MCPHS PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM REVISION GUIDE DRUG
STUDY GUIDE 2024/2025
pharmacology
the study of the action of drugs on living organisms
neuropharmacology
drug induced changes in functioning of nerve cells
psychopharmacology
drug induced changes in behavioral responding
neuropsychopharmacology
drug induced changes in the function of select neurons that influence specific behaviors
drug action
molecular changes within cells produced by the drug binding to a particular target site or receptor
on those cells
drug effects
molecular changes within or between cells that lead to alterations in the physiological or
psychological function
(the changes that occur)
therapeutic effects
drug/receptor interactions that produce the DESIRED physiologic and or behavioral effect
side effects
all other drug effects varying from annoying to dangerous
specific drug effects
due to physical/biochemical interaction of the drug with a target
non-specific effect
not based on drug target interactions - due to characteristics of individual
-influenced by experience, mood, expectations, attitude
-may be due to varied neurochemical state of individual at time of exposure
-unique to a persons physiology and can alter how affective a drug is
, pharmacokinetic factors determine drug action
chemical structure, dose, bioavailability, stomach acidity, antacids, food load
enteric coated formulations
used for drugs activated by low pH
buffered formulations
used for drugs that increase stomach acidity
absorption
movement of drug from site of administration to the blood circulation
influence by route of administration and drug liberation factors
PO - oral administration
most popular, safe, economical, comfortable
must dissolve in stomach and pass through stomach wall to reach blood capillaries
PO absorption is influenced by
amount and type of food. (large amounts or fatty foods slow drug movement)
First pass effect
PO drugs absorbed into blood stream go directly to liver where metabolism reduces amount of
drug available to general circulation
IV - intravenous administration
most rapid and accurate method - circumvents stomach and first pass effect
produces quick onset of drug effect
problems with IV
1. quick onset = reaches brain instantly, little room for correction.
2. sterility of injection equipment/lack thereof
3. dissolving of illicit drugs in fillers that are hazardous
IM - intramuscular administration
slow and even delivery of drug - absorption usually 10-30 minutes post injection
non aqueous additives provide slow sustained release action
often painful
SC - subcutaneous Administration
STUDY GUIDE 2024/2025
pharmacology
the study of the action of drugs on living organisms
neuropharmacology
drug induced changes in functioning of nerve cells
psychopharmacology
drug induced changes in behavioral responding
neuropsychopharmacology
drug induced changes in the function of select neurons that influence specific behaviors
drug action
molecular changes within cells produced by the drug binding to a particular target site or receptor
on those cells
drug effects
molecular changes within or between cells that lead to alterations in the physiological or
psychological function
(the changes that occur)
therapeutic effects
drug/receptor interactions that produce the DESIRED physiologic and or behavioral effect
side effects
all other drug effects varying from annoying to dangerous
specific drug effects
due to physical/biochemical interaction of the drug with a target
non-specific effect
not based on drug target interactions - due to characteristics of individual
-influenced by experience, mood, expectations, attitude
-may be due to varied neurochemical state of individual at time of exposure
-unique to a persons physiology and can alter how affective a drug is
, pharmacokinetic factors determine drug action
chemical structure, dose, bioavailability, stomach acidity, antacids, food load
enteric coated formulations
used for drugs activated by low pH
buffered formulations
used for drugs that increase stomach acidity
absorption
movement of drug from site of administration to the blood circulation
influence by route of administration and drug liberation factors
PO - oral administration
most popular, safe, economical, comfortable
must dissolve in stomach and pass through stomach wall to reach blood capillaries
PO absorption is influenced by
amount and type of food. (large amounts or fatty foods slow drug movement)
First pass effect
PO drugs absorbed into blood stream go directly to liver where metabolism reduces amount of
drug available to general circulation
IV - intravenous administration
most rapid and accurate method - circumvents stomach and first pass effect
produces quick onset of drug effect
problems with IV
1. quick onset = reaches brain instantly, little room for correction.
2. sterility of injection equipment/lack thereof
3. dissolving of illicit drugs in fillers that are hazardous
IM - intramuscular administration
slow and even delivery of drug - absorption usually 10-30 minutes post injection
non aqueous additives provide slow sustained release action
often painful
SC - subcutaneous Administration
