Pharmacology Proctored ATI Study Guide

Pharmacology Proctored ATI Study Guide

Chapter 1: Pharmacokinetics and Routes of Administration

•         Absorption

▪    Route of admin affects the rate and amount of absorption

o   Oral:

▪    GI pH and emptying time

▪    Presence of food in the stomach or intestines

▪    Form of meds (liquid/XR)

o   Sublingual/buccal

▪    Quick absorption systemically through highly vascular mucous membranes

o   Inhalation via mouth/nose

▪    Rapid absorption through alveolar capillary networks

o   Intradermal, topical

▪    Slow, gradual absorption

o   SQ/IM

▪    Highly soluble meds have rapid absorption (10-30min), poorly soluble have slower absorption

▪    Blood perfusion at site of injection affect absorption

o   IV

▪    Immediate and complete

•         Distribution

o   Transportation of meds to sites of action by body fluids

o   Plasma binding protein: meds compete for protein binding sites within bloodstream, primarily albumin. The ability of med to bind to protein can affect how much med will leave and travel to target tissues.

•         Metabolism

o   Primarily occurs in the liver but can take place in the kidney

o   Factors that influence metabolism:

▪    Age (infants/older adults require smaller doses)

▪    First pass effect: liver inactivates some meds on first pass through and thus require sublingual or IV route (may need higher dose)

•         Excretion:

o   Eliminated through the kidneys.

o   Kidney dysfunction can result in elevated levels of medications.

•         Med Response

o Maintain plasma levels between minimum effective concentration and the toxic concentration:

•         Therapeutic index (TI)

o   High TI has a wide safety margin.

o   Low TI requires monitoring of serum levels.