Introduction to Pharmacology

Introduction to pharmacology, its definition, and the role of drugs, including medicinal and non-medicinal categories.

Explanation of drug naming conventions (brand and generic) and classifications based on pharmacotherapeutic, pharmacological, molecular actions, and chemical nature.

Differences between pharmacokinetics (drug movement) and pharmacodynamics (drug effects), including examples of each.

Detailed discussion on various routes of drug administration, such as oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and others, with their advantages and disadvantages.

Factors affecting drug absorption, including lipid solubility, molecular size, and pH, and introduction to bioavailability.

Overview of drug distribution processes, tissue interaction, and metabolism, explaining first-pass metabolism and phase 1 and 2 reactions.

Excretion pathways of drugs via renal and gastrointestinal tracts, including processes like glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption.

Discussion on how drugs interact with enzymes and receptors, explaining mechanisms like ion channels, G-protein-coupled receptors, and DNA-linked receptors.

Exploration of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug interactions and their implications in treatment and patient safety.