DHE 122 - Pharmacology

2 Credits, 2 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Introduction to the theory of pharmacology as it relates to dentistry. Includes drug action and handling, prescription writing, autonomic drugs, non-opioid analgesics, anti-infective agents, anti-fungal and anti-viral agents, anti-anxiety agents, cardiovascular agents, and anti-convulsant agents. Also includes psychotherapeutic agents, antacids and antihistamines, adreno cortico steroid agents, anti-neoplastic agents, and respiratory and gastrointestinal medications, emergency medications, and drug interactions and drug abuse.

Prerequisite(s): DHE 101 , DHE 101LC , DHE 104 , DHE 104LB , DHE 107 , DHE 112 , DHE 116 , and DHE 116LC  
Corequisite(s): DHE 119 , DHE 120 ,DHE 132 , DHE 132LB ,   DHE 150 , DHE 150LB , DHE 150LC  
Information: Students must be admitted to the PCC Dental Hygiene program and obtain consent of the Dental Hygiene department before enrolling in this course.

1. Describe the basic principles of pharmacology, the sources of drug production, and the agencies who regulate drug dispensaries.
2. Analyze commonly prescribe dental drugs including therapeutic use, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacologic effects, adverse reactions, contrainindications, and patient education.
3. Demonstrate the components of prescription writing.
4. Describe the pharmacokinetics, conditions, and applications of analgesics in dental hygiene care.
5. Compare and contrast the affinity, potency, and efficacy of the following drug classes: autonomic drugs; anti-infective agents; cardiovascular agents; psychotherapeutic agents; hormones, anti-neoplastic agents; respiratory and gastrointestinal medications; anti-anxiety agents; and emergency medications.

1. Introduction, Sources, and Regulatory Agencies

1. Terminology
2. Printed sources
3. Computer sources
4. Online sources
5. Regulation and classification of drugs
6.    Labeling requirements
7. Black box warning

1. Drug Action and Handling and Adverse Reactions

1. Routes of drug administration
2. Pharmacodynamics
3. Drug effects
4. Drug interactions
5. Bioequivalence and bioavailability

1. Prescription Writing

1. Goals of prescription writing
2. Units of measurement
3. Latin abbreviations
4. Safety of prescription pads
5. Patient adherence
6. Reduction of medication errors
7. Prescribing for children
8. Safety in pregnancy

1. Autonomic Drugs

1. Nervous system
2. Neurotransmitters
3. Sympathomimetic drugs
4. Adrenergic agonists
5. Adrenergic receptor antagonists
6. Cholinergic transmission

1. Non-Opioid Analgesics

1. Neurophysiology of pain
2. Drug therapy for dental pain
3. Non-narcotic analgesics
4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs
5. Opioid analgesics
6.    Substance abuse and dependency

1. Anti-Infective Agents

1. Antimicrobial agents
2. Bactericidal antibiotics
3. Bacteriostatic antibiotics
4. Miscellaneous antibiotics
5. Prevention of infective endocarditis
6. Antibacterial agents: topical
7. Controlled-release drug delivery

1. Anti-Fungal and Anti-Viral Agents

1. Herpes simplex
2. Antiretroviral agents
3. Antifungal agents

1. Anti-Anxiety Agents

1. Benzodiazepines
2. Barbiturates
3. Nonbarbiturates
4. Nitrous oxide
5. Narcotics
6. General anesthesia

1. Cardiovascular Agents

1. Hypertension
2. Angina pectoris
3. Heart failure
4. Arrythmias

1. Anti-Convulsant Agents
2. Psychotherapeutic Agents

1. Antipsychotic drugs
2. Mood disorders
3. Anxiolytics
4. Sedative/hypnotic drugs

1. Antacids and Antihistamines
2. Adreno Cortico Steroid Agents
3. Other Hormones
4. Anti-Neoplastic and Immunosuppressant Agents

1. Actions
2. Treatment
3. Adverse side effects
4. Limitations to dental treatment
5. Chemotherapy

1. Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Medications

1. Lung anatomy
2. Asthma
3. Cold
4. Cough
5. Peptic ulcer
6. Irritable bowel syndrome
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Constipation
9. Diarrhea
10. Inflammatory bowel disease

1. Emergency Medications

1. Preparation of dental staff
2. Basic life support
3. Emergency medical kit and equipment

1. Drug Interactions and Drug Abuse