Pharmacology fundamentals: Rad Tech

Pharmacology is the study of the uses of drugs and their effects on the body. As a radiologic technologist, you’ll encounter drugs in many areas of patient care. Contrast media, pain management medications, sedatives, and emergency drugs can all play a role in imaging procedures.

A strong foundation in basic pharmacology principles includes knowing how drugs are classified, how they are administered, and how they affect the body. It also involves understanding important safety and legal considerations related to medication use. As a radiologic technologist, this knowledge supports confident decision-making and helps you provide the best possible care for patients.

Now, a drug can have three different names. The chemical name describes the drug's chemical structure and is mainly used during research and development. Because chemical names can be long and complicated, they are rarely used in clinical practice. The generic name is the name assigned to the drug and is the name most commonly used by healthcare professionals. A manufacturer may also market the drug under a trade name, sometimes called a brand name.

For example, the generic drug diphenhydramine is sold under the trade name Benadryl. Because patients and healthcare providers may use either name, radiologic technologists should be familiar with both generic and trade names when reviewing medication histories or communicating with the healthcare team.

Drugs can also be classified by their action or purpose. Drugs that relieve pain are called analgesics; drugs used to treat bacterial infections are called antibiotics; and drugs used to lower blood pressure are called antihypertensives.

Another way drugs are classified is by their legal status. Prescription drugs require an order from a licensed healthcare provider, while over-the-counter drugs can be purchased without a prescription, as well as vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies. These products can interact with medications or affect patient care, so it is important to obtain an accurate medication history before an imaging procedure.

Finally, drugs that are considered controlled substances are divided into five schedules based on the drug's medical use and its potential for abuse. So, schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use, while Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse and have accepted medical uses. In imaging departments, controlled substances may be encountered with sedation, pain control, or emergency care, so technologists must follow facility policy, maintain accurate documentation, and work within their scope of practice.