Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances

Lesson 5

Introduction

Patients vary in their response to drugs for a multitude of reasons. Cultural patterns, gender, the lived experiences of patients and resulting behavioural patterns may influence drug use and could compromise healthful outcomes. Additionally, genetic factors can account for patient variability in pharmacokinetic and pharmacotherapeutic responses. This learning activity will identify a number of variables to consider when managing drug therapy using psychoactive substances and provide strategies to support optimum and safe patient outcomes.