---TERMINOLOGY
Learn these basic pharmacology terms: (found on textbook page-44, Table 2-8) tolerance synergism antagonism therapeutic prophylactic ---MORE on TERMINOLOGY!
Terminology is extremely important in the study of Pharmaceuticals. Each of the terms below have very specific definitions which are important to understand. These can be found in chapter-3 of your textbook between pages 48 and 54, including Table 3-1.

Here is a partial list: off-label use official name chemical name generic name
Trade, Brand, Proprietary name
Legend drug
OTC name
Indication
Contraindication
Drug nomenclature

---METRIC CONVERSIONS
Review the Math Slides for Week 2, and know the relationships between metric units and/or memorize them or learn to use the Sliding Metric Visual Conversion Grid posted in docsharing.
Review the Unit 2 practice Problem sheet posted in Doc Sharing.

If the methods presented in the math slides for weeks 1 & 2 (Also Posted in Doc Sharing) are not clear, then read Chapters 6-8 in your text and find the system that works for you.

Remember the 5 steps used to solve a conversion problem: See Sample Problem Below

Sample problem 1: Convert 600 mg to kg

Step 1: Write the equation – Starting value & unit,
Followed by: a. “x”,
b. “----------”, for the conversion fraction
c. “=”
d. and Ending units

Step 2: determine units for denominator (bottom) of conversion factor

Step 3: determine units for numerator (top) of conversion factor

Step 4: Look up relationship between starting/ending units
In this case the relationship between mg and kg. Use the method of your choice, sliding mnemonic, tables, text, etc. The key is you have to be comfortable with the method/way you determine the relationship.

Using the Sliding Metric Visual Conversion Grid to solve metric conversions or find relationships:

kg hg dag gram dg cg mg * * mcg 1

1
0
0
0
0
0
0

Relationship: 1 kg = 1,000,000 mg or 
Now that we know the relationship add it to the equation:

Step 5: Solve the equation: When solving first check to make sure that starting units are cancelled!

With the starting units cancelled we are left with ending units on both side of the “=” (equals sign).

Alternative method of Metric conversion.

Sample problem 1: Convert 600 mg to kg

First enter the given value into the Sliding Mnemonic scale.
Remember the decimal is to the right of the unit. So the mg decimal is between the mg column and the first “*” column. See number in RED below

kg hg dag gram dg cg mg
*
* mcg 6
0
0.

Now locate the decimal for the kg units, again it is to the right of the unit. So the kg decimal is between the kg column and the hg column. Now bring the numbers down from the above row (containing the 600 mg) into the row to be used for the kg conversion. See numbers in BLUE below.

kg hg dag gram dg cg mg
*
* mcg 6
0
0.

6
0
0

Now add kg decimal and zeros as needed to make the conversion. See GREEN numbers below. Please note that the zeros following the number 6 have been deleted as training zeros should not be used when writing the numbers.

kg hg dag gram dg cg mg
*
* mcg 6
0
0.

0.
0
0
0
6
0
0

Now just read the answer off the Sliding Mnemonic Scale : 600 mg = 0.0006 kg

There are many different types of oral drug dosage forms, from capsules and tablets, to quickly dissolving tablets used both on and under the tongue, to various types of syrups and solutions.