Pharmacology
Pharm Basics…
Describe federal and provincial legislation and standards related to medication and nursing
practice… In Alberta, the Health Professions Act, Pharmacy and Drug Act, and Government
Organization Act govern the legal responsibilities of nurses in medication administration.
Nursing regulatory bodies like CRNA and CLPNA set professional standards to guide nurses
in providing safe, ethical, and effective medication administration.
Federal…
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA): Governs the possession, production, distribution, and
administration of controlled substances. Ensures controlled substances are used legally and
responsibly in healthcare settings.
Food and Drugs Act: Regulates the approval, manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of drugs to
ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. Sets requirements for prescription and over-the-counter
medications.
Health Canada Standards: Oversees drug safety and approves new medications for use in Canada.
Monitors adverse drug reactions through reporting systems like the Canada Vigilance Program.
Provincial…
1. Health Professions Act (HPA): Regulates all healthcare professionals in Alberta. Defines scope of
practice for nurses, including the authority to administer medications. Provides the framework for
professional regulation by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) and College of
Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).
2. Pharmacy and Drug Act: Regulates the distribution and dispensing of medications in Alberta.
Ensures proper licensing of pharmacies and adherence to safe storage and handling of medications.
3. Government Organization Act (GOA): Authorizes nurses to administer medications as part of their
regulated duties. Outlines requirements for specific practices, such as administering vaccines, IV
medications, or controlled substances.
4. Alberta Public Health Act: Governs the administration of medications related to public health (e.g.,
immunizations). Supports nurses in their role in public health initiatives, like vaccine campaigns or
outbreak response.
Standards and Guidelines from Regulatory Bodies
1. College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA): Sets standards of practice and guidelines
for medication administration, including proper assessment, documentation, and monitoring.
Emphasizes accountability, competence, and adherence to ethical principles in administering
medications.
2. College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA): Defines LPN roles and
responsibilities for safe medication administration within their scope of practice. Provides
specific guidelines for handling high-alert medications, controlled substances, and injections.
, 3. Alberta Health Services (AHS) Policies: AHS develops facility-specific protocols for
medication administration, including double-checking high-risk medications, proper
documentation, and reporting adverse drug reactions.
In Alberta, the Health Professions Act, Pharmacy and Drug Act, and Government Organization Act
govern the legal responsibilities of nurses in medication administration. Nursing regulatory bodies
like CRNA and CLPNA set professional standards to guide nurses in providing safe, ethical, and
effective medication administration.
Prescription Drug Regulation: prescripted drugs are regulated under the Prescription Drug List.
Identified as Pr on labels/package. Includes controlled drugs (C) and narcotics (N).
Controlled Drugs & Substances Act (CDSA): enacted 1997; replaced Narcotic Control Act. Governs
the control of narcotics and controlled substances.
Drugs and substances are classified under 8 schedules based on potential for misuse…
Schedule I: Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine).
Schedule II: Synthetic cannabinoids.
Schedule III: Amphetamines, LSD.
Schedule IV: Barbiturates, anabolic steroids.
Identify the purpose of medications in…
Maintaining:
a. Preventive: prevents disease from developing. (ex. vaccines)
b. Therapeutic: treatments or cures for disease. (ex. antiboitics)
or Promoting health:
c. Symptomatic relief: relieves symptoms. (ex. pain meds)
d. Restorative: works to restore homeostasis. (ex. supplements or hormone therapy)
Differentiate among…
1. Chemical names: describes the chemical composition or molecular structure of the
drug.
2. Trade names: AKA the brand name; the registered or proprietary name given by
the manufacturer or company.
3. Generic names: the nonproprietary name used in drug listings; often shorter and
simplier than the chemical name.
Differentiate among…
, A. Prescription: meds which requires doc. prescription.
B. Controlled: meds which are regulated w/potential for abuse.
C. Non-prescription: over-the-counter (OCT) meds.
D. Herbal medications (including cannabis): plant-based remedies.
Classify drugs according to the FDA pregnancy safety categories:
Category A: well-controlled studies; no risk to fetus in 1st trimester.
Category B: no well-controlled studies; no risk to the fetus.
Category C: adverse effects, but benefits may outweigh risks in some cases
Category D: evidence of fetal risk, benefits may outweigh risk in extreme cases.
Category X: clear evidence of fetal abnormalities or risks, with risks outweighing the
benefits.
Differentiate among…
1. Pharmaceutics: the study of how dosage forms (how the drug is taken) influence
drug effects.
Dosage form impact: determines the rate of drug dissolution and absorption.
Types of dosage forms:
1. Enteral (any oral drug, also includes medication which is inserted into the rectum)
2. Parental (any kind of injection)
3. Topical (anything applied onto the skin, also includes inhalers).
2. Pharmacokinetics: the study of what the body does to the drug…
Includes…
(1)Absorption: Movement of drug from site of administration into bloodstream.
