Author Question: Describe three factors that can influence the time course of the behavioral effect of a drug, and ... (Read 19 times)

c0205847 · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Describe three factors that can influence the time course of the behavioral effect of a drug, and show that you understand how each factor influences the time course.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

There are many different routes by which drugs can be administered. Describe the pros and cons of the oral route versus the intravenous route.

What will be an ideal response?

dominiqueenicolee · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1) route of administration, 2) speed of absorption (both influence how fast the drug acts and how long it takes to reach its maximum effect), and 3) how the drug is eliminated (mainly influences how long it lasts). Other possible answers include protein binding, drug distribution (e.g., fat storage). Bonus: discussion of metabolism by CYP450 enzymes in the liver, drug disposition tolerance.

Answer to Question 2

Oral administration: pros are simpler and relatively safer technique; cons are that absorption from gastrointestinal tract is slow and complicated by many factors.
Intravenous administration: pros are short onset of action, can deliver irritating material since blood vessel walls are relatively insensitive; cons are vein walls lose some elasticity over time and can eventually collapse, can introduce infection directly into bloodstream.