Basic pharmacology

This course equips the learners with knowledge and skills related to the fundamental principles of drug use in management of diseases and monitoring of patients during drug therapy to ensure quality patient care following drug administration (either for use or abuse). The course covers basic principles of pharmacology as well as aspects of clinical pharmacology related to indications, adverse drug reactions and contraindications of drugs used in diseases of the different body systems and microbial infections.  This course is both theoretical and practical with simulations and clinical exposures to enhance the teaching and learning process.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to; 

• Explain common terminologies used in pharmacology
• Explain the factors considered when choosing routes of drug administration during the nursing process. 
• Describe the movement of drugs within the body including the processes and factors affecting them.
• Effects including measurement of these effects 

Competences
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:

• Communicate effectively with other pharmacology oriented professionals 
• Interpret and validate medical prescriptions.
• Use the knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in drug administration and monitoring.