Commonly Used Drugs

COMMONLY USED DRUGS

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IntroductionTop of FormTop of Form

·       Drugs are chemical substances used to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases.

·       They play a vital role in managing various common ailments, ranging from infections to chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes.

·       Their proper use is essential to achieve therapeutic outcomes and prevent complications.

Definition

·       A drug can be defined as any chemical substance that, when absorbed into the body, alters the normal physiological functions.

·       In medical terms, drugs are primarily used for the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases.

Classification

• Therapeutic effect (e.g., analgesics, antihypertensives)
• Pharmacological effect (e.g., central nervous system stimulants)
• Chemical structure (e.g., opioids, sulfonamides)
• Mode of action (e.g., enzyme inhibitors)

Examples

• Analgesics: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen
• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin
• Antihypertensives: Amlodipine, Losartan

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: The process of drug entry into the bloodstream (e.g., oral, intravenous).
• Distribution: The movement of the drug throughout the body (e.g., protein binding, tissue distribution).
• Metabolism: The chemical breakdown of the drug, primarily in the liver (e.g., hepatic metabolism).
• Excretion: The removal of the drug from the body (e.g., renal excretion via urine).

Mechanism of Action

·       The mechanism of action explains how a drug works at the molecular level to produce its effect.

·       This may involve interacting with specific receptors, enzymes, or ion channels.

Example

• Paracetamol works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the brain, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever.

Uses

• Analgesics for pain relief (e.g., Paracetamol for headaches)
• Antibiotics for infections (e.g., Amoxicillin for bacterial infections)
• Antihypertensives for high blood pressure (e.g., Amlodipine)

Adverse Effects

• Paracetamol: Nausea, rash, liver damage at high doses
• Ibuprofen: Gastrointestinal irritation, kidney damage
• Amlodipine: Dizziness, swelling in the ankles

Contraindications

• Paracetamol: Contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease.
• Ibuprofen: Should be avoided in patients with peptic ulcers or kidney disease.
• Amlodipine: Contraindicated in patients with severe hypotension.

Role of Nurse

• Assessment: Assess the patient’s condition and allergies before administering the drug.
• Drug Administration: Ensure proper dosage and timing, route of administration, and monitor for therapeutic effects.
• Patient Education: Educate the patient on the purpose of the drug, how to take it, and potential side effects.
• Monitoring: Watch for adverse effects, drug interactions, and ensure patient compliance.
• Documentation: Record drug administration and monitor the patient's response to treatment.

Video Description

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