Pharmacy Info Bank

    
Important Documents
ISMP: Tall Man Letters

ISMP: Error Prone Abbreviations

ISMP: High Alert Drug List

Joshua Koji: Practical Pharmacy Math Sheet
Controlled Substances Information
Type Examples Description Prescription Expiration Transferability Refillability
Schedule I (CI) Heroin and Marijuana Deemed to have no therapeutic benefit and a high potential for abuse. N/A N/A N/A
Schedule II (CII) Percocet (Oxycodone and APAP), Adderal (Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine), ... General narcotic pain medications and stimulants for ADHD. Expires in 60 days. Cannot be transfered. Cannot be refilled.
Schedule III (CIII) Anabolic steroids No greater than 90mg of codeine/unit and Testosterone Products. Expires in 6 months. Only be transfered once. Up to 5 times within 6 months.
Schedule IV (CIV) Alprazolam (Xanax), Zolpidem (Ambian) Sleep/benzodiazepines for anxiety Expires in 6 months. Only be transfered once. Up to 5 times within 6 months.
Schedule V (CV) Lyrica Cough, nerve pain (lower abuse) Expires in 6 months. Only be transfered once. Up to 5 times within 6 months.

Required Prescription Information for Controlled Substances

Records of controlled substances must be kept for a minimum of 2 years. And CII records must be kept seperately than CIII, CIV, and CV.

Ephedrine & Pseudoephedrine's limit is 3.6g/day and 9g total in a 30 day period. Must be 18 years or older. A photo ID is required for purchase.Not available for public access (Must talk to pharmacy). Purchaser must be logged.

Organizations

Important DEA Forms

224 Used by new pharmacies to apply for new registration with the DEA to begin distributing controlled substances.
222 Used to log transfers of controlled substances.
106 Used to report theft or Loss of controlled substances.
41 Used to log destruction of controlled substances.

FDA requires a REMS if the drug has a high risk for someone getting hurt.

Pharmaceutical waste is regulated by resource conservation and recovery act. And gives the EPA the authority to regulate it.

OSHA requires manufactuers to create safety data sheets (SDSs) are for any hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

NIOSH determines which chemicals are hazardous to people. The EPA determines which are hazardous to the environment.

MedWatch is used to report adverse events and near misses to the FDA. It's voluntary and used to help make sure any potential systemic flaws are addressed.

FDA Drug Recall Classes

Class 1 There is a high likelihood that someone could die.
Class 2 There is a high chance for people to get sick, but its temporary or reversable.
Class 3 There was an issue but it's unlikely to cause harm.

"National Drug Take Back Day" - DEA holds drug take back events to help take excess drugs away from people to be disposed of.

NIOSH and ASHP determine a drug to be hazardous if it includes one or more of the following:

Important Laws
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FDC) Act 1938 Requires new drugs to be proven safe prior to marketing; starts a new system of drug regulation; requires safe limits for unavoidable poisonous substances; and allows for factory inspections.
Durham-Humphrey Amendment 1951 Defines the type of drugs that cannot be used safely without medical supervision and limits the sale to prescription only by medical professionals.
Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act 2005 Limits retail sale of over-the-counter products that contain ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which can be used to manufacture methamphetamine
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) 1970 CSA categorizes drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use.
Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) 1970 Requires child-resistant packaging for most household products and drugs to prevent accidental poisoning in children.
Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act 1970 Includes provisions for prevention programs, establishes the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and defines penalties for various drug offenses.
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) 1990 Pharmacist have to counsel medicare paitents. Pharmacies started doing it for everybody. SO everybody is asked if they have questions.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountablility Act (HIPAA) 1996 Right to privacy
Mechanisms of Action
Inhibitor A substance that reduces or stops the activity of an enzyme or receptor.
Activator A substance that increases the activity of an enzyme or receptor.
Agonist A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.
Antagonist A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking or dampening the action of an agonist.
Reverse Agonist A substance that binds to a receptor and causes an opposite effect to that of an agonist, often decreasing the baseline activity of a receptor.
Blocker Similar to an antagonist; a substance that blocks the action of a receptor, preventing activation by an agonist.
Compounding Info
Tincture Drug dissolved in alcohol.
Elixir Drug dissolved in alcohol with added sugar.
Solution Homogeneous mixture where the drug is completely dissolved in a solvent.
Suspension Mixture where the drug is not completely dissolved (solid particles suspended in liquid).
Solvent Liquid (usually) capable of dissolving another substance.
Aqueous Mixture where the drug is dissolved in water.
Emulsion Mixture of two immiscible liquids (e.g., oil and water), stabilized with an emulsifier.
Gel Semi-solid dosage form that contains a drug dissolved or suspended in a gel base.
Powder Drug in a finely ground solid form that may be reconstituted in a liquid.
Paste Thick, semi-solid mixture that contains a high proportion of solid material.
Syrup Drug dissolved in a sugar solution, typically used for oral administration.
Substrate The substance that results after a drug is metabolized by a particular enzyme. This substance is a substrate of that enzyme.
Saline Salt dissolved in water.
Oleaginous Dissolved in oil
Precipitate
Titrate
levegation
other COMPOUNDING TERMS

