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Pharmacology - #25980


 

 

Michael Epshteyn, Pharm. D.
2
30
2
0.0

This is a general course in clinical pharmacology designed to provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the rationale for pharmacological intervention for selected drugs; the use of drug information sources; proper interaction with the patient and prescriber; recognition of adverse drug reactions and drug abuse; and the basic principles of pharmacology and toxicology in humans. Course outline material will be covered through a general lecture format including classroom presentations, discussions, and case studies.

Please select from the list on the right.

The Institution-wide learning goals define the common ground that unites the programs within the university. They are purposefully broad so that the various colleges and schools can continue to develop their unique identities through varying ways in which the goals are met.

  1. Effective Communication
    Graduates will demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills in a wide variety of contexts, including collaborative activities.
  2. Self Directed and Lifelong Learning
    Graduates will be aware of the limits of one’s personal knowledge and experience and have an intellectual interest in scholarly and creative endeavors. Graduates will actively set appropriate learning goals, pursue them, and apply the knowledge gained.
  3. Ethical Reasoning
    Graduates will demonstrate a willingness to recognize the values of others while maintaining one’s own integrity, and act ethically and professionally in all endeavors.
  4. Individuals, Communities and Cultures
    Graduates will demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the cultural and health practices of individuals and communities. Graduates will be able to identify appropriate health related resources.
  5. Service to the Community
    Graduates will understand and value the benefits of service to the community.
  6. Influence of Mind, Body and Spirit on Health
    Graduates will recognize the inter-relationship of the mind, body and spirit and the influence of extrinsic factors on an individual’s health.
  7. Critical Thought and Knowledge Acquisition
    Graduates will acquire, appraise and apply scientific information. Graduates will contextually organize and synthesize relevant information to address an issue or problem.
  8. Competence in one's Discipline
    Graduates will demonstrate competence of appropriate depth and scope for one's discipline.

Course Objectives

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  1. Describe the abbreviations and terminology used for drug administration, the commercial and legal aspects of the prescription process, and general legal issues regarding drug treatment.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the most common indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and dose for selected drugs.
  3. Educate patients regarding the principles of drug use, misuse, and abuse, and take the appropriate action should a problem arise.
  4. Communicate with other healthcare providers regarding drug use.
  5. Obtain and analyze current drug information from community pharmacists, telephone and internet drug information sources, and drug information sourcebooks.
  6. Make appropriate case management decisions for patients who take herbal, over-the-counter, and/or prescribed medications.
Materials
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A. Required Text(s):
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology Class Notes, Dr. Epshteyn, current edition.

B. Recommended Text(s):
  • Pharmacology. Howland and Mycek, LWW, 3rd Edition.

C. Required Materials for Lab:
  • N/A
Assignments
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  1. Fulfill specific weekly course objectives as outlined in the syllabus.
  2. Attend lecture sessions per school policy.
Attendance
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Class attendance is required.
Grading Criteria
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  1. You will be graded on your ability to perform the specified curriculum objectives, the extent to which you have acquired the desired knowledge base, and your ability to integrate what you have learned and apply it in the future.

    ALL EXAMS WILL BE MULTIPLE CHOICE FORMAT WITH 200 TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS.

 

Quiz 1 -10 questions = 10 points                     5% of final grade

Midterm exam - 40 questions = 80 points  40% of final grade

Quiz 2 - 10 questions =10 points                    5% of final grade

Final Exam - 50 questions = 100 points      50% of final grade (cumulative)

 

 

  1. Students are entitled to a thorough explanation of their grades. Exam score sheets are not returned to the student, but test questions may be reviewed after a test during the lecture or scheduled appointment hour.
    These are the rules for all exams:
  2. There will be NO TALKING during the examinations.
  3. Only computerized answer sheets (SCANTRON) are scored in this class. Your grade depends on an accurate answer sheet! Exams are collected for controlling access to examination questions, not for grading!
  4. Students with special needs or health concerns must alert the instructor before the exam. 
  5. You must turn in ONLY YOUR OWN exam when finiished.
  6. No exam forms will be allowed out of the testing room except as directed by the instructor.
  7. Only questions relating to grammar, misspellings, copy quality, etc., will be allowed during an exam. Pointed or leading questions intended to give an examinee any additional knowledge in order to answer a question will not be allowed.
  8. CHEATING BEHAVIORS will not be tolerated. If your testing habits, postures, or behaviors appear questionable, you may be approaced by the Instructor during the test and asked to cease any questionable activity. Do not take personally any action to modify a certain test-taking situation! It may be done simply to prevent the temptation of someone near you, and not because of anything your are doing.

