Pharmaceutical Basics

This course focuses on the intricacies of pharmacokinetics, legal and ethical aspects of medication management, and the practical skills required for safe medication administration. Learners will gain a deep understanding of how drugs are processed in the body, the regulations surrounding controlled substances, and the management of drug reactions. The course also covers patient-specific drug therapy management, accurate and ethical handling of medication errors, and strategies to prevent medication fraud and diversion.

• 1. Define the four core processes of pharmacokinetics and explain how various organs such as the liver and kidneys are involved in the metabolism and excretion of drugs.

• 2. Identify and discuss the schedules of controlled substances, explaining the criteria for a drug’s inclusion in each schedule and the legal requirements for handling, prescribing, and dispensing these substances.

• 3. List and describe the different types of drug reactions, including therapeutic, allergic, and adverse reactions, and demonstrate the appropriate management strategies for each.

• 4. Explain the concept of dose-response, including definitions of potency and efficacy, and assess how variations in dosing influence drug responses.

• 5. Dscuss key patient factors that influence drug pharmacodynamics, such as age, illness, and genetic factors, and develop strategies for tailored drug therapy management.

• 6. Describe the pharmacokinetic changes in patients with conditions like renal impairment or liver disease that require dosage adjustments, and demonstrate monitoring strategies for these adjustments.

• 7. Demonstrate correct techniques for administering various forms of medications, including liquid medications, tablets, capsules, and topicals, emphasizing safety precautions and correct dosing.

• 8. Utilize key pharmaceutical references effectively to locate accurate medication information, apply criteria for evaluating the credibility of this information, and navigate both online and physical databases proficiently.

• 9. Explain the importance of accurate reporting of medication errors, describe the follow-up actions after reporting, and understand the legal and ethical implications of such errors.

• 10. Identify signs of medication fraud, theft, or diversion in healthcare settings and demonstrate knowledge of prevention strategies to ensure patient safety and legal compliance.