Ateneo - UPO

Pharmacology and pharmacotherapy

Principles of general pharmacology. The concept of neurotransmission, and compounds acting at synaptic and junctional level. Neuropsychopharmacology. Anesthetics and analgesics. Autacoids and therapy of inflammation. Cardiovascular and renal pharmacology. Drugs for the gastroenteric and respiratory systems. Endocrine pharmacology; pharmacology of metabolic diseases. Hematological drugs.

Chemotherapy

The course focuses on the description of the major therapeutic class used in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases .

F. Rossi, V. Cuomo, C. Riccardi – Farmacologia, Edizioni Minerva Medica, last edition
B.G. Katzung, S.B. Master, A.J. Trevor – Farmacologia Generale e Clinica, Piccin, last edition
Goodman & Gilman – Le Basi Farmacologiche della Terapia. Il manuale, Zanichelli, last edition
H.P. Rang, M.M. Dale, J.M. Ritter, Farmacologia, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, last edition

Pharmacology and pharmacotherapy
The aim of this course is to help the student to understand the general mechanisms involved in the relationships between the drug and the organism, and the action of the drugs in different pathologies.

Chemotherapy
The goal of the course is to provide basic knowledge on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic and clinical aspects of molecules used to treat oncological and infectious diseases, providing also the critical tools for understanding the therapeutic decisions.

None. It is strongly suggested that the student has already positively performed the following courses: Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Biology, Anatomy

Pharmacology and pharmacotherapy
Frontal classes. It will be stimulated the active participation of the student through the recall of concepts already addressed in other courses, which relate to various aspects of the drug and the disease. Lessons will be given either as frontal lessons or by remote (videolessons) also depending on the COVID19 emergency.

Chemioterapy
The course contents will be transmitted through oral presentations supported by explanatory multimedia about the different topics included in the program. It will be stimulated the active participation of the student through the recall of concepts already addressed in other courses, which relate to various aspects of the drug and the disease.

For February and September sessions it is possible to take the exam on only one of the two available dates.
In the summer session (June/July) it is possible to take the exam on only non-consecutive dates.

Oral examination.
Oral examination is performed by asking to the student some questions related to topics indicated in the course programme and given during the specific classes. To obtain positive results, the student must show a sufficient level of knowledge and of associative capabilities related to the different arguments; he/she must show that he understood and knows the critical concepts of the various topics. Greater levels of knowledge together with a demontrated capability of application of this background to the practice leads to an evalutation superior to that required for the minimal score. To obtain a high level of evaluation the student has to be able to utilize his/her knowledge to debate deeply some of the critical aspects of the different topics.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Pharmacology and pharmacotherapy

General pharmacology.

General principles of neurotransmission and compounds acting at synaptic and junctional level – Introduction to neurotransmission and to pharmacology of autonomic nervous system. Serotonin and histamine agonists and antagonists. Drugs of the neuromuscular junction.

Neuropsychopharmacology – Antiparkinson drugs, antiepileptics, headache therapy, general concepts on anti-dementia therapy, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics.

Anesthesia and analgesia – Hypnotics, general and local anesthetics, opiates, analgesics and pain therapy.

Autacoids and therapy of inflammation – Histamine, kynins, prostaglandins. Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, pharmacotherapy of autoimmune diseases.

Cardiovascular drugs and diuretics – Cardiotonics, antiarrhythmics, pharmacological treatment of coronary syndromes, antihypertensive drugs, therapy of shock. Diuretics.

Drugs for the gastroenteric and respiratory systems – Pharmacotherapy of peptic ulcer. Drugs for gastrointestinal motility alterations, emetics and antiemetics. Mucolytics. Therapy of asthma and of COPD.

Endocrine pharmacology and pharmacology of metabolic diseases – Hypothalanic and hypophyseal hormones; pharmacology of hypophyseal diseases. Adrenal hormones: corticosteroids, sexual hormones, contraceptive procedures, ecbolics; antiandrogens and antiestrogens. Anti-osteoporotic drugs. Thyoid hormones and anti-thyroid drugs. Antidiabetic and anti-dyslipidemic drugs. Pharmacological treatment of gout.

Hematological drugs.

Chemioterapy

Cell cycle regulation and principles of Pharmacotherapy
Mechanisms of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) and principles of Pharmacotherapy
Classes of antineoplastic chemotherapy:
-Anti-metabolites
-Alkylating agents
-Inhibitors of the mitotic spindle (and Next Generation inhibitors)
-Inhibitors Topoisomerases
-Inhibitors of protein kinases
-Monoclonal antibodies
-Immunological approaches in the treatment of cancer
-Cellular therapies
Anti-microbial chemotherapy
-General principles
Classes of antibacterial drugs:
• Drugs acting on the bacterial cell wall (including anti-TB)
• Anti-bacterial Sulphonamides, trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole
• Quinolones
• Rifamycins
• Bacterial protein synthesis inhibitors
Antiviral chemotherapies

Ideally, at the end of the course the student has to know the pharmaco-therapeutical approach to the different pathologies, and has be able to give advices to patients and to develop control capabilities. Finally, he/she should have enough skills to follow the continuous evolution of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.