Pharmacology

Effect the body has on the drug.

Absorption

Distribution

Biotransformation

Excretion

Duration and extent of the drugs effect

Effect of drug molecules on biochemical and physiological body processes

Determines the type of effect the drug elicits

Mechanism of action of the drug

Binds to and activates receptor

Example: Codeine (Binds tightly to receptors, produces maximum effect)

Binds to and activates receptor but has less effect than a full agonist

Tramadol

Binds to a receptor and decreases the receptors ability to a activated by other agonists

Example: Naloxone(blocks opioids by attaching to opioid receptors without activating them & reducing their ability to be activated)

Found on plasma proteins

Most drugs can bind to plasma proteins

Located on enzymes

Function inhibited when drugs bind to them

Found in nerve endings

Stores endogenous neurotransmitters

Found on carriers in cell membrane

Transport drugs across cell membrane

Sometimes impede transport of endogenous substances

Found in only arteries

Causes constriction of arteries when stimulated by Epinephrine or Norephineprine

Example: Stimulated by phenylephrine

Located in the bronchioles of the lungs & arteries of skeletal muscles

Dilates bronchioles and Arteries in skeletal muscles when stimulated

Can be stimulated by Epinephrine or norepinephrine

Can be stimulated by Hexoprenaline

Located in the heart

Increases heart rate and strength of contraction when stimulated

Example: can be stimulated by Dobutamine

Type of drug

Quantity of drug used

Method of administration

Gender, Mass

Drug interactions

Time taken to consume

Patient tolerance

Environment