Pharmacodynamics and Chemotherapy I

At the end of this course, the student should be able to: 1. discuss sources, classifications of drugs, chemical, generic and trade names; 2. identify the basic principles of pharmacology, drug uses including side effects and contra indications as they apply to the human body systems; 3. explain the ethical and legal aspects concerning drug administration; 4. identify resources for up-to-date information on drugs and medication used within clinical practice (different drug formularies)/DRF; 5. utilise knowledge acquired in drug dosage calculations and administration; 6. explain the indications, actions, dosage, route of administration and side effects of drugs considered in this course;and 7. explain the role of the nurse in pharmacovigilance and adverse event reporting.

Drug derivations, sources, classifications. Pharmacology –basic principles, uses of drugs. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Drug actions and functions of drugs in the body systems. Routes of drugs administration (oral, parenteral, intrathecal, and other routes). Drugs for prophylaxis and control of bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. Chemotherapy for parasitic infections. Therapeutic drugs and their action on cells. Different lotions and their uses; toxicology and drug abuse. Nurses role in drug therapy. Patient safety issues through pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse events. The National Drug Policy and Drug Revolving Fund (DRF). Problems of drug therapy and the contributions of traditional chemotherapeutic measures to health maintenance. Administration of controlled drugs and substances (DDA).