| Code |
17254
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| Year |
1
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| Semester |
S2
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| ECTS Credits |
6
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| Workload |
TP(60H)
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| Scientific area |
Biochemistry
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Entry requirements |
To have basic knowledge of Human Physiology.
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Learning outcomes |
The aim of this course is for students to acquire an in-depth understanding of the biochemical and molecular foundations of bioavailability, including the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination, as well as their relationship with chemical structure, biological systems and interindividual variability. Students should also understand the relevance of bioavailability in modulating therapeutic effects and in drug development.
By the end of the course, students should be able to critically interpret pharmacokinetic parameters based on the underlying biochemical mechanisms, analyze biochemical and physiological factors influencing bioavailability, evaluate experimental protocols and analytical methodologies used in its determination, and interpret the results of bioequivalence studies, discussing their scientific and therapeutic implications.
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Syllabus |
I – Introduction to Pharmacology
II – Influence of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion on Drug Bioavailability
III – Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Influencing Interindividual Variability in Drug Response
IV – Relationship between Chemical Characteristics and Drug Bioavailability
PL: Influence of environmental pH and drug pKa on absorption and membrane permeability – Laboratory study of the effect of pH on the gastrointestinal absorption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
V – Relationship between Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Routes of Administration and Drug Bioavailability
PL: Dissolution profiles of conventional- and prolonged-release oral dosage forms of furosemide
VI – Determination of Drug Bioavailability
PL: In vitro assay to determine the bioequivalence of a drug presented in different pharmaceutical dosage forms
VII – Bioequivalence and Biopharmaceuticals
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Main Bibliography |
For general aspects of Pharmacology:
James M. Ritter, Yoon Kong Loke, Rod J. Flower, Humphrey P. Rang, David MacEwan, and Graeme Henderson, Rang & Dale's Pharmacology, 9th Edition, ELSEVIER HEALTH SCIENCES, 2018.
Serafim Guimarães, Daniel Moura, Patrício Soares da Silva, Drug Therapy and its Pharmacological Bases: Manual of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Porto Editora, 2014.
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
Teaching and learning are organized in the form of tutorial classes, seminars and theoretical–practical activities. The learning objectives are pursued through the analysis and discussion of scientific articles, slides and book chapters, as well as through problem-solving exercises and the analysis of laboratory demonstrations.
Assessment will be carried out through two midterm tests (2 × 50%) or a final examination.
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Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
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