Bioavailability: the extent of drug absorption; the active metabolites absorbed
into the bloodstream after the liver. First-pass-effect: reduces bioavailability of
drugs to less than 100% because the liver chemically changes a portion of the
drug into inactive metabolites. This means intravenous medication has 100%
bioavailability because it's injected straight into the bloodstream, thus
bypassing the liver.
, (2)Distribution: Transport of the drug via bloodstream to the site of action. The
drug is 1st delivered to areas with extensive blood supply (heart, liver,
kidneys, and brain)
(3)Metabolism: Biochemical alteration of a drug into metabolites. AKA
biotransformation. Mostly done in the liver and key enzyme is cytochrome
P450. Some drugs can inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes and are known as
enzyme inhibitors. They result in prolonged drug effects due to drug
accumulation and can lead to toxicity. Other kinds of drugs stimulate
metabolism and are called enzyme inducers. They can result in decreased drug
effects.
(4)Excretion: Elimination of drugs from the body, primarily done by the kidney
Pharmacokinetics also includes…
A. Half-life: the time required for drug levels to be reduced by 50% during elimination.
It measures the rate at which a drug is eliminated from the body. Ex. peak of a drug is
100mg/L, after 8hrs. the drug level is 50mg/L. This means the half-life of this drug is
8hrs. It takes 8hrs. for drug level to be reduced by 50%. After approx. 5 half-lifes the
drug is eliminated from the body.
B. Steady state: the physiological state in which the amount of the drug eliminated is
equal to the amount of the drug absorbed w/each dose; meaning consistent levels of
the drug in the body which usually correlates w/max therapeutic benefits.
C. Drug effects: Onset (time needed for 1st therapeutic response), Peak (time needed for
drug to reach max therapeutic response), Duration (the length of time the drug elictis
a therapeutic response), and Trough (the lowest drug-blood level).
3. Pharmacodynamics: the study of what the drug does to the body. AKA study of
drug action (reactions/effects).
Factors that influence drug action…
a. Age (metabolic changes/differences),
b. b. Genetics (which affect drug metabolism),
c. c. Liver function,
d. d. Drug interactions
Mechanisms of drug action…
Drug actions occur in 3 ways…
1. Receptors: drug molecule binds to receptor sites on the cell’s surface or within the
cell. Drugs interact with receptors by either blocking or eliciting a physiological
response.
2. Enzymes: drugs interact with enzymes by either inhibiting or enhancing the action of
a specific enzyme.
Pharm Basics…
Describe federal and provincial legislation and standards related to medication and nursing
practice… In Alberta, the Health Professions Act, Pharmacy and Drug Act, and Government
Organization Act govern the legal responsibilities of nurses in medication administration.
Nursing regulatory bodies like CRNA and CLPNA set professional standards to guide nurses
in providing safe, ethical, and effective medication administration.
Federal…
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA): Governs the possession, production, distribution, and
administration of controlled substances. Ensures controlled substances are used legally and
responsibly in healthcare settings.
Food and Drugs Act: Regulates the approval, manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of drugs to
ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. Sets requirements for prescription and over-the-counter
medications.
Health Canada Standards: Oversees drug safety and approves new medications for use in Canada.
Monitors adverse drug reactions through reporting systems like the Canada Vigilance Program.
Provincial…
1. Health Professions Act (HPA): Regulates all healthcare professionals in Alberta. Defines scope of
practice for nurses, including the authority to administer medications. Provides the framework for
professional regulation by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) and College of
Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).
2. Pharmacy and Drug Act: Regulates the distribution and dispensing of medications in Alberta.
Ensures proper licensing of pharmacies and adherence to safe storage and handling of medications.
3. Government Organization Act (GOA): Authorizes nurses to administer medications as part of their
regulated duties. Outlines requirements for specific practices, such as administering vaccines, IV
medications, or controlled substances.
4. Alberta Public Health Act: Governs the administration of medications related to public health (e.g.,
immunizations). Supports nurses in their role in public health initiatives, like vaccine campaigns or
outbreak response.
Standards and Guidelines from Regulatory Bodies
1. College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA): Sets standards of practice and guidelines
for medication administration, including proper assessment, documentation, and monitoring.
Emphasizes accountability, competence, and adherence to ethical principles in administering
medications.
2. College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA): Defines LPN roles and
responsibilities for safe medication administration within their scope of practice. Provides
specific guidelines for handling high-alert medications, controlled substances, and injections.
, 3. Alberta Health Services (AHS) Policies: AHS develops facility-specific protocols for
medication administration, including double-checking high-risk medications, proper
documentation, and reporting adverse drug reactions.
In Alberta, the Health Professions Act, Pharmacy and Drug Act, and Government Organization Act
govern the legal responsibilities of nurses in medication administration. Nursing regulatory bodies
like CRNA and CLPNA set professional standards to guide nurses in providing safe, ethical, and
effective medication administration.
