Pharmacology Demystified

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CHAPTER 17: IMMUNOLOGIC AGENTS
When the immune system is compromised through diseases including HIV, the
body loses its ability to fight off microorganisms and destroys its own abnormal
cells, leaving the patient to experience more episodes of infection that can
ultimately lead to death. In this chapter, you’ll learn about the therapies used to
assist the immune system combat preventable diseases and you’ll also learn
about medications that inhibit the growth of HIV.
CHAPTER 18: GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Problems with the gastrointestinal system can be vomiting, ingesting toxins,
diarrhea, constipation, peptic ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Each
is treatable with the proper medication. In this chapter, you’ll learn about common
gastrointestinal disorders and the medications that are frequently prescribed
to treat these conditions.
CHAPTER 19: CARDIAC CIRCULATORY MEDICATIONS
When blood vessels become clogged and the heart is unable to pump blood sufficiently,
the body loses its ability to distribute oxygen, nutrients, and hormones
and remove waste products placing the patient in grave danger. Fortunately,
there are medications that can be taken to treat and prevent cardiovascular disorders.
In this chapter, you’ll learn about drugs that affect the heart and keep the
cardiovascular system humming.
CHAPTER 20: SKIN DISORDERS
Acne, dry skin, a rash, and injuries such as cuts, scrapes, puncture wounds, and
burns are some disorders that affect your skin. Some of these are more annoying
than endangering to your existence. This chapter discusses using medications to
relieve most of the disorders.
CHAPTER 21: ENDOCRINE MEDICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Hormones are messengers that influence how tissues, organs, and other parts of
your body function. An overproduction or underproduction of hormones can