Course

UNIT I: General Pharmacology                  6 Hours

1. Introduction to Pharmacology

Definition and scope of pharmacology, Nature and source of drugs (1hr) Routes of drug administration

Agonists, antagonists (competitive and non-competitive), partial agonists and inverse agonists (1hr)

1. Introduction to Pharmacokinetics Absorption of drugs (1hr) Distribution of drugs (1hr) Metabolism of drugs (1hr) Excretion of drugs (1hr)

UNIT II: Introduction to Pharmacodynamics                                   6 Hours

• Principles and mechanisms of drug (1hr)
• Classification of receptors, regulation of receptors (1hr)

• Spare receptors, dose-response relationship, therapeutic index
• Drug addiction, tolerance, dependence, drug abuse, tachyphylaxis, idiosyncrasy and (1hr)
• Enzyme induction, enzyme inhibition (1hr)
• Adverse drug reactions (1hr)
• Drug interactions (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic) (1hr)
• Rational use and disposal of drugs (1 hr)

UNIT III: Drugs Acting on Peripheral Nervous System                            10 Hours

Neurohumoral transmission, co-transmission, and receptors involved in the neurotransmission (2hrs)

• Adrenergics (2 hrs)
• Anti-Adrenergics (1hr)
• Cholinergics (2hrs)
• Anticholinergics (1hr)
• Neuromuscular blocking agents and skeletal muscle relaxants (1 hr)
• Local anesthetics (1hr)

UNIT IV: Cardiovascular Pharmacology                                       9 Hours

• Diuretics & Vasopressin analogues (2hrs)
• Anti-hypertensives (2hrs)
• Anti-anginals – emphasis on Nitrates(1hr)
• Anti-arrhythmic drugs (2hrs)
• Drugs used in congestive heart failure – emphasis on Digoxin & Dapagliflozin (1hr)
• Hypolipidemics (1hr)

UNIT-V Drugs acting on Blood and Blood Forming Agents              5 hours

• Anticoagulants (1hr)
• Thrombolytics (1hr)
• Antiplatelet agents (1 hr)
• Haemopoietic agents (1hr)
• Plasma expanders (1hr)

UNIT VI: Endocrine Pharmacology                                               9 Hours

• Anterior Pituitary hormones analogs and their antagonists (1hr)
• Thyroxine and anti-thyroids (1hr)
• Insulin, Oral hypoglycemics (2hrs)

• Corticosteroids (1hr)
• Androgens (1hr)
• Anabolic steroids (1hr)
• Estrogens (1hr)
• Progesterone (1hr)

UNIT VII: Miscellaneous                                                                      4 Hours

• Antiulcer agents (1hr)
• Antihistamines (1hr)
• Anti-leucotrienes, Methyl Xanthines, Mucolytics (2hrs)

 Assignments

• Illustrate the different factors influencing drug actions with a pictorial
• List out the various classes of clinically used drugs based on their mechanism of
• Enlist the drugs that are banned from clinical use because of their potential
• Elucidate the role of Parathormone, Calcitonin and Vitamin D in maintaining Ca homeostasis and its pharmacological relevance in various ailments
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspects of Uterotonics & Tocolytics
• Illustrate the physiological functions of Corticotropins
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspectsof Oral Contraceptives
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspectsof nasal
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspects of Mucolytics
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspects of Bronchodialators
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspects of Expectorants
• Prepare a chart on the pharmacological aspects of Antitussives
• Review the pharmacology of drugs used for constipation and diarrhea
• Role of Emetics and Anti-Emetics in various disease conditions
• Prepare a chart on the physiological functions of histamines

SCOPE:

The course aims to comprehend the science underlying the use of currently using therapeutic agents only and how the body reacts to them. By examining how medicines affect cells, organs, and organisms, pharmacology knowledge can aid in developing novel pharmaceuticals. Understanding the mechanisms of action of pharmaceuticals requires an understanding of signal transduction pathways, drug-receptor interactions, and the effects of medications on physiological processes.

The course provides insights into drug metabolism, including topics such as drug clearance, bioavailability, and drug-drug interactions. It provides pharmaceutical safety, detects possible side effects, and establishes the proper dose schedules to reduce adverse reactions. In addition, it provides guidance on dosage and drug selection and a better understanding of drug response variability among people, chrono pharmacology, drug interactions, rational use and disposal of drugs. It also supports academic careers, pharmacological research and knowledge expansion, and the training of future scientists and medical professionals.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course, the student shall be able to; 

KNOWLEDGE

K1: Describe the scientific terms and principles of pharmacology

K2: Enumerate the different classes of clinically relevant drugs used for various diseases/disorders

K3: Illustrate the mechanistic role of drugs in modifying various diseases/disorders

K4:Describe the pharmacological actions of drugs at organ system/sub-cellular/ macromolecular levels andpharmacokineticsof medications used in the treatment of different diseases/disorders

K5: Predict the mechanism of drugs that contributeto adverse drug reactions, contraindications, and their off-label use.

K6: Correlate the knowledge in pharmacology with related medical sciences 

SKILL

S1: Justify the medication choices used for the pharmacological treatment of various diseases/disorders

S2: Predict the drug interactions in a given prescription

S3: Recommend the possible alternatives to the drug therapy

S4: Identify the signs and symptoms of drug poisoning

S5: Convince the public about the need for drug therapy in a disorder/disease

S6: Educate patients about the dos and don’ts of drug therapy

ATTITUDE

A1: Appreciate the knowledge of Pharmacology for learning pharmacotherapy and toxicology.

A2: Communicate with peers and others.

A3: Support and collaborate with others.

A4: Exhibit professionalism in the working environment.

A5: Participate in healthcare initiatives.

A6: Embrace the new advancements in the healthcare system.