Provide an overview of the basic principles of pharmacology as they apply to clinical medicine.
Identify drug-related factors and patient characteristics that alter pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs.
Understand how PK and PD affect efficacy and safety of drug therapies.
Summary
Using knowledge of the principles of pharmacology in everyday practice may help clinicians maximize the efficacy and safety of drug therapies. This presentation provides an overview of principles of PK and PD, and explores how the effects of drugs are influenced by drug-associated factors and patient characteristics. The presenter reviews 4 key criteria that influence drug levels and kinetics in the body; specifically absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. A deeper understanding of these concepts may help clinicians prescribe an appropriate therapeutic treatment regimen and reduce the possibility of adverse effects. Examples of drug-related factors and patient characteristics that impact PK and PD are emphasized.
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