1
Solution Manual For
Pharmacology An Introduction Henry Hitner, 8e
Chapter 1-46
CHAPTER 1
Pharmacology: An Introduction
Overview
Pharmacology is the study of drugs. A drug can be any substance that, when
administered to living organisms, produces a change in function. Thus, substances such
as water, metals (iron), or insecticides can be classified as drugs. However, the term
drug commonly refers to any medication that is used for diagnosing, curing, or treating
disease.
Pharmacology is a subject that requires some background knowledge of anatomy,
physiology, pathology, and related medical sciences. In that sense pharmacology is an
integrative course of study that applies the relevant information of all medical sciences
to the treatment of disease. The major focus of this chapter is to provide an
understanding of the mechanisms of action, main therapeutic effects, clinical uses, and
adverse reactions of drugs.
Learning Outcomes
After studying this chapter, students should be able to:
1.1 List and define the major areas of pharmacology.
1.2 Describe what a drug is and explain the differences between a therapeutic effect,
side effect, and toxic effect.
1.3 Understand the terms site of action and mechanism of action, and how agonist and
antagonist drugs interact at drug receptor sites.
1.4 Characterize the relationship between drug dosage and drug response, and the
relationship between drug response and time.
1.5 Understand the terms associated with drug safety: therapeutic index, idiosyncrasy,
drug allergy, and teratogen.
1.6 Explain the nomenclature used to name and classify drugs.
1.7 Recall the main drug references and the information they provide.
Lecture Outline
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
, 2
Drug Sources and Major Areas of Pharmacology (LO 1.1)
There are several sources of drugs. In the early days of medicine, most drugs were
obtained from plant or animal sources. The main source of new drugs today is from
chemical synthesis. Pharmacology is a large discipline that can be subdivided into
different areas of study. These include pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacy, posology, and toxicology.
Terminology Related to Drug Effects (LO 1.2)
Pharmacologists know that all drugs produce more than one effect. Every drug
produces its intended effect, or therapeutic effect, along with other effects. The
therapeutic use(s) of any drug is referred to as the drug indication, meaning indications
for use. The term contraindication refers to the situation or circumstance when a
particular drug should not be used. Some drug effects, other than therapeutic effects,
are described as undesirable. Undesired drug effects are categorized as side effects,
adverse effects, and toxic effects.
Many side effects are more of a nuisance than they are harmful. Adverse effects are
also undesired effects, but these are effects that may be harmful or that with prolonged
treatment may cause conditions that affect the function of vital organs such as the liver
or kidney. Toxic effects, or toxicity, implies drug poisoning, the consequences of which
can be extremely harmful and may be life-threatening.
Allied health personnel spend the majority of their time in patient contact. Therefore,
they have an important responsibility to observe the undesired effects of drugs, to
recognize the side effects that are often expected, and to identify and report the adverse
and toxic effects that are potentially harmful and that often require medical attention.
Basic Concepts in Pharmacology (LO 1.3)
The site of action of a drug is the location within the body where the drug exerts its
therapeutic effect. Mechanism of action explains how a drug produces its effects.
Drug action is usually thought to begin after a drug has attached itself to some chemical
structure located on the outer cell membrane or within the cell itself. For a few drugs
and for some normal body substances, there seems to be a specific location on certain
cells. This area is referred to as the receptor site. The attachment, or binding, of a drug
to its receptors begins a series of cell changes referred to as the drug action.
When a specific receptor site for a drug is known, that receptor site becomes the site of
action for that particular drug. Drugs that bind to specific receptors and produce a drug
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
, 3
action are called agonists. Drugs that bind to specific receptors and block agonist drug
action or cellular functions are called antagonists.
Dose-Response and Time-Plasma Drug Concentration Curves (LO 1.4)
A dose is the exact amount of a drug that is administered in order to produce a specific
effect. The effect is referred to as the response. When the relationship between the
dose and the response is plotted as a graph, it is referred to as a dose-response curve.
The main feature of the dose-response relationship is that a drug response is
proportional to the dose. As the dose increases, so does the magnitude of the
response. For example, dose-response curves can be used to measure the potency of
similar drugs.
The relationship of time and the plasma drug concentration is known as the time-plasma
drug concentration curve or time-response curve since it reflects the duration of action.
Drug Safety (LO 1.5)
Every drug must fulfill two major requirements before it can be approved for use in
humans: efficacy and safety. The therapeutic index gives an estimate of the relative
safety of a drug. All drugs produce adverse and toxic effects if taken in excess. Most
adverse effects are dose dependent, which means the higher the dose, the greater the
chances for producing an adverse effect. A few adverse effects are not dose
dependent. These effects, such as drug idiosyncrasy and drug allergy, are determined
by individual variation.
