Pharmacology II BDNT 3228

Course description:

This is a continuation to pharmacology I and it deals with the most important principles of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy, in addition to the clinical aspects of drugs implicated in dentistry. Drug therapy principles such as patient compliance, significance of taking drug history and proper writing of prescriptions are considered. Emphasis is given on drug-drug and food-drug interactions encountered clinically, particularly in dental practice. Hazards of drug use during pregnancy and lactations are also considered. Among other topics, clinical pharmacology and therapeutics of hypnotics, anti-anxiety agents, coagulants, anticoagulants, cardiovascular drugs, antihistamines, antihypertensive and antidiabetics are included.

Course Aims:

This course aims to understand the fundamental scientific principles of drug action and the various mechanisms by which drugs can mediate their pharmacological effect and the clinical aspects of drugs implicated in dentistry.

Course outcomes:

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
  • Understand the general principles of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy.
  • Understand the clinical aspects of drugs implicated in dentistry.
  • Know how to maximize patient compliance to medications, take drug history, and properly write a prescription.
  • Have a basic knowledge on drug-drug and food-drug interactions encountered clinically in the dental practice.
  • Understand the hazards of drugs used during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Have a basic knowledge of pharmacotherapy of hypnotics, anti-anxiety agents, coagulants, anticoagulants, and antihypertensive and antidiabetics drugs.
  • Discuss drugs that may alter daily dental practice: cardiovascular drugs, anticonvulsants, psychotherapeutic agents, antihistamines, adrenocorticosteroids, hormones, antineoplastic drugs, and herbal and dietary supplements. 
  • Discuss drugs that may be useful in dental office emergencies. 
  • Describe management procedures of potential medical/dental emergencies that can occur as a result of a drug reaction or interaction.