Drug Effect Laboratory
The Pharmacology Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Qasyoun Private University, is a central specialized laboratory that serves as a link between basic and clinical sciences. It focuses on studying the mechanisms of drug action on various organs and systems, as well as their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects.
Laboratory Objectives:
Understanding Drug Mechanisms: Studying how drugs interact with biological receptors and the resulting organ responses.
Relationship Between Drug Action and Dose: Identifying the dose-response relationship and the therapeutic index of drug regimens.
Simulation and Clinical Application: Studying the pharmacological effects of major drugs, their side effects, and drug interactions through software simulations and laboratory models. Essential Equipment and Tools
The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies and equipment for evaluating drug effects and computer simulations:
Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) and Interactive Simulation Systems:
Specialized computer programs and interactive simulations (Pharmacology/Simulation/Software) for studying the effects of drugs on the heart, blood vessels, respiratory system, and nervous system without the need for direct animal experiments.
Devices for measuring and tracking physiological effects:
Muscle and tissue response recording devices (Physiological Data Acquisition/Systems).
Blood pressure and pulse rate monitors for laboratory specimens.
Organ baths (Organ/Bath/Systems) equipped with mechanical and electrical input recorders.
Neurobehavioral and response devices:
Response time and pain measurement devices (such as Hot/Plate/Apparatus).
Motor coordination testing devices (Rotarod/Apparatus). General Equipment: Precision bioscales, centrifuges, and physiological solution preparation stations (such as Krebs and Ringer's solutions).
Courses and Practical Activities
The laboratory covers the practical aspects of the Pharmacology (1, 2, 3) and Clinical Pharmacology courses:
General Pharmacology and Nervous System Mediators:
Study of the pharmacological effects of sympathomimetic and antagonist neurotransmitters and parasympathomimetic agents.
Study of neurostimulants and inhibitors and their effects on smooth and skeletal muscles.
Biosystemic Drugs:
Study of the effects of cardiovascular drugs (diuretics, antihypertensives, myocardial stimulants).
Study of respiratory system drugs (bronchodilators) and gastrointestinal system drugs (antacids and antiemetics).
Study of analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and central analgesics.
Pharmacokinetics and Interactions:
Calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters (half-life t<sub>1/2</sub>, bioavailability). Evaluation of drug-drug interactions and synergistic and antagonistic effects.
Laboratory safety and ethics standards: Strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and gloves.
Application of international ethical principles for handling biological models and full reliance on modern digital simulation software.
Accurate documentation of biological data and effect curves, and their statistical and pharmacological analysis.