Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances

Lesson 1

Introduction

NP prescribers and RNs who administer, manage, and  prescribe controlled drugs and substances for their clients must have a sound understanding of the pharmacology of these agents. In this lesson, learners will review the basic pharmacological concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. They will examine how these principles apply to the classes of controlled drugs and substances that fall within NP prescriptive authority as defined by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the New Classes of Practitioners Regulations.  Two additional concepts will also be introduced; pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, as there is growing evidence in the literature about their importance when controlled drugs and substances are prescribed. Additional references to current evidence-informed guidelines will also be included to help guide decision making about prescribing and managing these agents.

The basic pharmacological concepts for the major classes of controlled drugs and substances are introduced in this lesson.

Learners are advised to have access to a pharmacology text to be able to access more in depth detail about specific drugs or classes of drugs. In addition, the guidelines developed by the National Opioid Use Guideline Group (NOUGG)(2017) contain detailed information about opioids.