Learning objectives
Taking into account the previously acquired knowledge of anatomy,
biology, biochemistry, physiology, and general pathology, at the end of
the course the student must demonstrate understanding about:
the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics,
the route of administration of drugs and the properties of the different
pharmaceutical forms,
the concept of bioavailability and bioequivalence, the correct procedures and timing of drug administration,
the causes, signs and symptoms of major adverse events of drugs,
the consequences and treatment of drug-drug interactions and
interaction of medicaments with substances of herbal and alimentary
origin,
the instructions for use of the different classes of drugs most commonly
used in diseases of obstetric-gynecologic and surgical interest.
Even in cooperation with other professionals, the student will then be
able to:
contribute to the success of the therapy prescribed identify the problems related to drug therapy prepare an appropriate care plan.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The module of Pharmacology is included in the Integrated Course of
"BIOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES". The teaching of Pharmacology aims to educate the student to the knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of drug action and the basic principles
that govern the movement of drugs in the body. The student will use
knowledge about the use of drugs in obstetric-gynecologic therapy and /
or in the management of natural or assisted childbirth.
Full programme
General information on drugs. Nomenclature, pharmaceutical forms,
discovery and development of new drugs, drug prescription.
Pharmacosurveillance.
General principles of pharmacokinetics. Absorption, distribution,
metabolism and elimination of drugs. Accumulation of drugs into the
body.
Routes of administration of drugs
Bioavailability and Bioequivalence.
Dosage of drugs and Therapeutic Regimens
Principles of Pharmacodynamics: mechanism of drug action and
molecular targets.
Factors that modify the response to drugs
Drug toxicity: intolerance and allergy. Idiosyncratic responses and
principles of pharmacogenetics.
Drug-drug interactions of clinical relevance.
Drugs acting on the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines,
antidepressants, adrenergic stimulants.
Drugs for control of pain. Opioid analgesics. Local anesthetics. NSAIDs
and acetaminophen.
Competitive and depolarizing neuromuscular blockers. Botulinum toxin
and direct antispasmodics.
Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants: focus on
corticosteroids.
Gastrointestinal drugs: antacids, histamine H2-receptor antagonists,
proton pump inhibitors, antiemetics, prokinetics, anti-diarrhoics,
laxatives.
Cardiovascular drugs, antihypertensives, diuretics, antiarrhythmics,
digitalis and other positive inotropes; coronaroactive drugs, drugs
affecting hemostasis.
Drugs affecting the reproductive system and uterine motility.
General concept of drug therapy of the infective states: antibacterials
and antibiotics.
Bibliography
Basic pharmacology for nurses. Clayton and Stock, Mosby 2012
(consider updated editions, if available).
Teaching methods
Ex-cathedra lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
The achievement of the objectives of the course will be performed by an
oral exam. Through general and specific questions relative to the
program of the course, the level of knowledge relative to the
characteristics of therapeutic drug and their correct use in the clinical
setting will be determined. Moreover, the ability of the student to
contribute with autonomy of judgment and professional approach to an
appropriate care plan will be also assessed.
Other information
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