Study Guide

Objectives

The objective of the course is to develop basic knowledge of the mechanisms, interactions and adverse reactions of medicines.

After completing the course, the student
• is able to describe the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• knows the most commonly used medications and medication classes in the treatment of common diseases, their action mechanisms, indications and most common side and adverse effects
• can monitor the effectiveness of the medicine
• knows key vocabulary in Finnish

Content

• basic concepts of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics
• adverse reactions and adverse interactions caused by medications
• the course includes introduction to antimicrobials, medications for cardiovascular diseases, medications for respiratory diseases, medications for diseases of the digestive organs, medications for type I and type II diabetes, medications for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, allergy medications and cancer drug therapy
• special issues in the pharmacotherapy of children and the elderly
• the most common side and adverse effects and how to address and report them in Finnish

Prerequisites

Participation in the course Pharmacotherapy and Medical Calculations.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student
• knows the basics of pharmacology and can define the basics concepts
• can name the therapeutic indications of medications and has some knowledge of the mechanisms of action of medication classes

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student
• masters the basics of pharmacology
• can define basics concepts and apply them in practice
• knows the therapeutic indications of medications and has some knowledge of the mechanisms of action of medication classes
• has some knowledge of the adverse effects and interactions of medication classes

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• masters the basics of pharmacology
• can define fundamental concepts and apply them in practice
• knows the therapeutic indications of medications and understands the mechanisms of action of the medication classes
• understands the adverse effects and interactions of medication classes
• in addition to the requirements for a good grade, demonstrates understanding of the mechanisms of action and interactions of drug classes and applies the mastered knowledge