Question

Discuss classification of drugs, why it is important to understand drug classification and the impact on patient care.

Discuss the term-narrow therapeutic index. Why is the relevant to understand for safe medication administration?

Answer 1

Classification of drugs

A drug can be classified by its chemical activity or by the condition that it treats.
Comprehensive system includes anatomical therapeutic chemical classification system(ATC) and systematized nomenclature of medicine(SNOMED).
Chemical classification is a categorisation of drugs by their chemical structure.. Another classification is by the mechanism of action of adrug, that is by their biological target. Therapeutic classes, by mode of action, amalgamated classes are other classification of drugs.
It is very important to understand the classification of drugs by nurses. It will help us to know aboutvthe adverse reactions and to prevent complications and side effects.
Therapeutic index is the range of doses at which a medication is effective without unacceptable adverse events.
NTI or Narrow therapeutic index drugs are defined as those drugs where small differences in dose or blood concentration may lead to serious therapeutic failures or adverse drug reactions.
Serious events are those which are irreversible, persistent, slowly reversible, or life threatening, disability or even death.
Examples :- Warfarin, Digoxin, phenytoin etc.
Generic drug may be substituted for brand name drugs provided that they meet the recommended bioeuivalence limits.

A clear understanding of the classification and careful patient selection and regular monitoring are essential for the safe and rational administration.