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Gigi Rodriguez
12/12/2025
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Pharmacology - Drugs - Section 1
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Dec 12, 2025
•
Pharmacology Basics: Understanding Drugs in Section 1
Gigi Rodriguez
@gigirodriguez_thtd
1 / 3
Understanding Drug Actions and Effects
When drugs enter your body, they work in different ways. Some drugs directly affect tissues, while others attack bacteria or viruses. Some drugs, like insulin for diabetics, replace chemicals your body needs but isn't producing enough of.
Drug actions typically fall into three categories: local actions , remote actions (affecting parts distant from where administered), and systemic actions (carried throughout the body by your bloodstream).
Every medication causes effects on the body - some good, some not so great. The therapeutic effects are what we want the drug to do (like preventing pregnancy with contraceptives). Side effects are secondary effects that can be unpleasant (like nausea). Drug interactions happen when one medication interferes with another, while drug allergies are harmful reactions that can range from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
💡 Real-world relevance: When your doctor asks about medications you're currently taking, they're checking for potential drug interactions that could prevent your new medicine from working properly!
The drug route refers to how a medication enters your body. Common routes include parenteral (injections), oral (swallowing), buccal (between cheek and gums), sublingual (under the tongue), topical (on skin), transdermal (through skin patches), inhalation, and instillation (drops).
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Forms
Ever wonder what happens after you swallow a pill? Pharmacokinetics is the journey of drugs through your body in four main phases: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
First comes absorption - drugs enter your bloodstream by crossing tissue membranes. Then distribution carries drug molecules throughout your body to reach their targets. Your body changes the drugs through metabolism (mostly in your liver) to make them easier to eliminate. Finally, excretion removes drugs from your body, usually through urine or intestines.
Medications come in various forms depending on how easily they dissolve. Liquid preparations include syrups, elixirs, and sprays that can be swallowed, injected, or inhaled. Solid preparations are what most people call "pills" - tablets, capsules, and lozenges. Semisolid preparations include creams, ointments, and suppositories.
🔍 Test tip: Pay special attention to drug forms and routes - these are frequently tested topics! Knowing which medications must be given by specific routes can prevent serious medical errors.
Other drug delivery systems include transdermal patches that slowly release medication through your skin and implantable devices surgically placed near blood vessels to deliver medication to specific areas of the body.
Specialty Pharmacies and Custom Medications
Sometimes standard medications don't work for everyone. Specialty pharmacies focus on creating patient-centered medications for people with complex needs or rare diseases.
Compounding pharmacies customize medications for patients with special requirements. If you're allergic to an ingredient in a commercial drug, can't tolerate side effects, or need a specific strength not commercially available, these pharmacies can create a personalized solution. They can even flavor medications to make them more palatable - especially helpful for children or patients who struggle with medication taste!
Another type of specialty pharmacy is the nuclear pharmacy, which prepares radioactive medications used in certain diagnostic and treatment procedures. These highly specialized facilities require strict safety protocols and specially trained staff.
💊 Future focus: The field of custom medications is growing rapidly! Personalized medicine is becoming more common as healthcare providers recognize that standard medications don't work the same way for every person.
Specialty medications come in various forms, including liquids, elixirs, balms, ointments, capsules, and chewable tablets to meet diverse patient needs and preferences.
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Pharmacology Basics: Understanding Drugs in Section 1
Gigi Rodriguez
@gigirodriguez_thtd
Pharmacology is the science of how drugs work in the body. As a medical assistant, you'll need to understand basic drug information to provide safe care. This guide covers the essential concepts about drugs, their actions, effects, and forms that... Show more
Understanding Drug Actions and Effects
When drugs enter your body, they work in different ways. Some drugs directly affect tissues, while others attack bacteria or viruses. Some drugs, like insulin for diabetics, replace chemicals your body needs but isn't producing enough of.
Drug actions typically fall into three categories: local actions , remote actions (affecting parts distant from where administered), and systemic actions (carried throughout the body by your bloodstream).
Every medication causes effects on the body - some good, some not so great. The therapeutic effects are what we want the drug to do (like preventing pregnancy with contraceptives). Side effects are secondary effects that can be unpleasant (like nausea). Drug interactions happen when one medication interferes with another, while drug allergies are harmful reactions that can range from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
💡 Real-world relevance: When your doctor asks about medications you're currently taking, they're checking for potential drug interactions that could prevent your new medicine from working properly!
The drug route refers to how a medication enters your body. Common routes include parenteral (injections), oral (swallowing), buccal (between cheek and gums), sublingual (under the tongue), topical (on skin), transdermal (through skin patches), inhalation, and instillation (drops).
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Pharmacokinetics and Drug Forms
Ever wonder what happens after you swallow a pill? Pharmacokinetics is the journey of drugs through your body in four main phases: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
First comes absorption - drugs enter your bloodstream by crossing tissue membranes. Then distribution carries drug molecules throughout your body to reach their targets. Your body changes the drugs through metabolism (mostly in your liver) to make them easier to eliminate. Finally, excretion removes drugs from your body, usually through urine or intestines.
Medications come in various forms depending on how easily they dissolve. Liquid preparations include syrups, elixirs, and sprays that can be swallowed, injected, or inhaled. Solid preparations are what most people call "pills" - tablets, capsules, and lozenges. Semisolid preparations include creams, ointments, and suppositories.
🔍 Test tip: Pay special attention to drug forms and routes - these are frequently tested topics! Knowing which medications must be given by specific routes can prevent serious medical errors.
Other drug delivery systems include transdermal patches that slowly release medication through your skin and implantable devices surgically placed near blood vessels to deliver medication to specific areas of the body.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Specialty Pharmacies and Custom Medications
Sometimes standard medications don't work for everyone. Specialty pharmacies focus on creating patient-centered medications for people with complex needs or rare diseases.
Compounding pharmacies customize medications for patients with special requirements. If you're allergic to an ingredient in a commercial drug, can't tolerate side effects, or need a specific strength not commercially available, these pharmacies can create a personalized solution. They can even flavor medications to make them more palatable - especially helpful for children or patients who struggle with medication taste!
Another type of specialty pharmacy is the nuclear pharmacy, which prepares radioactive medications used in certain diagnostic and treatment procedures. These highly specialized facilities require strict safety protocols and specially trained staff.
💊 Future focus: The field of custom medications is growing rapidly! Personalized medicine is becoming more common as healthcare providers recognize that standard medications don't work the same way for every person.
Specialty medications come in various forms, including liquids, elixirs, balms, ointments, capsules, and chewable tablets to meet diverse patient needs and preferences.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user