Albania Pharmacist State Exam (Provimi i Shtetit - Farmaci) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Bioavailability formula

Absolute bioavailability F equals (AUC oral × dose IV) divided by (AUC IV × dose oral). It expresses the fraction of an extravascular dose reaching systemic circulation unchanged.

First-order half-life

For first-order elimination, t1/2 equals 0.693 times volume of distribution divided by clearance. Steady state is reached after approximately four to five half-lives.

Loading dose equation

Loading dose equals the product of volume of distribution and target plasma concentration, divided by bioavailability. It rapidly achieves therapeutic concentrations without waiting for accumulation.

Henderson–Hasselbalch equation

pH equals pKa plus log of the ratio of unprotonated base to protonated acid. It predicts ionization and therefore absorption and renal reabsorption of weak acids and bases.

Prodrug definition

A pharmacologically inactive derivative that must undergo biotransformation in the body to release the active drug. Examples are enalapril to enalaprilat and sulfasalazine to 5-aminosalicylic acid.

Lipinski rule of five

Predicts oral bioavailability: molecular weight ≤500, logP ≤5, hydrogen-bond donors ≤5, and hydrogen-bond acceptors ≤10. Violations suggest poor oral absorption.

Beer–Lambert law

Absorbance equals molar absorptivity times path length times concentration. It is linear only at low concentrations and at a fixed wavelength with a monochromatic source.

ICH Q2 validation parameters

Analytical procedure validation requires accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, range, detection limit, quantitation limit, and robustness. These confirm the method is suitable for its intended purpose.

Karl Fischer titration

A specific method for determining water content in pharmaceuticals. The endpoint is detected electrometrically by dead-stop detection, and it is used for moisture-sensitive formulations.

BCS class II drugs

Low solubility and high permeability. Dissolution is rate-limiting, so particle-size reduction, salt formation, or amorphous solid dispersion can improve oral absorption.

Autoclave sterilization conditions

Standard moist-heat sterilization uses 121 degrees Celsius at 15 psi for 15 to 20 minutes. It is effective for aqueous solutions and heat-stable devices.

Noyes–Whitney equation

Dissolution rate is proportional to surface area times diffusion coefficient divided by boundary layer thickness, multiplied by the concentration gradient. Reducing particle size increases surface area.

St John's wort interaction

Hypericum perforatum induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, lowering concentrations of oral contraceptives, warfarin, and ciclosporin. Patients should avoid combining it with these drugs.

Cardiac glycoside mechanism

Digitalis glycosides inhibit sodium-potassium ATPase, raising intracellular sodium and calcium. This increases contractility but gives a narrow therapeutic index with arrhythmia risk.

Senna mechanism of action

Anthraquinone glycosides are hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria to active rhein anthrone. This stimulates colonic motility and produces a laxative effect after six to twelve hours.

Alkaloid definition

Basic nitrogen-containing natural products, often pharmacologically active. Examples include morphine from Papaver somniferum, quinine from Cinchona, and atropine from Atropa belladonna.

Warfarin monitoring

Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, reducing factors II, VII, IX, and X. Effect is monitored by INR, with a target of 2 to 3 for most indications.

ACE inhibitor adverse effects

Cough from bradykinin accumulation and hyperkalemia are characteristic. They are contraindicated in pregnancy and require monitoring of potassium and renal function.

Naranjo ADR scale

A validated tool scoring the probability that a drug caused an adverse reaction. Scores of 9 or more are definite, 5 to 8 probable, 1 to 4 possible, and 0 or less doubtful.

Medication reconciliation

A formal process comparing a patient's current medicines with newly prescribed ones at admission, transfer, and discharge. It prevents unintended discrepancies and duplication.

Inhaled corticosteroid counseling

Patients should rinse the mouth after each use to prevent oral candidiasis. Correct technique includes shaking, slow deep inhalation, and holding breath for about ten seconds.

High-alert medications

Drugs carrying a heightened risk of serious harm when misused, such as insulin, heparin, concentrated potassium, and chemotherapy. They require independent double-checks and standardized concentrations.

Paracetamol overdose antidote

N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione and is most effective within eight hours of ingestion. The Rumack–Matthew nomogram guides treatment from serum levels and time since ingestion.

Organophosphate poisoning treatment

Atropine reverses muscarinic effects and is titrated to drying secretions. Pralidoxime reactivates acetylcholinesterase if given before enzyme aging occurs.

Activated charcoal contraindications

It is contraindicated for corrosive ingestion and for patients with an unprotected airway. It is most useful within one hour of ingestion and does not bind iron or lithium well.

Methanol poisoning antidote

Fomepizole or ethanol blocks alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing formation of toxic metabolites. Severe cases require hemodialysis to remove methanol and its metabolites.

Economic order quantity

EOQ equals the square root of twice annual demand times ordering cost, divided by annual holding cost per unit. It minimizes total ordering and holding costs.

Reorder point formula

Reorder point equals average daily demand multiplied by lead time, plus safety stock. It triggers replenishment before stock-out occurs.

FEFO stock rotation

First-expiry-first-out means stock with the earliest expiry date is dispensed first. It reduces wastage of short-dated medicines and is preferred over simple FIFO.

ICER definition

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio equals the difference in costs divided by the difference in health outcomes between two interventions. It is compared against a willingness-to-pay threshold.

GDP temperature requirements

Good Distribution Practice requires storage within labeled temperature ranges, validated cold chain, and documented traceability from manufacturer to pharmacy. Deviations must be investigated and recorded.

Prescription alteration rules

A pharmacist may clarify an ambiguous prescription with the prescriber but must not independently change the drug, dose, or directions. Narcotic prescriptions require special documentation.