USP sets <795> (Nonsterile compounding), <797> (sterile compounding), and <800> (hazardous compounding) guidelines and standards.
Chapters below 1000 are enforceable by federal law. Chapters above 1000 are purely informational or suggestions and are not enforced.

Good to know probably
media test are !
practical application
master formulations
cleaning procedures
Let the hood run for 30 mins after its turned Off
asceptic technique
garbing types
hazordous vs nonharzordous
PPE
D5W and NS

Needle gauge sizes
The most typical sizes used are from 14G which is the thickest,
up to 34G which would be the thinnest.

wipe hoods side to side. back to front. dont spray into filter.
Dwell time between disinfecting (kills germs) and sanitizing (reduces germs). and wipe away residue.

5-micron filter tip needle for drawing up from an ampule

Addiction Information
Addiction A chronic, often relapsing condition where an individual becomes compulsively engaged in a behavior or substance use, despite harmful consequences. It involves both psychological and physical components, where the person may feel unable to control cravings and urges.
Dependence A physiological state where the body becomes reliant on a substance to function normally. This is marked by the development of tolerance and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or stopped. It can be physical, psychological, or both.
Tolerance The process by which the body becomes less responsive to a substance over time, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect. This occurs as the brain adapts to the substance’s presence, altering its neurochemistry and reducing sensitivity to the drug.
Withdrawal A set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person reduces or stops using a substance to which they have become dependent. Symptoms can vary from mild (anxiety, irritability) to severe (seizures, hallucinations), depending on the substance.
Neuroadaptive Changes The brain's ability to reorganize and change its structure and function in response to experience or environmental changes. In addiction, neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s adjustment to the presence of a substance, leading to changes in neurotransmitter systems, neural pathways, and brain regions involved in reward, pleasure, and decision-making.
Basic SIG Codes
Q Every, each
X for
C with
S without
SS 1/2
H hours
PO By Mouth
OU Both Eyes
OD Right Eye
OS Left Eye
AU Both Ears
AD Right Ear
AS Left Ear
Q4H Every 4 hours; Six times a day, spaced evenly.
Q6H Every 6 hours; four times a day, spaced evenly.
Q8H Every 8 hours; three times a day, spaced evenly.
Q12H Every 12 hours; twice a day, spaced evenly.
QD Every Day
BID Twice a day
TID Three times a day
QID Four times a day
HS at Bedtime
AM in the morning
PM in the evening
ac before meal
cf with food
pc after meal
PRN As needed
STAT now; Immediatly
QS Quantity sufficient
DAW dispense as written
AAA apply to affected area
sup suppository
sol solution
susp suspension
syr syrup
tab tablet
cap capsule
gtt(s) drops
inj injection
K Potassium
KCl Potassium Chloride
ASA Aspirin
APAP Acetaminophen
IR Immediate Release
DR Delayed Release
EC Enteric Coated
(protects stomach)
ER (XL, XR) Extended Release
kg kilogram
g gram
mg milligram
mcg microgram
l or L liter
mL milliliter
GI Gastrointestinal
NS Normal saline (0.9%)
1/2NS Half saline (0.45%)
SOB Shortness of Breath
Rx prescription
SIG Signa, meaning directions
QTY Quantity
Routes
Enteral Route SIG Code Description Examples
Refers to intestines. Routes that reach the GI tract. Typically oral.
Oral PO swallowed by mouth most pills and capsules
