Course Details

1. Describe the basic knowledge of the profession and the field of studies and explain medicines action on the human organism, administration routes, the efficacy and toxicity of medicines
2. Describe the effects, adverse effects, synergy and contra-indication of drugs
3. Develop skills for group work, for working autonomously in the design and management of programmes for preparing patients for drug therapies and promotion of patient well-being
4. Develop skills for data management, decision making, leadership in managing patients as regards medication
5. State prescribing and dosological regimens
6. Describe the quality standards must be followed, based on evidence/ empirical data
7. Explain the health and safety regulations, including the transportation and storage of samples

Introduction to pharmacology: Pharmacological classification of medicines, administration routes (parenteral, non parenteral, orally, ophthalmic, aurally, nasally, anally, transdermal,inhalations)

Antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants: Classification, administration, indications, contra-indications

Immunization: Immune factors, vaccines, indications and precautions

Cytostatic medicines – Chemotherapy: Preparation and toxicity

Psychotropic medicines: Sedatives and tranquillisers, antidepressant, mood moderators, hypnotics, MAO inhibitors, antimaniac and neuroleptic medicines

Gastrointestinal medicines: Antacids, H2 inhibitors, antispasmodic, anticholinergic, laxatives, antidiarrhoea, anti-vomiting, indications and contra-indications

Cardiovascular system medicines: Cardiac stimulants, cardiac rhythm regulators, cardiac glycosides, arrhythmia medicines, antihypotensives, coronary vasodilator, hypertension medicines, diuretics, anticoagulant, thrombolic factors, haemostatic and haematinic factors, hypolipedemics and hypocholesteremics

Respiratory system medicines: Antihistamines, decongestion, expectoration, cough, bronchodilators and mycolytic drugs

Medicines for endocrinic disturbances: Diabetes mellitus, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycemia.

Medicines for ophthalmic diseases: Antibiotics, steroid and non steroid antiinflammation medicines, decongestants, combination of medicines, antiallergic, local anaesthetics, mydriatic, antiglaucoma

Dermatological medicines: Antiseptics, antimicrobials, medicines for acne, antimycotic, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamines, local anaesthetics, analgesics and keratolytic

Nutrition: Nutritional habits, requirements in nourishing ingredients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, inorganic element), nutritional needs of babies, children and adults

• Jane Rice , Introduction to Pharmacology for nurses, Second edition, Publisher ‘Ellin, 1998
• Ben Greenstein, Clinical pharmacology for nurses, 17th edition, , Publisher Parisianou, 2007
• S.J.Hopkins, Medicine and pharmacology for nurses, 12th edition, (Modern Greek), Publisher Pergamos, 1995

• Personal notes

The course is delivered to the students by means of lectures, presented in powerpoint. Lecture notes are given to the students