MCCCD Program Description

Psychopharmacology for Nurses

Course: NCE295

First Term: 2007 Spring

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Introduction of the pharmacology of psychotropic drugs, pharmokinetics and pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, and principles of use and current status

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the generic and trade names and dosages of contemporary psychotropic drugs. (I) 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics` of the contemporary psychotropic drugs. (I) 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. (I) 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the side effects and contraindications of psychotropic medications. (I-VII) 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the major classes of psychotropic drugs and the general pharmacology associated with specific drugs within the class. (I-VII) 6. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying use of psychotropic medications in the treatment of clinical disorders. (II-VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. General Principles of Psychopharmacology A. Diagnosis and Target Symptoms B. Drug Interactions II. Sympathathomimetic Amines and Central Nervous System A. Pharmacokinetics of stimulants B. Interactions of stimulants with other mediations III. Antipsychotic Drugs A. Pharmacokinetics of Antipsychotic drugs B. Interactions of antipsychotic drugs with other medications IV. Antidepressant Drugs A. Pharmacokinetics of antidepressants B. Interactions of antidepressants with other medications V. Mood Stabilizers: Lithium Carbonate and Antiepileptic A. Pharmacokinetics of mood stabilizers B. Interaction of mood stabilizers with other medications VI. Antianxiety Drugs A. Pharmacokinetics of antianxiety drugs B. Interactions of antianxiety agents with other medications VII. Other Drugs

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 12/12/2006

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.