Pharmacology I

Catalog description

This is the first of two courses designed to provide a solid foundation in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and the physiology associated with drug action and interaction. Drugs will be discussed by class with attention given to specific drugs, indications, contraindications, dosage, mechanism of action, side effects, similarities, and differences. Emphasis will be placed on the more common drugs in the treatment of common diseases including ophthalmologic diseases, disorders of the ears, nose, and throat, infectious diseases to include antibiotics and antivirals, and respiratory, cardiovascular, and hematologic diseases. Additionally, students will learn about prescribing medications across the lifespan, including dosing and dose considerations for infants, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and patients with both acute and chronic diseases. Learning to prescribe will include instruction on reducing error, mandatory reporting, prescription databases, and facilitating adherence to a treatment plan. Students will learn the impact of pharmacology on preventive medicine with instruction on travel medicine and safety, and the legal, political, social, and preventive implications of vaccinations.