Ateneo - UPO

Pharmacology and pharmacotherapy: principles of general pharmacology. The concept of neurotransmission and compounds acting at synaptic and junctional levels. Neuropsychopharmacology. Anaesthetics and analgesics. Autacoids and therapy of inflammation. Cardiovascular and renal pharmacology. Drugs for the gastroenteric and respiratory systems. Endocrine pharmacology; pharmacology of metabolic diseases. Haematological drugs.

Govoni S, Spampinato SM, Navarra P, et al. - Farmacologia, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Second Ed. (2023); F. Rossi, V. Cuomo, C. Riccardi – Farmacologia, Edizioni Minerva Medica, last ed; B.G. Katzung, S.B. Master, A.J. Trevor – Farmacologia Generale e Clinica, Piccin, last ed; Goodman & Gilman – Le Basi Farmacologiche della Terapia. Il manuale, Zanichelli, last ed; H.P. Rang, M.M. Dale, J.M. Ritter, Farmacologia, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, last edition

The Pharmacotherapy course aims to provide the student with the scientific and methodological foundations for understanding the rational use of drugs in the prevention and treatment of major human diseases. The teaching is designed to integrate pathophysiological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic knowledge to define the therapeutic profile, risk/benefit ratio, toxicity, and drug interactions within a clinical context. The specific objectives of the course, classified according to the Dublin Descriptors, are as follows:
1. Knowledge and understanding:
Acquire a solid knowledge of the pathophysiology of major diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, central nervous system, endocrine, gastrointestinal, respiratory) and their respective pharmacological targets.
Understand the criteria for therapeutic selection and the clinical guidelines that govern the use of different drug classes.
Know in detail the pharmacotherapeutic profile of the molecules studied, including mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, side effects, contraindications, therapeutic monitoring, and risk of toxicity.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding:
Ability to analyze a pathological condition and identify the most appropriate pharmacotherapeutic approach (first-line, supportive, or alternative) based on patient characteristics.
Ability to assess the appropriateness of medical prescriptions, identifying potential drug-drug or drug-food interactions and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
Apply the acquired knowledge to professionally fulfil the role of health educator and consultant on the correct use of medications within pharmacies or healthcare facilities.
3. Making judgements:
Capacity to critically evaluate the risk/benefit and cost/benefit ratios of drug therapy, taking into account scientific evidence and evidence-based medicine (EBM).
Ability to recognize situations of non-adherence to therapy, potential abuse, or inappropriate use of drugs, formulating autonomous judgements to resolve therapeutic issues.
Ability to critically consult and interpret scientific literature, pharmaceutical databases, and restrictive notes from regulatory bodies (e.g., AIFA, EMA).
4. Communication skills:
Ability to explain clearly, rigorously, and with appropriate medical-scientific terminology the mechanisms of action, clinical utility, and risks of medications to specialists (physicians, other healthcare professionals).
Capacity to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and understandable language for patients, ensuring correct therapeutic adherence (patient counselling) and the safe use of medicines.
5. Learning skills:
Develop self-directed learning and continuous updating skills, essential for following the evolution of pharmacological research, the marketing of new drugs, and changes in therapeutic guidelines.
Ability to dynamically and autonomously manage one's skills to deepen knowledge in emerging pharmacotherapeutic areas and for lifelong professional development.

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

Lectures. Active student participation will be encouraged by recalling concepts previously covered in other courses that relate to the various aspects of pharmacology and pathology. Lectures may be delivered partly in person and partly through distance learning (video lectures), depending on logistical requirements and the academic calendar.

Within the same exam session, students may retake the examination only if at least three weeks have elapsed since their previous unsuccessful attempt.
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.

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.

General pharmacology: principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. 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.

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.