Object: Introduction to the use of medicines according to the systems of the human organism ("Systematic Pharmacology"), as well as a detailed account of chemotherapeutic agents for both microorganisms and neoplastic cells.

Content: Medicinal agents are dealt with in groups, with reference to the system they are used in clinical practice. This approach has a prerequisite of knowledge in Nosology and Pathophysiology. Already in the winter semester of their educational syllabus, our medical students have some hours of clinical practice, whereas at the same time they attend lectures on Pathophysiology. This is very helpful in understanding the contents of Pharmacology II, due to the frequent reference to the applications of drugs in various diseases and phatophysiological conditions.

Teaching of Pharmacology II includes lectures on the Cardiovascular system (Heart failure, Arrhythmias, Angina, Anticoagulants, Antilipidaemics, Antihypertensives, 15 hours), the Respiratory system (Bronchial asthma etc, 3 hours), the Gastrointestinal system (Peptic ulcer, Diseases related to the motility of the intestine etc, 3 hours), the Urinary system (Urolithiasis, Disorders of urination etc, 2 hours), the Endocrine system and the intermediary metabolism (Hormones, Vitamins, Electrolytes etc, 12). Finally, about 20 hours are dedicated to the chemotherapeutic agents used as antimicrobial, antineoplastic and immunosuppressant agents.

Teaching Methods and Outcomes: Lectures in the amphitheatre are combined with small-group teaching, which allow a repetition and a systematic approach to the theory already offered in the class rooms. The additional issues discussed in small groups of students include:

• the use of medicines in emergency situations and the princliples of Clinical Toxicology (treatment of poisoning),
• drug prescription during pregnancy, with emphasis on the medicinal products which are known to be void of embryotoxicity, and
• the appropriate clinical use of antibiotics, so that the students are getting familiar with a rational approach to the treatment of bacterial infections.

The staff members are encouraging the students to attend all lectures and to participate with questions and comments. This educational interaction is taken into serious consideration during the final exam for the evaluation of the students. The content of this course is offering a very comprehensive outline of the medicinal armamentarium currently available for the treatment of various diseases, so that the students are equipped with a firm background of knowledge when they start their clinical education.

Hours of training per student: 127

Semester: 6th

ECTS: 5