PHRM 1120 Pharmacology for Technicians II
Description
Pharmacology for Technicians II introduces pharmacy technician students to the general principles of pharmacology. Drugs are discussed in the context of drug classes, mechanics of action, disease types, and body systems. The goal is to provide pharmacy technicians with sufficient background information so that they will be able to play a key role in avoiding dispensing errors. Although emphasis will be given to the approximately 200 most commonly prescribed drugs, many more drugs will be discussed during the semester.
Credits
3
Prerequisite
PHRM 1115
Corequisite
None
Topics to be Covered
1. The basic concepts of pharmacology will be discussed in the context of disease types and drug classes used to treat these diseases.
2. Many medications will be covered, but emphasis will be placed on learning the most common drugs, including the brand/generic names, side effects and therapeutic uses.
Learning Outcomes
1. Examine principles of drug action in the body and individual cells, including body absorption and distribution in relation to therapeutic blood levels and the process of clearing systemically dispersed agents through metabolism and elimination
2. Anticipate how best to promote safety and avoid medication errors through drug label and medication order literacy skills. Be able to communicate effectively with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Implement appropriate patient warning labels to promote thorough understanding of drug regimen requirements by patients and medical staff.
3. Anticipate possible side effects and related dispensing strategy for each drug class as well as for specific agents. Analyze labeling requirements for various classes of pharmaceuticals and cautions when dispensing based on thorough understanding of interactions between classes of pharmaceuticals, individual agents, and natural supplements.
4. Describe ways various classes of anti-infective drugs work against microorganisms and identify uses of these drugs in eliminating specific microorganisms from the body.
5. Explain the action of neurotransmitters in the nervous system, relate classes of pharmaceuticals that affect or change neurotransmitter action, and describe therapeutic results obtained with the various neurological agent classes.
6. Explain principles of how various classes of pharmaceuticals act when utilized in aiding respiratory gas exchanges, circulating blood pressure and cardiac rhythms, and blood filtration.
7. Compare action of pharmaceutical agents when applied to the digestive system and examine, compare, and describe how these agents affect other physiological processes (e.g., blood pressure and sugar levels).
8. Define the action of the endocrine glands and hormones, delineate hormone supplement and replacement therapies, and compile adverse effects of inadequate and excess administration.
9. Identify the physiological action and deficiency symptoms of vitamin classes, explore natural supplements and potential therapeutic value, and examine the use of natural supplements in conjunction with prescription medications.
Credit Details
Lecture: 2
Lab: 1
OJT: 0
MnTC Goal Area(s): None