supplies. A Space-Age Drug Form. Standard Drug Forms. Supplies. 5. Abbreviations and Systems of Measurement. Abbreviations. Systems of Measurement. 6. Safe Dosage Preparation. Basic Arithmetic Test. Calculation Guidelines. Method 1: Basic Calculation. Method 2: Ratio and Proportion. Pediatric Dosage. Geriatric Dosage. Prevention of Medication Errors. 7. Responsibilities and Principles of Drug Administration. Responsible Drug Administration. Medication Errors. Principles of Administration. 8. Administration by the Gastrointestinal Route. Administration of Medications Orally. Administration of Medications by Nasogastric Tube. Administration of Medications by Gastric Tube. Administration of Medications Rectally. 9. Administration by the Parenteral Route. Sublingual and Buccal Administration. Transcutaneous Drug Delivery System. Inhalation Therapy. Injections. Skin Medications. Application to the Mucous Membranes. Eye Medications. 10. Poison Control. Poisoning by Ingestion. Poisoning by Inhalation. External Poisoning of Skin or Eyes. Poisoning by Sting and Snakebite. People at Risk. PART II: DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS. 11. Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs. Fat-Soluble Vitamins. Water-Soluble Vitamins. Minerals. Antioxidants. Alternative Medicines. References. Online References. 12. Skin Medications. Antipruritics. Corticosteroids. Emollients and Demulcents. Keratolytics. Scabicides and Pediculicides. Antifungals. Antivirals. Local Anti-Infectives. Agents Used to Treat Acne. Cautions for Topical Medications. 13. Autonomic Nervous System Drugs. Adrenergics. Adrenergic Blockers. Cholinergics. Cholinergic Blockers. 14. Antineoplastic Drugs. Antimetabolites. Alkylating Agents. Plant Alkaloids. Antibiotic Antineoplastics. Hormone Therapy. Biological Response Modifiers. Monoclonal Antibodies. Radioactive Isotopes. Cautions and Responsibilities for Antineoplastic Drugs. 15. Urinary System Drugs. Diuretics. Medications for Gout. Antispasmodics. Cholinergics. Analgesics. Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). Alpha-Blockers. 16. Gastrointestinal Drugs. Antacids. Agents for Treatment of Ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Antispasmodics/Anticholinergics. For Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Antidiarrhea Agents. Antiflatulents. Laxatives and Cathartics. Antiemetics. Prophylaxis. 17. Anti-infective Drugs. Vaccines. Aminoglycosides. Cephalosporins. Macrolides. Penicillins. Quinolones. Tetracyclines. Antifungals. Antituberculosis Agents. Miscellaneous Anti-Infectives. Agents for VRE. Antivirals. Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS Infections. HIV Information and Resources. Sulfonamides. Urinary Anti-Infectives. 18. Eye Medications. Anti-Infectives. Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Antiglaucoma Agents. Mydriatics. Local Anesthetics. 19. Analgesics, Sedatives, and Hypnotics. Analgesics. Local Anesthetic. Antimigraine Agents. Sedatives and Hypnotics. 20. Psychotropic Medications, Alcohol, and Drug Abuse. CNS Stimulants. Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). Antidepressants. Antimanic Agents. Anxiolytics. Antipsychotic Medications/Major Tranquilizers. Alcohol. Drug Abuse. 21. Musculoskeletal and Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Osteoporosis Therapy. 22. Anticonvulsants, Antiparkinsonian Drugs,and Agents for Alzheimer's Disease. Anticonvulsants. Drugs for Absence Epilepsy. Drugs for Grand Mal and Psychomotor Epilepsy. Antiparkinsonian Drugs. Agents for Alzheimer's Disease. 23. Endocrine System Drugs. Pituitary Hormones. Adrenal Corticosteroids. Thyroid Agents. Antithyroid Agents. Antidiabetic Agents. 24. Reproductive System Drugs. Androgens. Impotence Agents. Estrogens. Progestins. Choice of Contraceptives. Drugs for Labor and Delivery. Other Gonadotropic Drugs. Infertility Drugs. 25. Cardiovascular Drugs. Cardiac Glycosides. Antiarrhythmic Agents. Antihypertensives. Other Antihypertensives. Coronary Vasodilators. Antilipemic Agents. Vasoconstrictors. Anticoagulants. Platelet Inhibitor Therapy. Thrombolytic Agents. Colony Stimulating Factors (CSFs). 26. Respiratory System Drugs and Antihistamines. Oxygen. Respiratory Stimulants. Bronchodilators. Corticosteroids. Asthma Prophylaxis. Mucolytics and Expectorants. Antitussives. Antihistamines. Decongestants. Smoking Cessation Aids. 27. Drugs and Older Adults. Cumulative Effects of Drugs. Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. Drugs That May Cause Mental Impairment. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Polypharmacy. References. Summary. Comprehensive Review Exam for Part I. Comprehensive Review Exam for Part II. Appendix: Use Caution-Avoid Confusion.