Pharmacology

• Vitamins


  Nutrients required for optimal function and health
• Minerals


  Nutrients required for optimal function and health
• There is a difference between vitamins and minerals
• Indications for vitamin and mineral supplements

  • Inadequate diet
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Increased need for certain nutrients
  • Deficiency due to medication interactions
• Vitamins and minerals function in groups or teams
• Patients should be advised to avoid self-medication with large doses of vitamins or minerals, which may not be indicated if the diet is well-balanced and the individual is in good health
• Overdoses of some vitamins, especially A and D, and some minerals, for example, iron, can be injurious to health
• A need or deficiency should be established by a physician's diagnosis or blood test before exceeding Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
• Symptoms of vitamin deficiency

  • Glossitis
  • Dermatitis
  • Scurvy
  • Ulcerated gums
  • Capillary fragility/bruising
• Symptoms of mineral deficiency

  • Vertigo
  • Air hunger
• Free radicals


  • Prevent the transport of nutrients, oxygen, and water into the cell and the removal of waste products
  • Associated with several age-related diseases
  • Affect cell membranes of the tissues lining the blood vessels
  • Damage nucleic acids in their function of growth and repair of tissue
  • Associated with inflammation, drug-induced organ damage, immunosuppression, etc.
• Antioxidants


  • Any compound that fights against the destructive effects of free radical oxidants
  • Comprised of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals
  • Prevent free radical formation by binding to, and neutralizing, destructive substances before they damage cells and tissues
• Vitamin A


  • Retinol
  • Beta carotene
• Food sources - Animal


  • Oily saltwater fish
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
• Food sources - Plants


  • Dark-green leafy vegetables
  • Deep yellow or orange fruit and vegetables
• Functions


  • Dim light vision
  • Maintenance of mucous membranes
  • Growth and development of bones
  • Healing of wounds
  • Resistance to infection
  • Beta carotene is an antioxidant
• Deficiency


  • Retarded growth
  • Faulty bone and tooth development
  • Dry skin
  • Night blindness
  • Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
• Toxicity (hypervitaminosis A)


  • Irritability, lethargy, headache
  • Joint pain, myalgia
  • Stunted growth, fetal malformations
  • Jaundice, nausea, diarrhea
  • Dry skin and hair
• Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)

   

  FOOD SOURCES

  Animal Fish oils

  Fortified milk

  Plants

  Fortified cereals

   

  FUNCTIONS

  Healthy bones and teeth

  Muscle function

  Enables absorption of calcium

   

  DEFICIENCY

  Softening bones:

  Rickets (in children)

  Osteomalacia (in adults)

  Poorly developed teeth

  Muscle spasms

   

   Toxicity

  Hypercalcemia), convulsions

  Kidney stones, kidney damage

  Muscle/bone pain

  Nausea, anorexia

  Fetal disorders

   
• Muscle Spasms

  Also known as cramps, are painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. They are common, involuntary, and unpredictable and may occur without any reason.

   
• Convulsions

  In this medical condition, body muscles are involuntarily contracted and relaxed due to disruption of nerve cell activity in the brain.

   
• Anorexia

   

  Significantly low body weight, significant weight and shape concern
• Bulimia nervosa


  Recurrent binge eating and compensatory behaviors (eg, purging, laxative use); significant wieght and shape concerns
•  

  Binge eating disorder

  Recurrent binge eating; at least 3 of 5 additional criteria related to binge eating (eg, eating large amounts when not physically hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment); significant distress

   

   
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)

  FOOD SOURCES

  Plants

  Vegetable oils

  Seeds, nuts

  Wheat germ, cereals

   

  FUNCTIONS

  Antioxidant

  Decreases platelet clumping

  Normal metabolism and tissue protection

   

  Deficiency

  Destruction of RBCs, musc weakness

   

  Toxicity

  Prolonged bleeding time
• Vitamin K (phytonadione)

   

  Animal

  Egg yolk, cheese

  Liver

   

  Vegetable oil

  Green leafy vegetables

  Cabbage, broccoli

   

  Function

  Blood clotting

   

  Deficiency

  Prolonged blood clotting time

  Blood in urine and stool

   

  Toxicity

  Jaundice in infants

   
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

  Animal

  Pork, beef, liver

  Oysters

   

  Plants

  YeastWhole and enriched grains, wheat germ Beans, peas, collard greens, nuts, asparagus Oranges

   

  FUNCTIONS

  Normal nervous and cardiovascular systems

   

  Deficiency

  Gl upset, constipation Neuritis, mental disturbaNCE Cardiovascular problems MUSCLE weakness, fatigue

