Curricular Unit:Code:
Fundamentals of Pharmacology of the Elderly1010FFPI
Year:Level:Course:Credits:
2CTSPGerontology and Community Intervention5 ects
Learning Period:Language of Instruction:Total Hours:
Portuguese/English65
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
The main goal of this course is acquisition of knowledge on the fundamental principles in geriatric pharmacology and its application in the management and therapeutic follow-up of the elderly patient. The skills to be achieved are based on the acquirement of solid knowledge of the pathophysiological changes of aging responsible for the vulnerability of this population to drugs.
Other specific skills to be achieved are: recognition of the role and intervention of these health professionals in the field of pharmacology, perception of the basic principles of drug regimens and drug administration and supervision, monitoring the toxic and therapeutic effects of drugs, the identification, monitoring and prophylaxis of adverse reactions and drug interactions, knowledge of the risks associated with self-medication practices and polymediction and comorbidities, promotion of patient compliance and rational use of medicines.
Syllabus:
1. Introduction to Pharmacology of the elderly
General concepts and terminology in pharmacology
Pharmaceutical forms and therapeutic doses
Routes of Administration
The processes of drug therapy
Specificities of pharmacokinetics in the elderly
Specificities of pharmacodynamics in the elderly
2. Drugs used in common elderly clinical disorders
Drugs with action in the CNS
Drugs used for anxiety
Drugs used for insomnia
Drugs used for depression
Drugs used for Dementia and degenerative diseases
Drugs used for pain control
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Opioid analgesics
Drugs used for cardiovascular disorders
Antihypertension drugs
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
Drugs used for dyslipidaemia
Drugs used for Diabetes Mellitus
3. Adverse reactions and drug interactions
4. Therapeutic regimens and patient compliance
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus comprising this curricular unit provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge on the physiological and pharmacological changes that occur in the elderly, as well as on the monitoring of pharmacological groups frequently used in the geriatric clinic, thus ensuring that the established objectives can be attained. The acquisition of this background knowledge will enable the health technician to act during the process of therapeutic follow-up of the elderly patients, thus contributing to the optimization of treatment and to improve their quality of life.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Form of pedagogical implementation: (i) presentation and discussion of relevant theoretical concepts in the theoretical lectures; (ii) Brainstorm on pertinent issues related to the contents exposed; (iii) supervision of independent study and support in problem solving workshops (iv) discussion of relevant clinical cases.
The assessment is continuous and consists of two written tests (95%) and student performance in solving problems (5% )
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The constant interaction between the teacher and the student in the classroom will fit the objectives proposed to the students. The use of a set of study materials purposely created, as well as tutorial sessions for inquiries will allow a high level of adjustment between the methodologies and objectives of the course. The simulation of practical cases and solving clinical cases allow the consolidation of skills acquired in pharmacology applied to geriatrics. The assessment carried out in a theoretical-practical context checks the scientific competence and the systematization of knowledge acquired.
Reading:
1. Rang and Dale's pharmacology, H. P. Rang, J. M. Ritter, R. J. Flower, and G. Henderson (Eds), 8th edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2015.
2. Terapêutica Medicamentosa e suas Bases Farmacológicas (Manual de Farmacologia e Farmacoterapia), S Guimarães, D Moura, P Soares da Silva (Eds), 6ª edição, Porto Editora, 2014.
3. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, BG Katzung and E Trevor (Eds), 13th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2015.
4. Goodman & Gilman´s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, LL Bruton, BA Chabner, BC Knollmann (Eds), 12th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2011.