Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Clinical Pharmacology
Teaching staff
Students may ask lecturers questions at the end of each class. For enquiries outside of class time, students must make an appointment by email:
Dr Lluis Sànchez i Sitjes Email: lluissanchez@uic.es
General Hospital of Catalonia. Internal Medicine Office, 4th floor
Dr. José Gregorio Zorrilla: jgzorrilla@uic.es
Dr. Javier César Herranz: jcherranz@uic.es
Introduction
Pharmacology is one of the most relevant disciplines for medical professionals of any specialty. Its knowledge is already being developed in the first semester of the third year. The subject of clinical pharmacology is not intended to be a repetition of what is already explained in depth, and by pharmacology specialists. We try to focus more on the review of practical aspects of the use of drugs, their indications, their risks and the usual dosage of the most common pharmacological groups, without insisting on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects.
Pre-course requirements
To have passed the subjects of pharmacology and semiology and physiopathogenesis, and it is advisable for you to have completed most of the specific medical and surgical subjects.
Objectives
To master the main pharmacological groups regarding indications, adverse reactions and dosage.
To relate the most important interactions of the main pharmacological groups.
To master the use of treatments not specifically pharmacological but vital in the handling of different pathologies (serum, oxygen, perfusion ...).
To understand the peculiarities of less common medications.
To master the art of prescription and to correctly communicate the patients / relatives.
To build a global vision of the prescription and the pharmacological treatment of patients.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 12 - Understanding the foundations for action, the indications and efficacy of therapeutic interventions, based on available scientific evidence.
- 18 - To indicate the most appropriate (pharmacological, surgical, psychological, social or other) treatments that are pertinent to the most prevalent procedures, in terms of rehabilitation and also terminally ill patients, including an evaluation of their effectiveness.
- 23 - Communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing with patients, family members, media and other professionals.
- 32 - Know how to use information and communication technology in clinical, therapeutic, preventive health care and research.
Learning outcomes of the subject
1. Knowing the indications and dosage of the most common drugs in primary care and hospital emergency.
2. Practicing the handling of common non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in acute pathology (serum therapy, oxygen therapy).
3. Recognizing the most relevant adverse effects of common medications.
4. Recognizing the pathological situations that may be caused by adverse effects of drugs.
5. Compiling the necessary patient medication data and to be able to rationalize the therapeutic strategy based on indications, interactions and possible adverse effects.
Syllabus
CM 1: Introduction. Anxiolytics / hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics.
Treatments in urology.
CM 2: Antiepileptics: uses inside and outside the epilepsy.
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's treatment.
CM 3: Pain management: analgesics, NSAIDs, minor opiate and major.
CM 4: Corticoids. Antihistamines FAMEs. Most common immunosuppressants. Biological.
CM 5: Anti-infectious agents: antibacterial ("antibiotics").
CM 6: Antivirals: flu, herpes, HIV, hepatitis B and C. Antiparasitic agents.
CM 7: Oral hypoglycaemics. Hyper / hypothyroidism Practical aspects of contraception.
MC 1: Treatment of COPD / Asthma as a whole.
MC 2: Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperuricemia).
MC 3: Heart failure and ischemic heart disease.
MC 4: Treatment of the most common digestive pathology. Gastroprotection.
MC 5: Anticoagulants (ACOs, NACOs, heparins) and antiaggregant.
MC 6: Iron and vitamins (B9, B12, D). Osteoporosis.
MC 7: Pharmacological interactions. Strategies to stop medication treatment.
LH 1: Steroids, colloids and insulin guidelines. Practical aspects of the transfusion.
LH 2: Oxygen therapy (ventimask and high concentration); Most common continuous perfusions (amiodarone, furosemide, vasoactive amines).
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Assessment, Academic Integrity and Examination Conduct Policy
- Applicable to any assessable activity.
- Conduct contrary to academic integrity, including the use of electronic devices, recording, the use of AI, etc.
Conduct that violates academic integrity may result in the annulment of the assessment, a failing grade for the activity or the course, and the loss of the right to retake the assessment. In addition, such conduct may lead to the initiation of the corresponding disciplinary proceedings. Such conduct will be sanctioned in accordance with the current regulations on student conduct and disciplinary procedures of the International University of Catalonia.
Assessment Methods- Final examination: multiple-choice test. Four answer options per question. MIR-style scoring (each incorrect answer deducts 0.33 points). 85% of the final grade.
- Virtual learning activities: 15% of the final grade.
Students must obtain a minimum grade of 5.0 in the final multiple-choice examination in order for the virtual learning component to be added to the final grade.
The numerical grade will correspond directly to the final result. No alternative assessment method that allows modification of the grade after the final result has been calculated will be accepted.
Up to 1 additional point may be added to the final grade (provided that the student has obtained a minimum score of 5.0 in the final examination). This additional point will be awarded based on active participation and meaningful contributions during the case-based learning session on the comprehensive management of COPD/asthma.