Prescription Drug Regulation: prescripted drugs are regulated under the Prescription Drug List.
Identified as Pr on labels/package. Includes controlled drugs (C) and narcotics (N).
Controlled Drugs & Substances Act (CDSA): enacted 1997; replaced Narcotic Control Act. Governs
the control of narcotics and controlled substances.
Drugs and substances are classified under 8 schedules based on potential for misuse…
Schedule I: Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine).
Schedule II: Synthetic cannabinoids.
Schedule III: Amphetamines, LSD.
Schedule IV: Barbiturates, anabolic steroids.
Identify the purpose of medications in…
Maintaining:
a. Preventive: prevents disease from developing. (ex. vaccines)
b. Therapeutic: treatments or cures for disease. (ex. antiboitics)
or Promoting health:
c. Symptomatic relief: relieves symptoms. (ex. pain meds)
d. Restorative: works to restore homeostasis. (ex. supplements or hormone therapy)
Differentiate among…
1. Chemical names: describes the chemical composition or molecular structure of the
drug.
2. Trade names: AKA the brand name; the registered or proprietary name given by
the manufacturer or company.
3. Generic names: the nonproprietary name used in drug listings; often shorter and
simplier than the chemical name.
Differentiate among…
, A. Prescription: meds which requires doc. prescription.
B. Controlled: meds which are regulated w/potential for abuse.
C. Non-prescription: over-the-counter (OCT) meds.
D. Herbal medications (including cannabis): plant-based remedies.
Classify drugs according to the FDA pregnancy safety categories:
Category A: well-controlled studies; no risk to fetus in 1st trimester.
Category B: no well-controlled studies; no risk to the fetus.
Category C: adverse effects, but benefits may outweigh risks in some cases
Category D: evidence of fetal risk, benefits may outweigh risk in extreme cases.
Category X: clear evidence of fetal abnormalities or risks, with risks outweighing the
benefits.
Differentiate among…
1. Pharmaceutics: the study of how dosage forms (how the drug is taken) influence
drug effects.
Dosage form impact: determines the rate of drug dissolution and absorption.
Types of dosage forms:
1. Enteral (any oral drug, also includes medication which is inserted into the rectum)
2. Parental (any kind of injection)
3. Topical (anything applied onto the skin, also includes inhalers).
2. Pharmacokinetics: the study of what the body does to the drug…
Includes…
(1)Absorption: Movement of drug from site of administration into bloodstream.
Bioavailability: the extent of drug absorption; the active metabolites absorbed
into the bloodstream after the liver. First-pass-effect: reduces bioavailability of
drugs to less than 100% because the liver chemically changes a portion of the
drug into inactive metabolites. This means intravenous medication has 100%
bioavailability because it's injected straight into the bloodstream, thus
bypassing the liver.
, (2)Distribution: Transport of the drug via bloodstream to the site of action. The
drug is 1st delivered to areas with extensive blood supply (heart, liver,
kidneys, and brain)
(3)Metabolism: Biochemical alteration of a drug into metabolites. AKA
biotransformation. Mostly done in the liver and key enzyme is cytochrome
P450. Some drugs can inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes and are known as
enzyme inhibitors. They result in prolonged drug effects due to drug
accumulation and can lead to toxicity. Other kinds of drugs stimulate
metabolism and are called enzyme inducers. They can result in decreased drug
effects.
(4)Excretion: Elimination of drugs from the body, primarily done by the kidney
Pharmacokinetics also includes…
A. Half-life: the time required for drug levels to be reduced by 50% during elimination.
It measures the rate at which a drug is eliminated from the body. Ex. peak of a drug is
100mg/L, after 8hrs. the drug level is 50mg/L. This means the half-life of this drug is
8hrs. It takes 8hrs. for drug level to be reduced by 50%. After approx. 5 half-lifes the
drug is eliminated from the body.
B. Steady state: the physiological state in which the amount of the drug eliminated is
equal to the amount of the drug absorbed w/each dose; meaning consistent levels of
the drug in the body which usually correlates w/max therapeutic benefits.
C. Drug effects: Onset (time needed for 1st therapeutic response), Peak (time needed for
drug to reach max therapeutic response), Duration (the length of time the drug elictis
a therapeutic response), and Trough (the lowest drug-blood level).
3. Pharmacodynamics: the study of what the drug does to the body. AKA study of
drug action (reactions/effects).
Factors that influence drug action…
a. Age (metabolic changes/differences),
b. b. Genetics (which affect drug metabolism),
c. c. Liver function,
d. d. Drug interactions
Mechanisms of drug action…
Drug actions occur in 3 ways…
1. Receptors: drug molecule binds to receptor sites on the cell’s surface or within the
cell. Drugs interact with receptors by either blocking or eliciting a physiological
response.
2. Enzymes: drugs interact with enzymes by either inhibiting or enhancing the action of
a specific enzyme.