Drug Nomenclature (LO 1.6)
All drugs are chemicals, and many have long chemical-names. As a result, all drugs are
given a shorter name, known as the nonproprietary name, which is usually a contraction
of the chemical name. The nonproprietary name is more commonly referred to as the
generic name.
When the drug is marketed by a pharmaceutical company, it is given a third name,
known as the proprietary name, or trade name or brand name. Drugs are also divided
into prescription and nonprescription drugs. Prescription drugs require a written or
phone order (the prescription), which can only be issued by or under the direction of a
licensed physician, dentist, or veterinarian. Nonprescription drugs, usually referred to as
―over-the-counter‖ (OTC) drugs, can be purchased anywhere and do not require the
services of a physician or pharmacist.
Drug References and Drug Legislation (LO 1.7)
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
, 4
The United States Pharmacopeia/National Formulary (USP/NF) is the official drug list
recognized by the U.S. government. It provides information concerning the physical and
chemical properties of drugs. The Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR®) is the reference
most widely used by physicians, pharmacists, and nurses for information relating to the
use of drugs in the practice of medicine. Drug Facts and Comparisons is a loose-leaf
index and drug information service subscribed to by most medical libraries. The
following are the major legislative acts:
1906: Federal Pure Food and Drug Act
1938: Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act
1970: Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
Instructor Lesson Plan
Chapter: __1__
Estimated chapter teaching time: __90 minutes__
Date: _____
Time Activity and Materials Learning
Instructions Outcomes
Introduction 10 min Ask students if they 1.1
know where the drug
digitalis comes from.
Introduce the topics
for Chapter 1, starting
with drug sources.
Lecture 50 min Utilize lecture outlines Lecture 1.1–1.3,
and PPTs. outline 1.5
Introduce new PPTs (1-1
terminology and to 1-11)
vocabulary.
Discuss the major
areas of
pharmacology.
Introduce the basic
concepts in
pharmacology.
Discuss therapeutic,
side, adverse, and
toxic effects.
Active Learning 20 min See the group activity See 1.3
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
Solution Manual For
Pharmacology An Introduction Henry Hitner, 8e
Chapter 1-46
CHAPTER 1
Pharmacology: An Introduction
Overview
Pharmacology is the study of drugs. A drug can be any substance that, when
administered to living organisms, produces a change in function. Thus, substances such
as water, metals (iron), or insecticides can be classified as drugs. However, the term
drug commonly refers to any medication that is used for diagnosing, curing, or treating
disease.
Pharmacology is a subject that requires some background knowledge of anatomy,
physiology, pathology, and related medical sciences. In that sense pharmacology is an
integrative course of study that applies the relevant information of all medical sciences
to the treatment of disease. The major focus of this chapter is to provide an
understanding of the mechanisms of action, main therapeutic effects, clinical uses, and
adverse reactions of drugs.
Learning Outcomes
After studying this chapter, students should be able to:
1.1 List and define the major areas of pharmacology.
1.2 Describe what a drug is and explain the differences between a therapeutic effect,
side effect, and toxic effect.
1.3 Understand the terms site of action and mechanism of action, and how agonist and
antagonist drugs interact at drug receptor sites.
1.4 Characterize the relationship between drug dosage and drug response, and the
relationship between drug response and time.
1.5 Understand the terms associated with drug safety: therapeutic index, idiosyncrasy,
drug allergy, and teratogen.
1.6 Explain the nomenclature used to name and classify drugs.
1.7 Recall the main drug references and the information they provide.
Lecture Outline
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
, 2
Drug Sources and Major Areas of Pharmacology (LO 1.1)
There are several sources of drugs. In the early days of medicine, most drugs were
obtained from plant or animal sources. The main source of new drugs today is from
chemical synthesis. Pharmacology is a large discipline that can be subdivided into
different areas of study. These include pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacy, posology, and toxicology.
Terminology Related to Drug Effects (LO 1.2)
Pharmacologists know that all drugs produce more than one effect. Every drug
produces its intended effect, or therapeutic effect, along with other effects. The
therapeutic use(s) of any drug is referred to as the drug indication, meaning indications
for use. The term contraindication refers to the situation or circumstance when a
particular drug should not be used. Some drug effects, other than therapeutic effects,
are described as undesirable. Undesired drug effects are categorized as side effects,
adverse effects, and toxic effects.
