Pharmacology involves the study and application of drugs and medications, focusing on effects, interactions, and mechanisms of action. As part of the nursing practice, nurses administer medications, educate clients about proper usage, and monitor for adverse reactions. Understanding dosages, routes of administration, and potential adverse effects are vital.
Last updated: December 4, 2023Pharmacology is the study of medicines and drugs, including the action, use, and effects on the body. It includes knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
For nursing students, pharmacology is known as an intimidating challenge to pass in nursing school.
For practicing nurses, pharmacology plays a big role in daily practice:
Pharmacokinetics is the study of the movement of the drug within the body and how the body acts on the drug, including absorption, bioavailability, distribution to tissues, metabolism, and elimination/excretion.
Pharmacodynamics involves receptor binding, postreceptor effects, and chemical interactions. The pharmacodynamics of a drug determine the onset, duration, and intensity of a drug’s effect.
Therapeutic action of a drug is the effect or reaction of such drug on biological tissue, including beyond the desired action of the drug.
Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to destroy fast-growing cells within the body, used for treatment of cancer and cancerous tumors.
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of chemical substances on living tissue and predicting how such chemicals may cause harm. It is also the study of poisons.