Pharmacology Basics Every Nursing Student Should Know

1. Drug Classifications

Drugs are categorized based on their therapeutic effects. Common classifications include:

• Antibiotics (e.g., Penicillins, Cephalosporins)

• Analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs, Opioids)

• Antihypertensives (e.g., Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)

• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)

Knowing these categories helps predict drug actions and potential side effects.

2. Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics

• Pharmacokinetics (What the body does to the drug):

  • Absorption (How the drug enters the bloodstream)

  • Distribution (How the drug spreads in the body)

  • Metabolism (How the drug is broken down)

  • Excretion (How the drug leaves the body)

• Pharmacodynamics (What the drug does to the body):

  • Mechanism of action

  • Drug-receptor interactions

3. Common Side Effects & Adverse Reactions

Nurses must recognize side effects early to prevent complications. For example:

• Opioids → Respiratory depression

• NSAIDs → Gastric ulcers

• Anticoagulants → Bleeding risk

4. Drug Interactions

Some drugs can enhance or inhibit others, leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness. Examples:

• Warfarin + Aspirin → Increased bleeding risk

• Grapefruit juice + Statins → Higher drug concentration

5. Nursing Responsibilities in Medication Administration

• Follow the “5 Rights”: Right patient, drug, dose, route, and time.

• Monitor for allergic reactions (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis).

• Educate patients on proper usage and side effects.

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