Pharmacology for Rehabilitation: Considerations for the
Aging Adult (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Andrew J. Opett
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This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses. This course will review basic principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as it relates to managing patients as a rehabilitation professional. Select classes of drugs will be presented including those used to treat autonomic, cardiovascular, central nervous system, musculoskeletal, and endocrine conditions. Special emphasis will be placed on drug interactions, identifying adverse effects, and the importance of the medication review as part of a comprehensive patient history.
Meet your instructor
Andrew J. Opett
Andrew Opett received a bachelor of science degree in biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 1996; a bachelor of science degree in health sciences from Nazareth College of Rochester, New York, in 2000; and a master of science degree in physical therapy from Nazareth College of Rochester, New York, in…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Pharmacological Principles
In this chapter, basic pharmacological principles will be discussed as they pertain to rehabilitation professionals. Drug nomenclature, a review of the controlled substances act, and drug safety considerations will also be covered. The importance of performing a medication review during the patient history will be emphasized.
2. Pharmacokinetics
This chapter will discuss the concept of pharmacokinetics. Drug administration, distribution, metabolism, and excretion will be covered as well as the importance of these concepts for the rehabilitation patient.
3. Pharmacodynamics
This chapter will discuss the concept of pharmacodynamics. The biochemical or physiological effects a medication has on the body will be reviewed. The principles of mechanism of action, drug-receptor interactions, and dose response relationships will be covered.
4. Autonomic Pharmacology
This chapter will review the normal functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The effects of cholinergic and adrenergic agonists and antagonists will be discussed as they pertain to drug actions and side effects.
5. Cardiovascular Drugs
This chapter will explore the effects of drugs used to treat hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and hyperlipidemia. The effects of these medications on the rehabilitation patient will be emphasized.
6. CNS Drugs
This chapter will discuss the medications used to alter activity within the brain and spinal cord. A review of neurotransmitters will be covered. Specific classes of medications including the sedative and hypnotic drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antiepileptic drugs, drugs for Parkinson’s Disease, and drugs used to treat affective disorders will also be discussed.
7. Pain and Inflammatory Medications
This chapter will review the drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat pain and inflammatory conditions. The opioid analgesics, NSAIDs, and drugs used to manage pain associated rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis will be discussed. Safety concerns with regard to the use of these medications in the rehabilitation patient will be addressed.
8. Drugs Used to Treat Endocrine Disorders and Adrenal System Disorders
This chapter will discuss the drugs commonly used to treat endocrine disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal system disorders. Safety concerns in the rehabilitation patient will also be covered.
9. Review of Patient Medications by the Rehabilitation Professional
This chapter will discuss the process by which the rehabilitation professional can conduct a review of patient medications. The 2015 Beers criteria published by the American Geriatrics Society for identification of potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults will also be addressed. Identification of credible sources of drug information as well as modes of inquiry when safety issues arise will be included.
10. Q&A
This chapter is a viewer submitted question and answer session, facilitated by Andrew Opett.