Allied Health Blog

Pharmacology is the study of drug effects on living tissue and how drugs cure, prevent and manage diseases.  Drugs derived from plants, animals, minerals, and are synthesized in a laboratory.  Each drug has three names.  These are the chemical name, the generic name that is considered the official name for the drug, and the brand name, which is used by the manufacturer to market the drug.  there are two main classifications of drugs, prescription and over the counter drugs.  Prescription drugs are also known as legend drugs and must be prescribed by an authorized health care provider.  Over-the-counter drugs can be purchased with or without a prescription.  Drugs have three effects; these are the therapeutic effect to fight or prevent the disease; a side effect that isn’t harmful; and an adverse affect that is harmful to a varying degree.  Some drugs can also cause an allergic response in some patients.  Healthcare providers must know these side effects before administering the medication to the patient.  Furthermore, the patient must be informed of these effects.  Before a drug is manufactured and released for public use, it must undergo a series of tests that begin with animal studies and follows through to clinical studies on humans.  Animal studies determine the therapeutic index for the drug.  Clinical studies determine the therapeutic effect, adverse effect and side effects the drug has on humans.  A drug is prescribed to a patient by writing a drug order or medical prescription.  We will delve further into what is required on a prescription in the next blog.