2 credit hours
Pharmacology I is the first of three courses designed to run concurrently with and to complement Clinical Medicine I. It is designed to develop the skills and knowledge base related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents. It includes a systematic study of the effects of drugs on different organ systems and disease processes, the mechanisms by which drugs produce their therapeutic and toxic effects, and the factors influencing their absorption, distribution, and biological actions. The course will also include principles of altered dynamic/kinetic properties, the role of genetics on drugs, and the changes of drug absorption and unique considerations to prescribing medications across the lifespan. Areas of study will include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dermatologics, antifungals, autoimmune pharmacologics, antinflammatories and opioids, neurologics, and antimicrobials. Students will also become familiar with prescription writing and the laws governing this privilege in Missouri.