   

   Toxicity

  None known
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

  Plants

  Green vegetables

  Cereals

  Enriched bread

  YeastMilk

  Meat, liver

   

  FUNCTION

  Aids in energy metabolism of glucose, fats, and amino acids

   

  Deficiency

  Cheilosis

  Glossitis

  Photophobia, vision

  Problems, itching eyes

  Dermatitis, rough skin

   

  Toxicity

  None
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

  Animal

  Pork, beef, chicken, tuna, salmon

   

  Plants

  Whole-grain cereals, wheat germ

  Legumes, peanuts, soybeans

   

  FUNCTIONS

   

  Synthesis of amino acids

  Antibody production

  Maintenance of blood glucose level

   

  Deficiency

  Anorexia, nausea, vomiting Dermatitis

  Neuritis, depression

   

  Toxicity

  Seizures in newborns
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

  Animal

  Seafood/shellfish

  Meat, poultry, liver

  Eggs

  Milk, cheese

   

  FUNCTION

  Synthesis of RBCs

  Maintenance of nervous system

   

  Deficiency

  Nerve, muscle, mental problems

  Pernicious anemia

   

  Toxicity

  None
• Niacin (nicotinic acid)

  
  

  Animal

  Milk

  Eggs

  Fish

  Poultry

  Plants

  Legumes, nuts

  Green vegetables

  
  

  FUNCTIONS

  Lipid metabolism

  Nerve functioning

  
  

  Deficiency

  Pellagra

  
  

  Toxicity

  Headache, flushing

  Increased blood glucose and uric acid
• Folic Acid (Folate)

   

  Animal

  Organ meats

   

  Plants

  Green leafy vegetables Avocado, beets

   

  FUNCTIONS

  Synthesis of RBCs, leukocytes, DNA and RNA

  Needed for normal growth and reproduction

   

  Deficiency

  Increased risk of neural tube defects

  Macrocytic anemia

  Irritability, behavior
• Calcium (Ca) (DRI 1,000- 1,300 mg per day)

   

  FOOD SOURCES

  Milk, cheese, yogurt Sardines

  Salmon

  Green vegetables except spinach

   

  FUNCTIONS

  Development of bones and teeth

  Contraction ofcardiac,

  Smooth and skeletal muscles

  Nerve conduction

  Blood clotting

   

  Deficiency

  Osteoporosis, osteomalacia Rickets (in children)

  Muscle pathology Heart disease

  Increased clotting time

   

  Toxicity

  Kidney Stones
• Potassium (K) (DRI 4.7 g per day)

   

  Oranges, bananas

  Dried fruits

  Tomatoes

   

  FUNCTIONS

  Contraction of muscles

  Heartbeat regulation

  Transmission of nerveimpulses

  Maintaining fluid balance

   

  Deficiency (Hypokalemia)

  Muscle weakness

  Cardiac arrhythmias

  Lethargy, mental confusion

   

  Toxicity

  Hyperkalemia)

  Confusion

  Weakness

  Cardiac arrhythmia

   
• Topical skin preparations can be classified according to action in 8 principal categories

  • Antipruritics relieve itching
  • Emollients and protectants soothe irritation
  • Keratolytic agents loosen epithelial scales
  • Enzymatic agents promote the removal of necrotic or fibrous tissue
  • Scabicides and pediculicides treat scabies or lice
  • Antifungals control fungus conditions
  • Local anti-infectives prevent and treat an infection
  • Agents to treat acne

  
• Factors that influence the rate of absorption of medication

  • If the skin is thick and callused, absorption will be slower
  • If the skin is moist, macerated (raw), or warm, absorption will be more rapid
  • Sometimes the physician will order that the skin be premoistened or plastic wrap be applied over the ointment to aid absorption
  • Skin must be left exposed to the air to slow absorption and reduce systemic effects
  • Length of time for the medication to remain on the skin is very important
• Antipruritics


  Used short-term to relieve discomfort from dermatitis (rashes) associated with allergic reactions, poison ivy, hives, and insect bites
• Corticosteroids


  Used both topically and systemically to treat dermatological disorders associated with allergic reactions
• Emollients and Protectants


  Used topically to soothe, protect, and seal out wetness in minor dermatological conditions, such as diaper rash, irritation, abrasions, and minor burns

  
• Keratolytics


  • Used for abnormal scalings of the skin, such as dandruff, seborrhea, and psoriasis
  • Promote peeling of the skin in conditions such as acne, hard corns, calluses, and warts