Pharmacology - pathophysiological and systematic approach [MPHAB333]

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, the student will need to know the physiological roles of the main mediators targeted by drug treatments in order to understand the rationale behind the choice of therapeutic targets. A series of relevant molecules to be known from a pharmacological point of view and of current use will also be mastered. More advanced notions of pharmacokinetics will also be included.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to understand the rationale behind the choice of therapeutic targets in order to better perceive the benefits of treatments in a given pathology. Links with other courses in the pharmaceutical curriculum will be frequently mentioned, the aim being to develop an understanding of pharmacology as the science of drugs and their interaction with human pathophysiological processes. Particular emphasis will be placed on pharmacokinetic aspects and drug interactions, as well as the integration of the notion of inter-individual variability. Examples of drugs acting on different physiological and/or biochemical systems will also be discussed.

Content

The main biological transmitters and effectors will be discussed:

- Chemical mediators of the autonomic nervous system

- Cholinergic transmission

- Adrenergic transmission

- Serotinin and its role in migraine

- Purines

- Local hormones: histamine and biologically active lipids

- Local hormones: peptides and proteins

- Cannabinoids

- NO and associated mediators

- Inter-individual variability

- Adverse drug reactions

- Biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy

Table of contents

1 Chemical mediators of the autonomic nervous system
2 Cholinergic transmission
3 Adrenergic transmission
4 Serotinin and its role in migraine
5 Purines
6 Local hormones: histamine and biologically active lipids
7 Local hormones: peptides and proteins
8 Cannabinoids
9 NO and associated mediators 
10 Inter-individual variability
11 Adverse drug reactions
12 Biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy  
13. Introduction to pharmacokinetics 14. Absorption  
15. Distribution 16. Elimination  
17. Bioequivalence assessment and approval of generic medicines  
18. Determination of drug doses based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics  

Exercises description

Group tutorials related to the subject will be offered (in particular pharmacokinetic exercises).