Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide ---TERMINOLOGY

Learn these basic pharmacology terms: (found on textbook

page-44, Table 2-8)

tolerance synergism antagonism therapeutic prophylactic

---METRIC CONVERSIONS
Here are some important tips to remember when converting from one metric unit to another [mg]-to-[grams], [liters]-to-[ml], [cm]-to-[mm], etc 1) First thing to ask yourself is what is the relationship

between the two different units? Here is an example of what I mean. If you are asked to convert 300mg into its equivalent value expressed in grams (g), you first need to determine how many of the smaller units are contained in one of the larger units in this case we
would use the fact that [1g] is equal to [1000mg], or stated another way, each 1-gram contains 1000mg.

2) Knowing the relationship between units in a conversion gives you a critical piece of info that you will need to solve the problem. This piece of info is called a RATIO. IMPORTANT NOTE: a RATIO can be inverted depending on what unit you are solving for. This is explained further in step-3 below. 3) The fact that one-gram equals 1000-mg can be expressed as a RATIO in either of the following two ways: [1g/1000mg] or [1000mg/1g]. Youll see how valuable this RATIO is in step-5 below where I will show you how to set-up this problem. 4) Using the numbers from above, here is what we know so far. We have our original value of 300mg, and we

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide

know that there are 1000mg in each 1-gram (again, this is most useful if written as a RATIO in either of the following two ways [1000mg/g] or [1g/1000mg]). 5) Heres the set-up 300mg x 1g/1000mg = (300) (1)/1000 = 300/1000 = 0.3g . Look closely at what just occurred we multiplied 300mg x 1g, then divided this number by 1000mg. DONT MISS THIS PART!!! the [mg]units cancel each other out, leaving our final answer in grams (g), which is precisely what the question asked of us (see the color illustration of this problem below).

300mg x 1g = 300 = 0.3g 1000mg 1000

(300mg)(1g) 1000mg

Lets do another one! This time lets go the opposite direction, converting a value originally expressed in a larger unit into the same value expressed in a smaller unit. Here we go 1.5-liters (L) is equal to how many

milliliters (ml)?

1) Remember what we do first? Determine the relationship between the two different units that are involved, in this case liters (L) and milliliters (ml). Knowing this relationship will give us the all-important RATIO that we can use to complete the conversion! 2) Since each 1-liter (L) contains 1000-milliliters (ml) our RATIO could be written as either [1L/1000ml] or as [1000ml/1L]. Now, on to step-3 where we set-up and solve the problem. 3) 1.5-L x 1000ml/1L = (1.5)(1000)/1 = 1500ml. This time

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide

the [L] units cancelled each other out, leaving our final answer in [ml] as requested! As with the first conversion that we did, below I have provided a colorful illustration of how the problem looks at each step along the way

1.5L x 1000ml = 1500 = 1500ml 1L

(1.5L)(1000ml) = 1L 1

for an ALTERNATIVE METHOD of METRIC CONVERSION refer to pages 131 - 137 for an explanation of simple tool known as the Sliding Mnemonic for converting within the Metric system
- Specifically, work through the Check Your Understanding exercise (7-2) on page 132 followed by the chart at the bottom of the same page. Many students find this method easy to learn and simple to use. - This Mnemonic device is a tool that shows how many places to move the decimal point when converting from metric unit to another, which can be a quick way to accomplish the task. - Give it a try it may end up being your preferred method!

---DOSAGE FORMS

There are many different types of oral drug dosage

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide

forms, from capsules and tablets, to quickly dissolving tablets used both on and under the tongue, to various types of syrups and solutions. Carefully study Table 3-4 (page-57) and Table 3-5 (page-58), paying particular attention to the differences between dispersions and solutions. Its also important to understand the differences between the wide range of solid oral dosage forms which are currently available (tablets, capsules, etc). Closely read the descriptions found in Tables 3-2 and 3-3 (page-56). Note what makes these different from each other, what makes them unique. How does an Enteric-Coated tablet compare to a Sustained-Release tablet? How does a Troche compare to a Sublinqual tablet? What is the purpose of a Buffered tablet? Are there advantages of a Tablet versus a Capsule?

---MORE on TERMINOLOGY!
Terminology is extremely important in the study of Pharmaceuticals. Each of the terms below have very specific definitions which are important to understand. These can be found in chapter-3 of your textbook
between pages 48 and 54, including Table 3-1.

Here is a partial list:

off-label use official name chemical name generic name Trade, Brand, Proprietary name

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide Legend drug OTC name Indication Contraindication Drug nomenclature

-- TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE -After a trip to see your doctor, would you be more likely to leave the office with a Medication Order or a Written Prescription? Be prepared to explain

your answer.

--- WRITING PRESCRIPTIONS

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide

Abbreviations are central to prescription writing and recording, therefore it is essential that you recognize and identify those most commonly seen. See how well you do on the following list:

IM IV SL ac pc b.i.d. t.i.d.

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide q.i.d. q4h

(see Table 2-4 on page-35 , and the inside back cover of your textbook for help)

DRUG INFORMATION

Chapter 3 of your textbook mentions quite a few important sources of drug information. Can you

name 4 of these?

Finally, see page 51 for the name of the primary American drug-reference standard. FYI - This publication is sometimes referred to as the bible of current pharmaceutical information.

One last thing some students find it helpful to print off a copy or two of this study guide, using one or both to actually write on while working through and practicing. I personally find this very helpful, and would highly recommend it.

Unit-2 Quiz Study Guide