INTRODUCTION TO
PHARMACOLOGY
Outline
◦ Introduction to some terms in pharmacology
◦ Nature and size of drugs.
2 Objectives
◦ The definition and meaning of some terms in pharmacology.
◦ The nature of drugs in terms of shapes and sizes that influence
their reactivity with receptors.
Pharmacology and drugs
➢ Pharmacology is the branch of science that studies drugs
and their
interactions with living organisms. It involves understanding how
drugs
work, their effects, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and
potential side effects.
➢ A drug can be broadly defined as any chemical substance,
natural or
synthetic, which affects a biological system.
Source of drugs
Drugs can be derived from
A. Natural sources, like
1. Plants such as morphine
2. Animals such as insulin
3. Microorganisms such as penicillin
A. Synthetic sources: Created in laboratories to improve
potency and reduce side effects. Example: paracetamol
PHARMACOLOGY
Outline
◦ Introduction to some terms in pharmacology
◦ Nature and size of drugs.
2 Objectives
◦ The definition and meaning of some terms in pharmacology.
◦ The nature of drugs in terms of shapes and sizes that influence
their reactivity with receptors.
Pharmacology and drugs
➢ Pharmacology is the branch of science that studies drugs
and their
interactions with living organisms. It involves understanding how
drugs
work, their effects, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and
potential side effects.
➢ A drug can be broadly defined as any chemical substance,
natural or
synthetic, which affects a biological system.
Source of drugs
Drugs can be derived from
A. Natural sources, like
1. Plants such as morphine
2. Animals such as insulin
3. Microorganisms such as penicillin
A. Synthetic sources: Created in laboratories to improve
potency and reduce side effects. Example: paracetamol
