Paper Example on Pharmacology

Antineoplastic Agents

Antineoplastic drugs are used in the treatment of specific types of cancer. Alkylating agents are a category of antineoplastic medications widely used in the market (Colbert & Woodrow, 2018). The drug is recommendable as it effectively treats cancer. The drug works by addition of alkyl element to the guanine base of a DNA molecule; thus, hindering the linkage of double helix strands. Consequently, preventing cancer cells from multiplying due to the breakage of DNA strands (Woodrow, Colbert, Smith & Woodrow, 2015). Therefore, causing the death of cancer cells in the long run. The medication is most effective in treating solid tumors and leukemia. On that note, the patient should be displaying the signs of leukaemia and solid tumors to warrant the use of alkylating agents. The symptoms include low white blood cells count, weight loss, bleeding gums, and excessive nose bleeding.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

The drugs have side effects on the patients. Alkylating agents could result in permanent damage on the bone marrow if used continuously for an extended period. The drug also causes indigestion, stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. Additionally, patient alkylating agents' medication may experience itching rushes (Woodrow, Colbert, Smith & Woodrow, 2015). The drug might contribute to severe diarrhea or constipation. It may cause sores in the throat and mouth. The medication might make the patient find the taste of food different and general body weakness. The drug may contribute to menstrual changes and premature menopause in women. Moreover, a decrease in sperm count in male patients. Notwithstanding, the drug may lead to low blood count resulting in fatigue, and the patient becomes more susceptible to infection.

Educating patients regarding the use of an alkylating agent is critical as it helps patients to understand the treatment process. Teaching patients regarding the use of a drug help to reduce anxiety about the side effects of using the medication. The patients will have precise information on the side effects of the treatment options. Additionally, ways to curb the side effects will be taught to the patient consequently making the treatment successful. Equally important, patients will are more likely to adhere to instructions.

Respiratory System Agents

Respiratory system drugs are used in the treatment of respiratory system disorders and illnesses. On that note, an example of a respiratory medicine commonly used is Pulmozyme. It is advisable to use the medication as it boosts breathing and minimizes the risk of lung infection (Colbert & Woodrow, 2018). The drug is used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis. The drug is used alongside other medications for the disease such as nutritional supplements. The remedy is administered to individuals who exhibit the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis (Woodrow, Colbert, Smith & Woodrow, 2015). The disease's signs and symptoms can be grouped into respiratory and digestive. The respiratory signs and symptoms include a persistent cough coupled with the production of thick sputum. Additionally, a patient suffers from breathing problems, frequent lung infection, and intolerance to exercise. On the other hand, the digestive symptoms include excessive constipation, weight loss, and foul-smelling.

The side effects of the medication include body aches and chest pain. The patient may experience a cough and dry throat. Additionally, the patients suffer from running nose and fever. The patient may also experience breathing challenges, hoarseness, and voice changes (Woodrow, Colbert, Smith & Woodrow, 2015). Other signs include stomach discomfort, belching, and heartburn. It is essential to note that some of the side effects do not necessitate medical attention. Moreover, some reduce over time as the body adapts to the medication. However, it is crucial to seek professional help when adverse effects are experienced.

Educating the patients on the uses and the side effects is critical. The drug is used alongside other medications for cystic fibrosis; therefore, the patients should be enlightened on how to use the correct mix of the drug. Teaching the patients on the usage of drug helps in reducing instances of overdosing which has harmful effects on individuals. Important to note, the patients will have prior knowledge of the side effects of using a drug consequently reducing uncertainty. The patients also understand the healing process and follow all the prescriptions. Thus, the effectiveness of the drug in its purpose. Moreover, the patients understand the point at which the side effects necessitate medical attention.

Cardiovascular Agents

Cardiovascular agents are medications used in the treatment of heart and circulatory systems medical conditions (Colbert & Woodrow, 2019). Proglycem is a cardiovascular agent used in to increase the blood sugar and minimize the production of insulin. The medication is used in the treatment of hypoglycemia, an illness caused by conditions that trigger the pancreas to release excessive insulin (Baune & Tully, 2016). It is advisable to use the drug as it is fit for both children and adults. Additionally, the medication has fewer side effects to a patient. The signs and symptoms that necessitate administration of the drug include confusion, feeling shaky, irritability, headache, trembling, and poor coordination and concentration.

The side effects of the medication include blurred vision, eye pain, seeing halos in light and tunnel vision. Referring to Baune & Tully (2016) the patient may also experience breathing challenges among infant patients. The medication also contributes to shortness of breath, sudden weight increase, and swelling. Additionally, patients may also exhibit signs of hyperglycemia like increased urination, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Patients may also experience a diminished sense of taste, swelling hands and feel, and thrashing heartbeats.

Teaching patients about cardiovascular agents is essential. The knowledge of various treatment options helps the patients to determine the most efficient drug to use based on their medical requirements. The patients will understand the how the drug works; therefore, maintaining the necessary conditions to ensure that the drug works effectively (Baune & Tully, 2016). The practices include proper feeding and avoiding foods and drinks that might hinder the activeness of the medicine. The patients understand the side effects of the medication and develop counter practices to curb the side effects. Moreover, the patients can follow the instructions regarding the usage of a drug when they understand how the drug works.

Conclusion

Conclusively, patients use different types of medication for different kinds of diseases. It is essential to observe the signs and symptoms that a patient displays to determine the type of drugs that correspond to the illness. Additionally, medical tests are necessary to verify the disease and medication required for the condition. The side effects of using medications should be accessed to determine the benefits of using a drug. If the side effects are harmful and have a potential health threat to the patient, the medication should be avoided. It is crucial to educate patients about different types of drugs to improve their prudence in following instructions.

References

Baune, B. T., & Tully, P. J. (2016). Cardiovascular diseases and depression: Treatment and prevention in psychocardiology. Cham: Springer.

Colbert, B. J., & Woodrow, R. (2018). Essentials of pharmacology for health professions. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Woodrow, R., Colbert, B. J., Smith, D. M., & Woodrow, R. (2015). Study guide to accompany Essentials of pharmacology for health professions, seventh edition.