Principles of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Substance Abuse

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. describe the method through which drugs are discovered, tested, produced, and finally approved for use; 2. explain the role of pharmaceutical drugs in health and society; 3. demonstrate knowledge of classification of drugs and the most commonly used drugs in health care; 4. describe the process of drug procurement, storage, and usage in a health centre; 5. demonstrate knowledge of drug testing to identify fake and counterfeit drugs; 6. understand the role of complementary and alternative medicine in health care system.; 7. identify crises situation concerning substance abuse and determine appropriate action; 8. discuss the effect of alcohol and other drugs to human body; 9. identify sociological factors associated with alcohol and other substances abuse; 10. demonstrate knowledge of treatment issues associated with alcoholism and other substance abuse; and 11. advocate enhanced method of alcohol use that will reduce damage to health.

The course is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the sources of drugs. Classification and composition of drugs. Alternative and complementary medicines. Use and abuse of drugs. Use and abuse of alcoholic beverages. Action and reaction of drugs and alcoholic beverages (prophylactic, therapeutic and toxicological effects). Legal control of drugs and alcoholic beverages. The concepts of drugs and alcoholic beverage use and abuse. Role of NAFDAC in standardisation of drugs. Fake and counterfeit drugs. NDLEA and fight against drug abuse.