Guaranteed grades are as follows:

A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
F = <60%
Course Competencies
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COGNITIVE DOMAIN


Students will be familiar with the following conditions and the associated drug categories:

  1. define the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure
    • describe the mechanism of action of inotropic agents and recognize the agents reviewed in class
    • describe the signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity
    • describe the rationale for the use of diuretics and recognize the agents reviewed in class
    • describe the usage precautions for diuretics and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  2. describe the various cardiac arrhythmias
    • describe the categoires of antiarrhythmics and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  3. define the pathophysiology, prevalence, and treatment of hypertension
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following antihypertensives and recognize the agents reviewed in class:
      • diuretics
      • beta-blockers
      • calcium-channel blockers
      • ACE inhibitors
      • angiotensin receptor blockers
      • adrenergic blockers
  4. define the pathophysiology of the hypercholesterolemias
    describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following antihyperlipidemic categories and recognize the agents reviewed in class:
    • HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
    • soluble fibers
    • bile acid sequestrants
  5. define the pathophysiology of hypochlorhydria, digestive enzyme deficiency, and lactose intolerance
    • describe the mechanism of action of digestants and replacement enzymes and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  6. define the pathophysiology of the hyperacidity syndromes
    • describe the mechanism of action of the following antacid categories and recognize the agents reviewed in class:
      • acid-neutralizing antacids
      • histamine receptor blockers
      • acid pump inhibitors
  7. define the pathophysiology of gastric and duodenal ulcers
    • describe the mechanism of action of ulcer protectants and prostaglandin analogs and recognize the agents reviewed in class
    • describe the course of treatment for H. pylori infection
  8. define the pathophysiology of constipation
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following laxatives and recognize the agents reviewed in class:
      • bulk-formers
      • lubricants
      • peristaltic stimulants
      • cathartics
  9. define the pathophysiology of diarrhea
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the antidiarrheals and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  10. define the pathophysiology of gas production in the GI tract
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the antiflatulents and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  11. define the pathophysiology of nausea
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the antinauseants and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  12. define the pathophysiology of vomiting
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the antiemetics and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  13. define the essentials of poisoning treatment
    • describe the mechanism of action of emetics, adsorbents, cathartics, and antidotes and recognize the agents reviewed in class
  14. define the pathophysiology of bacterial infections
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following antibiotic categories:
      • penicillins
      • cephalosporins
      • macrolides
      • aminoglycosides
      • tetracyclines
      • quinolones
      • sulfonamides
  15. define the pathophysiology of the life cycle of a virus and viral infections
    • describe the mechanisms of action of antivirals and describe the differences between the categories discussed in class:
      • reverse transcriptase inhibitors
      • protease inhibitors
  16. define the pathophysiology of dermatologic, vaginal and systemic fungal infections
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the prescription and otc antifungals and describe the differences between the categories described in class
  17. define the pathophysiology of the cough reflex
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following antitussives discussed in class:
      • codeine
      • dextromethorphan
      • diphenhydramine
  18. define the pathophysiology of nasal congestion
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following decongestants discussed in class:
      • pseudoephedrine
      • ephedrine
      • phenylephrine
  19. define the pathophysiology of allergy and the basics of the immune system response with special regard to the inflammatory reaction and the role of histamine and leukotrienes
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines
  20. define the pathophysiology and current treatment of reactive airway disease
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following agents discussed in class:
      • smooth muscle relaxants
      • beta-adrenergic stimulants
      • mast cell inhibitors
      • anticholinergics
      • anti-inflammatories
  21. identify the most common sexually transmitted diseases and the anti-infectives used in their treatment
  22. describe the pathophysiology of urinary incontinence and the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the spasmolytics
  23. describe the pathophysiology of urinary hesitancy and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the parasympathomimetics
  24. describe the current hypotheses for nocturnal enuresis and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the agents used for its medical treatment
  25. describe the pathophysiology of inflammation and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following anti-inflammatories:
    • glucocorticoids
    • NSAID's
  26. describe the host of factors that affect pain perception and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following agents:
    • analgesics
    • muscle relaxants
    • prostaglandin inhibitors
  27. describe the current hypotheses for the causes of attention deficit (hyperactive) disorder and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the cerebral stimulants
  28. describe the current hypotheses for the causes and types of depression and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following antidepressants:
    • monoamine oxidase inhibitors
    • tricyclic antidepressants
    • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
    • second generation heterocyclics
  29. describe the current hypotheses for the causes and types of mania and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the anti-manics
  30. describe the current hypotheses for the causes and types of psychotic disorders and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the neuroleptics
  31. describe the current hypotheses for the causes and types of anxiety and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the anxiolytics:
    • barbiturates
    • benzodiazepines
  32. describe the current hypotheses for the causes and types of sleep disorders and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following hypnotics:
    • barbiturates
    • benzodiazepines
    • miscellaneous agents
  33. describe the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the anti-Parkinson's drugs
  34. describe the pathophysiology of seizures in epilepsy and head trauma and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the agents used for the anticonvulsants
  35. describe the pathophysiology of smoking as it pertains to nicotine addiction and its effects on the risk for lung cancer, RAD, and emphysema
    • describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following:
      • nicotine
      • smoking cessation products
  36. describe the current hypotheses on the pathophysiology alcoholism and alcohol intoxication and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following:
    • ethanol
    • alcohol cessation products
  37. define the social implications of drug abuse, the definition of addiction, and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following:
    • amphetamines
    • narcotics
    • hallucinogens
    • cocaine
    • anabolic steroids
  38. describe the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the various forms of thyroid replacement therapies
  39. describe the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and describe the mechanisms of action, precautions for use, and major side effects for the following:
    • insulin
    • glucagon
    • oral hypoglycemics


