Learning objectives
The course of Pharmacology is included in the integrated course of Medicine I.
The course aims to allow the student to know and to understand the principles that govern the interactions of drugs with the body, the principles of general toxicology, the adverse reactions of drugs and their evaluation, the fundamental aspects associated with the therapeutic use of some drugs of more specific interest, with potential ototoxic effects.
Applying the knowledge and the comprehension acquired, the student will be able to help to prevent complications from the use of drugs with potential ototoxic effects.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
General principles of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution and elimination), pharmacodynamics (mechanisms of drug action) and toxicology will be covered in the first part of the course. The second part will cover drugs in use as analgesics, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Finally, drugs with potential ototoxic effects will be explained.
Full programme
General Pharmacology.
Elements of pharmacokinetics, routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. Pharmacokinetic parameters and their clinical significance. Hints of pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of drug action, targets and receptors. Variability in drug response. Adverse events and drug toxicity, therapeutic index.
Therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs and corticosteroids; opioid analgesics and local anesthetics. Natural and synthetic antiinfectives: background knowledge. Drugs with potential ototoxic effects: salicylates, antimalarials, loop diuretics, aminoglycosides, platinum-containing antineoplastics.
Bibliography
Karen Whalen "Le basi della Farmacologia" 3° ed. italiana della 7° ed. americana, Zanichelli 2020
Teaching methods
Class lessons: the program themes will be discussed with the aid of slides. The proposed topics will be the subject of collective discussion and study on the basis of ideas and any questions raised during the lessons themselves.
Due to the emergency situation, lessons may also be delivered remotely (either in synchronous or asynchronous mode) via Microsoft Teams.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination.
It will be evaluated the knowledge and the understanding of the topics discussed in the course, taking into account the autonomy in making judgments, the communication skills and the learning skills of the student.
Other information
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