OVERVIEW

The course of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy belongs to the Core courses that typify the degree course in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Techniques.  The course is delivered the first semester of the fourth year. To properly follow the course students must have knowledge of biology, physiology and human anatomy. 10 credits are allocated to the course. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide adequate knowledge about action of drugs, beginning from the interaction with the receptor, to the production of the pharmacological effect (pharmacodynamics), and changes to the drug produced by the body (pharmacokinetics). Specific activities and clinical indications of drugs will be presented, in order to build an optimal competence for the future profession, both in the field of drug development, both in the practice of pharmacy. For each drug it will be discussed: i) the main molecular events accounting for the therapeutic activity; ii) the efficacy and the safety of the drug with respect to the pathological conditions and the therapeutic scope; iii) the adverse reactiona and the side effects that can limit the use of the drug in humans; iv) the posology and the pharmacokinetic profile; v) the interaction with other drugs

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

At the end of the course, the student should be expected to know the therapeutic use of the drugs , to discuss their therapeutic profile , their collateral and  side effects, their toxic effects, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodinamic properties 

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of about 80 hours of lectures during which the program themes will be discussed also with the help of slides that will outline the most current and accredited scientific literature. The topics will be subject to collective discussion on the basis of ideas and any questions raised during the lessons.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to pharmacotherapy - The role of pharmacology in modern therapy. Current tools available. Clinical development of a drug. Information on drug and certified databases. Variability in drug response and individualization of therapy. 
Mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, methods of use in therapy, adverse reactions and interactions of the main drugs used in modern therapy. 
Mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, applications in therapy, adverse reactions and interactions of the most relevant drugs used in modern therapy. Biotechnological drugs, their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodinamic profile.

Drugs in the peripheral nervous system (the autonoumus and the motor systems) Acetylcholine and noradrenaline (central and peripheral synapses). Drugs for the glaucoma theraphy. Drugs for the

Drugs in inflammatory diseases - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Use in the treatment of fever and inflammation; metabolism, characteristics of use and side effects. Selectivity on COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms. Targeted therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Monoclonal antibodies against TNF. Antigout drugs. Drugs for the treatment of headaches. Corticosteroids: Mechanism of action and use in therapy. 
Pharmacology of Pain - Opioid analgesics: mechanism of action, clinical uses and side effects, tolerance and dependence, addiction. General and local anesthetics. 
Drugs for the respiratory system - Drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma: Beta-agonists, corticosteroids, LOX inhibitors, methylxanthines; emerging innovative therapies, monoclonal antibodies. Antihistamines. Antitussives. 
Drugs that modulate cardiovascular function - Antihypertensive agents: ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium antagonists, diuretics, beta-blockers. Vasodilators and inotropic drugs for heart failure. Antianginal drugs and coronary vasodilators. Drugs for dyslipidemias. Antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants and fibrinolytics. Antiarrhythmics. 
Drugs that modulate the metabolism - Antidiabetic agents: Insulin and hypoglycemic agents. 
Drugs that modulate gastrointestinal function - Inhibitors of acid secretion, gastric mucosal protectors and anti-ulcer. Antidiarrheal. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Laxatives. 
Nervous system drugs - Treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Antidepressants. Antipsychotics. Antiepyleptic drugs. Antiparkinson drugs. Drugs in neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs for pain management. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM et al., Farmacologia , Elsevier , settima edizione

Annunziato L e Di Renzo GF, Trattato di farmacologia, Idelson Gnocchi, seconda edizione

Goodman and Gilman The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, Mc Graw Hill

Govoni S Farmacologia, Casa Editrice Ambrosian

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANNA MARIA PITTALUGA (President)

GIAMBATTISTA BONANNO

CHIARA CERVETTO

ERNESTO FEDELE

MASSIMO GRILLI

MARCO MILANESE

LUCA RAITERI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

the beginning of the first semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

oral examination

Exam schedule