Conditions:

N/A

PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN


No psychomotor skills are taught in this class.

AFFECTIVE DOMAIN


Students will demonstrate professionalism at all times in lectures, and will be able to apply the information learned in this course to any patient's case management.
Weekly Calendar of Learning Objectives
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Week Dates Topics/Learning objectives
Week 1 5/2/06 Lec: Introduction: review of course syllabus, conduct and goals. Definitions, terminology; drug laws and drug approval process in the USA.
Week 2 5/9/06 Lec: Major Pharmacokinetic Concepts. Drug Interactions. Pregnancy Rick categories.
Week 3 5/16/06 Lec: Discussion of cardiovascular conditions and medications for the treatment of hypertension.
Week 4 5/23/06 Lec: Continue cardiovascular drugs discussion, focus on medications used in hypercholesterolemias, arrhythmias, angina, clotting disorders, CHF.
Week 5 5/30/06 Lec: Discussion of gastrointestinal conditions and medications for hyperacidity, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea.
QUIZ #1:10 Questions based on Lectures 1-4.
Week 6 6/6/06 Lec: Discussion of respiratory conditions and medications used for allergy and asthma.
Review weeks 1-6 for Midterm.
Week 7 6/13/06 Lec: Discussion of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and medications for treating such infections.
Week 8 6/20/06 MIDTERM EXAMINATION:
40 multiple choice questions covering all material from lecture and readings in weeks 1-6. Duration: 50 minutes
Week 9 6/27/06 Lec: Discussion of Diabetes. Insulin and Oral anti-diabetic medications.
Week 10 7/04/06 NO CLASSES - INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY
Week 11 7/11/06 Lec: Discussion of pain. Pharmacological treatment of pain. Pain medications; muscle relaxants.
Week 12 7/18/06 Lec: Discussion of Antidepressants and Sedative/Hypnotic drugs. Controlled Dangerous Substances Law and drugs of abuse.
Week 13 7/25/06 Lec: Discussion of the general principles of Toxicology. Management of the Poisoned Patient.
Quiz #2: 10 questions based on lectures 7-9.
Week 14 7/31- 8/4/06 FINAL EXAMS AS SCHEDULED BY REIGSTRAR
50 multiple choice questions covering all material from lectures and readings weeks 1-13, focusing on material from weeks 8-13.
Week 15 8/7-8/11/06 FINAL EXAMS AS SCHEDULED
Please Note
This schedule of lecture and lab topics and quizzes and exams may be changed during the course of the trimester as circumstances require. Whenever possible, such changes will be announced in class before the date and time in question. You are responsible for anything that transpires during lectures and labs, even when you are unable to attend. In the event that you miss a class session, make sure you check with a classmate about any announcements or schedule changes which may have been made. Makeup exams are allowed only according to the policies described in the current student handbook, which is available in the Student Affairs office.
Maintained by Northwestern College of Chiropractic
Last updated: 06 April, 2006
 

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