RC 250 - Pharmacology I

2 Credits

This course introduces the principles of respiratory care pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the administration of aerosolized medications. Students learn to calculate drug dosages (prepared-strength and percent-strength solutions) and classify aerosol generators used in drug delivery.

The course emphasizes adrenergic and anticholinergic bronchodilators, focusing on mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and clinical application in asthma and COPD management.

Program Admission Required Yes Admitted Program AAS to BAS - RC
Course Note Acceptance to the BAS - RC program
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Fall Day

Designed to Serve RC students in good standing in the BAS - RC program
Active Date 20260408T15:03:12

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 22
Total Contact Hours 22
Degree Distributions:
ProfTech Course Yes
Restricted Elective Yes
Course Outline

Introduction to respiratory pharmacology
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
Aerosolized medication delivery
Drug dose calculations
Adrenergic bronchodilators
Anticholinergic bronchodilators

Student Learning Outcomes
Explain key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles.

Classify different types of Aerosol Generators used for Drug Delivery and explain their clinical applications.

Calculate drug doses with accuracy, using both Prepared-Strength and Percent-Strength Solutions.

Describe the indication, mechanism of action, adverse effects and clinical application for commonly used inhaled anticholinergic agent.

Describe the indication, mechanism of action, adverse effects and clinical application for commonly used inhaled β-adrenergic agent.