GI and Liver Disorders

Code

PHAR2038

School

Pharmacy

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn Malaysia

Summary

The majority of medicines are taken by patients orally. This module explores technologies used in pharmaceutical industry to formulate oral drug formulations, particularly tablets, as well as novel and emerging oral dosage forms. We will follow pathways of nutrients, vitamins and drugs crossing from the intestinal tract into the body and learn about their subsequent biotransformation and metabolic changes occurring in the liver and in other organs. The module considers the role played by bacteria that are resident in the gut, the pathology of major diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the mechanism of action of the drugs used to treat these diseases as well as the role of pharmacists in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
This module considers:
• Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and structure and function of the liver with respect to metabolism (of nutrients and drugs).
• GI physiological variables influencing absorption of drugs and nutrients.
• Intestinal and hepatic metabolic pathways and their impact on absorption and systemic drug availability.
• Pathology of major GI and liver diseases and mechanism of action of the drugs to treat these diseases.
• Role of normal GI bacteria.
• GI absorption of drugs and the role of dosage form properties that control absorption.
• Appropriate methods to optimize oral delivery; potential limits to oral delivery; appropriate types of dosage forms for specific drugs.
• Importance of nutritional therapy in these diseases.
• Role of pharmacist in the treatment and prescribing to patients with GI and liver diseases, patients with impaired swallowing or absorption.

Assessment

• 40% Workbook
• 60% Examsys (2-hour): Examsys (end-term)

Learning Outcomes

MLO 1: Demonstrate thorough  understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacological basis of therapy in the management of gastrointestinal tract and liver related diseases. (C3-Applying)
MLO 2: Describe evidence-based medicines information in the management of gastrointestinal tract and liver related diseases. (C2-Understanding)
MLO 3: Apply pharmaceutical principles to the formulation, preparation and packaging of products. (C3-Applying)
MLO 4: Apply a range of diagnostic skills in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract and liver related diseases. (C3-Applying)
MLO 5: Develop numeracy skills on the formulation and dosage forms for specific drugs. (C6-Creating)

Conveners