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The Pharmacology Unit of the Faculty of Medicine (FK) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) again held a Webinar International Guest Lecture with the theme ‘Understanding of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamics of Drug-Drug Interactions’ on October 22, 2022. On this occasion, the Pharmacology Unit had the opportunity to invite Dr. Amna Mazeh from the University of Melbourne, Australia. This activity was attended by more than 150 participants from students, academics, and researchers and was broadcast through the Zoom platform and Youtube channel of the Pharmacology Section of the Faculty of Medicine, UNS.

In her virtual lecture, Dr. Amna explains in detail about drug interactions and their effects on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. She explained about the pharmacodynamics (effect of drugs on the body) of drug interactions which can be additive, synergistic, or antagonistic. She explained that drug interactions can have a positive or negative impact, so a deep understanding of the drugs to be combined is needed.

Then she went on to discuss the pharmacokinetics (the effects of the body on drugs) of drug interactions. She reminded that metabolism plays an important role which is closely related to cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, where there are drugs that can trigger or inhibit these enzymes which will affect the concentration or time of drug exposure. She closed the material by giving suggestions to reduce drug interactions by understanding how drugs work. She also reminded the need for collaboration between doctors and pharmacists in monitoring drug interactions. The session then continued with a question and answer session which was greeted enthusiastically by the participants. Dr Mazeh seemed excited to have further discussion with the participants.

This international expert lecture activity was expected to add insight into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug interactions that can support the development of drug interaction detection applications. In addition, this activity is expected to be a refresher as well as learning for medical students and doctors in determining a deeper understanding of drug interactions.

 

Reporter: Muh. Abu Dawud
Editor & Translator: Wartini