This course provides an understanding of the pharmacologic principles of commonly prescribed medications and the impact of such principles on patient management within the context of a physical therapist’s practice. Content on pharmacodynamics includes specific indications for use, mode of action, safety profile, and rehabilitation considerations of commonly prescribed medications. The relationship between commonly prescribed medications and the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, and integumentary system are discussed.

Course Objectives/Outcomes

• Reflect on why pharmacology is relevant to physical therapy practice.
• Define pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion.
• Describe the mechanism of action for the following: acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, topical analgesics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics
• Discuss drug interactions, dosing, and therapy considerations of the following: acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, topic analgesics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics.
• Describe the mechanism of action for Beta Blockers, Beta Agonists, Alpha Agonists, Alpha Antagonists, Alpha-Beta Agonists for Beta Blockers, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Angiotensin II Blockers, Diuretics, Vasodilators, Calcium Channel Blockers, Antiarrhythmics, Anticoagulants, Statins
• Discuss drug interactions, dosing, and therapy considerations of the following: Beta Blockers, Beta Agonists, Alpha Agonists, Alpha Antagonists, Alpha-Beta Agonists for Beta Blockers, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Angiotensin II Blockers, Diuretics, Vasodilators, Calcium Channel Blockers, Antiarrhythmics, Anticoagulants, Statins
• Describe the mechanism of action for skeletal muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, cholinergic medications, dopaminergic medications, and cannabinoids
• Discuss drug interactions, dosing, and therapy considerations of the following: skeletal muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, cholinergic medications, dopaminergic medications, and cannabinoids
• Describe the mechanism of action for skeletal muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, cholinergic medications, dopaminergic medications, and cannabinoids
• Discuss drug interactions, dosing, and therapy considerations of the following: skeletal muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, cholinergic medications, dopaminergic medications, and cannabinoids
• Identify factors that may impact a physical therapist plan of care by evaluating a patient’s medication profile.

Applicability

• • Post-professional DPT in Musculoskeletal Management