Many side effects are more of a nuisance than they are harmful. Adverse effects are
also undesired effects, but these are effects that may be harmful or that with prolonged
treatment may cause conditions that affect the function of vital organs such as the liver
or kidney. Toxic effects, or toxicity, implies drug poisoning, the consequences of which
can be extremely harmful and may be life-threatening.
Allied health personnel spend the majority of their time in patient contact. Therefore,
they have an important responsibility to observe the undesired effects of drugs, to
recognize the side effects that are often expected, and to identify and report the adverse
and toxic effects that are potentially harmful and that often require medical attention.
Basic Concepts in Pharmacology (LO 1.3)
The site of action of a drug is the location within the body where the drug exerts its
therapeutic effect. Mechanism of action explains how a drug produces its effects.
Drug action is usually thought to begin after a drug has attached itself to some chemical
structure located on the outer cell membrane or within the cell itself. For a few drugs
and for some normal body substances, there seems to be a specific location on certain
cells. This area is referred to as the receptor site. The attachment, or binding, of a drug
to its receptors begins a series of cell changes referred to as the drug action.
When a specific receptor site for a drug is known, that receptor site becomes the site of
action for that particular drug. Drugs that bind to specific receptors and produce a drug
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
, 3
action are called agonists. Drugs that bind to specific receptors and block agonist drug
action or cellular functions are called antagonists.
Dose-Response and Time-Plasma Drug Concentration Curves (LO 1.4)
A dose is the exact amount of a drug that is administered in order to produce a specific
effect. The effect is referred to as the response. When the relationship between the
dose and the response is plotted as a graph, it is referred to as a dose-response curve.
The main feature of the dose-response relationship is that a drug response is
proportional to the dose. As the dose increases, so does the magnitude of the
response. For example, dose-response curves can be used to measure the potency of
similar drugs.
The relationship of time and the plasma drug concentration is known as the time-plasma
drug concentration curve or time-response curve since it reflects the duration of action.
Drug Safety (LO 1.5)
Every drug must fulfill two major requirements before it can be approved for use in
humans: efficacy and safety. The therapeutic index gives an estimate of the relative
safety of a drug. All drugs produce adverse and toxic effects if taken in excess. Most
adverse effects are dose dependent, which means the higher the dose, the greater the
chances for producing an adverse effect. A few adverse effects are not dose
dependent. These effects, such as drug idiosyncrasy and drug allergy, are determined
by individual variation.
Drug Nomenclature (LO 1.6)
All drugs are chemicals, and many have long chemical-names. As a result, all drugs are
given a shorter name, known as the nonproprietary name, which is usually a contraction
of the chemical name. The nonproprietary name is more commonly referred to as the
generic name.
When the drug is marketed by a pharmaceutical company, it is given a third name,
known as the proprietary name, or trade name or brand name. Drugs are also divided
into prescription and nonprescription drugs. Prescription drugs require a written or
phone order (the prescription), which can only be issued by or under the direction of a
licensed physician, dentist, or veterinarian. Nonprescription drugs, usually referred to as
―over-the-counter‖ (OTC) drugs, can be purchased anywhere and do not require the
services of a physician or pharmacist.
Drug References and Drug Legislation (LO 1.7)
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
, 4
The United States Pharmacopeia/National Formulary (USP/NF) is the official drug list
recognized by the U.S. government. It provides information concerning the physical and
chemical properties of drugs. The Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR®) is the reference
most widely used by physicians, pharmacists, and nurses for information relating to the
use of drugs in the practice of medicine. Drug Facts and Comparisons is a loose-leaf
index and drug information service subscribed to by most medical libraries. The
following are the major legislative acts:
1906: Federal Pure Food and Drug Act
1938: Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act
1970: Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
Instructor Lesson Plan
Chapter: __1__
Estimated chapter teaching time: __90 minutes__
Date: _____
Time Activity and Materials Learning
Instructions Outcomes
Introduction 10 min Ask students if they 1.1
know where the drug
digitalis comes from.
Introduce the topics
for Chapter 1, starting
with drug sources.
Lecture 50 min Utilize lecture outlines Lecture 1.1–1.3,
and PPTs. outline 1.5
Introduce new PPTs (1-1
terminology and to 1-11)
vocabulary.
Discuss the major
areas of
pharmacology.
Introduce the basic
concepts in
pharmacology.
Discuss therapeutic,
side, adverse, and
toxic effects.
Active Learning 20 min See the group activity See 1.3
Copyright © 2022 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent
of McGraw-Hill Education.
