Differentiate among different types of medications actions

Which effect is preventable? How?

Toxic Effects: by correctly assessing a patient we can determine whether or not they are likely to become toxic. Side effects, we can counter some side effects by other medication, thereby preventing the really bad side effects.

Allergic reactions

Are unpredictable responses to a medication. Some patients become immunologically sensitized to the initial dose of a medication. With repeated administration the patient develops an allergic response to it. The medication or chemical acts as an antigen, triggering the release of the antibodies in the body. -Among the different classes of medications, antibiotics cause a high incidence of allergic reactions. -Severe or anaphylactic reactions, which are life threatening, are characterized by sudden constriction of bronchiolar muscles, edema of the pharynx and larynx, and severe wheezing and shortness of breath.

Idiosyncratic Reactions

when a patient overreacts or underreacts to a medication or has a reaction different from normal. -For example, a child who receives diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine, becomes extremely agitated or excited instead of drowsy.

Toxic Effects

develop after prolonged intake of a medication or when a medication accumulates in the blood because of impaired metabolism or excretion. -Excess amounts of a medication within the body sometimes have lethal effects, depending on its action.

Therapeutic Effects

expected or predicted physiological response -Each medication has a desired therapeutic effect. -Knowing the desired therapeutic effect for each medication allows you to provide patient education and accurately evaluate its desired effect.

Side Effect

predictable and often unavoidable SECONDARY effects produced at a usual therapeutic dose. -They are either harmless or cause injury

Adverse Effects

unintended, undesirable, and often unpredictable severe responses to medication. -Some adverse effects are immediate, whereas others take weeks or months to develop. -When adverse responses to medication occur, the prescriber discontinues the medication immediately. -Health care providers report adverse effects to the FDA using the MedWach program.