Buccal dissolves in the cheek nicotine gum
Sublingual SL under the tongue NTG
Orally disintegrating tablet ODT dissolves on the tongue Zofran/Ondansetron
Rectal or vaginal into the rectum or vagina Suppository or enimas/douche
Parenteral Routes SIG Code Description Examples
Routes outside of the GI tract. Typically injections.
Intravenous IV into the vein Fluid Replacement
Intramuscular IM into the muscle most vaccines
Subcutaneous SUBQ , SC, SQ into the fat Insulin, Ozempic, etc.
Intrathecal into cerebrospinal fluid Analgesics, Chemotherapy agents, etc.
Intradermal
Topical Route SIG Code Description Examples
Enters through a membrane or the skin. Every thing other than GI or injections.
Transdermal through the skin patches
Optic OD, OS, OU into the eyes eye drops
Otic AD, AS, AU into the ears ear drops
Cream, Ointment, Lotion, etc. rubbed into the skin Anti-infective creams, etc.
Nasal applied into nostrils. systemic Flonase
Class prefixes and suffixes
-caine Local Anasteia e.g. Lidocaine
-triptan Selective Serotonin Receptor Agonist
-triptyline Tricyclic Antidepressant
-dronate Local Anasteia
-olol Beta Blockers
-statin HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
-ipine Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine)
-osin Alpha Blockers
-pril ACE Inhibitors
-sartans ARBs
-vir Antivirals
-azole Azole Antifungals
-zepam and -zolam Benzodiazepines
-glutide GLP-1 Analogs
-gliptin DPP-4 Inhibitors
-gliflozin SGLT-2 Inhibitors
-glitazones Thiazolidinedione (TZD)
-floxacin Fluoroquinolone
-thromycin Macrolides
-one Most Steroids
-prazole Proton Pump Inhibitors PPI
-cillin Penicillins
Useful terms, suffixes, prefixes
-ose Sugar
-ol Alcohol
-emia Presence in Blood
Hyper- prefix means above
Hypo- prefix means below
Excipient Inactive Ingredients
Expectorant brings up mucus from the lungs
Decongestant reduces inflammation in the nose
BUD Beyound Use Date. Not the same as an expiration date. BUD's refer to a drugs stability and sterility, especially following state changes.
Indication FDA's approved use for a drug
Orange Book Contains therapeutic equivalent drugs.
Purple Book Contains bioequivalent drugs. MABs, insulins, hormones, enzymes
Orphan Drug developed to treat certain rare medical conditions
Contraindicated Means to avoid specific combinations with a drug. Could refer to other drugs, foods, or other external factors, such as sunlight, lying down, etc.
Off Label Use other uses for a drug outside of what it's been studied and directly approved for by the FDA.
Brand/Trade Name Marketing name for a drug. A drug can have any number of these.
Generic Name The Shortened chemical name of a drug. Each drug usually only has 1.
Chemical Name The full chemical name for the active compound. There will only be 1.
Arrhythmia irregular heartbeat.
Tachycardia high resting heart rate
Bradycardia low resting heart rate
Edema Swelling from excess fluid
Angina Chest Pain
Bolus dose A dose administered to reach an effective concentration of drug quickly.

Capsule Size 000 is biggest
higher number is smaller
5 is the smallest

Anything that goes directly to the bloodstream or passes a membrane needs to be sterile.
Topicals and anything oral doesn't have to be.

LASA reffers to Look-Alike-Sound-Alike drugs. In response to the ISMP recommeds specific drugs use Tall man Lettering.

Diuretics are medications that remove excess fluids. Sometimes referred to as water pills.

Congestive Heart Failure refers to excess fluid around the heart.

Always use the smallest possible container that is at or above the amount of drug needed to be dispensed.

Non controlled prescriptions expire after a year.

Pharmacology - Pharmacokinetics - Pharmaceutics - Pharmacodynamics - Systemic Localised Absorption Distribution Metabolism Excretion Potency Efficacy

Anti Terms
Anti-infective Antibiotics, Antifungals, Antivirals, ...
Antitussive suppress coughing
Analgesic pain reliever
Antipyretic Fever Reducer
Anxiolytic Anti-anxiety
Antihistamine blocks Histamine
Antispasmodic suppresses muscle spasms
Antiemetic prevent and treat nausea and vomiting
Antiepileptic/Anticonvulsants treatment of epileptic seizures
Anticoagulant prevents or reduces the coagulation of blood. Antithrombotic
Antiplatelet decreases platelet aggregation. Antithrombotic
Anticholinergic Blocks acetylcholine
Antidiarrheal reduce the frequency of diarrhea
Temp Ranges
Controlled Room Temp Excursions 15°C - 30°C 59°F - 86°F
Controlled Room Temp 20°C - 25°C 68°F - 77°F
Cool 8°C - 15°C 46°F - 59°F
Refrigerator 2°C - 8°C 36°F - 46°F
Freezer -25°C - 10°C -13°F - 14°F
Incubator 30°C - 35°C 86°F - 95°F
Notable Interactions

Steroids increase glucose, so it's important to be aware of that if the patient is diabetic and taking any medications for their insulin.

Antibiotics reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives.

Patients should be careful about consuming vitamin K while on Warfarin.

Grapefruit should be avoided with Calcium channel blockers. Especially the Non-Dihydropyridine.
Grapefruit should also be avoided with some HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (-statin) drugs aswell.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Lovastatin (Mevacor), and Simvastatin (Zocor).
Grapefruit also affects Buspirone (Buspar) so it should be avoided while taken the drug.

Avoid dairy with Tetracycline class drugs.
As well as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Levothyroxine (Levoxyl and Synthroid)

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Doxycycline (Vibramycin and Doryx) can increase sensitivty to sunlight.

Tetracyclines also are typically avoided in young children under 8 years of age due to permanent teeth discoloration they cause in this patient group.

Doxazosin (Cardura), Warfarin (Coumadin), and Colchicine (Colcrys) are common NTI (narrow therapeutic range) drugs.

ACE Inhibitors have a common side effect of causing a cough.

Don't lie down for 30 minutes after taking Alendronate (Fosamax), because of GI issues that could arise.

Fentanyl Patches last for 3 days, 72 hours.

Isotretinoin requires the iPledge and at least 7 days, before it can be filled after a negative birth control test.

Most Vaccines require refridgeration. However these specifically must be stored in the freezer:

Pseudoephedrines increase blood pressure.

NSAIDs are tough on kidneys. They also are known to thin the blood slightly, reducing clotting factor. So its important to note if the patient is on any other direct anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is rough on the liver.

Clindamycin (Cleocin) Should not be refridgerated.
MOST RECONS ARE 10 DAYS
Cifalexin Keflex has to be fridge Amoxicilin is 14
Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium) is 10 days and has to be fridge !

Avoid overuse of Afrin Nasal Spray (Oxymetazoline) as it creates dependence. Not more than 2-3 days at a time.

ACE Inhibitors and potassium or spironolactone should be avoided as it'll cause hyperkalemia.

ACE Inhibitors are contraindicated with ARBs.

Budesonide can lead to thrush if your mouth isn't properly rinsed afterwards.

Ketorolac (Toradol) requires a shot before taking the pill form, and shouldn't be taken more than 6 days.

Extra Drugs
Some of the more popular ones we didnt formally get to

Class Indication Generic Brand
oral film prescribed to treat dependence on opioid drugs. It works to reduce withdrawal symptoms Buprenorphine and Naloxone Suboxone
acne and plaque psoriasis. promotes skin cell renewal and reduces inflammation tazarotene Tazorac
Antihistamine Reduces effects of histamine especially in regard to Allergies. Also used to treat motion sickness and to induce sleep. Diphenhydramine Benadryl