ALIMENTI E INTERAZIONI CON I FARMACI
Module MODULO 2: FARMACOLOGIA

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: SANTINA CHIECHIO

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the complex interactions that may occur between drug active ingredients and dietary components. It will examine the most relevant clinical implications, the drug categories at highest risk, and the most vulnerable patient populations. 


At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drug–food interactions.

  • Identify narrow therapeutic index drugs at risk and propose management strategies.

  • Assess interaction risks according to regulatory guidelines (AIFA, EMA, FDA).

  • Develop critical tools for lifelong updating on emerging scientific and regulatory evidence.

Course Structure

Face-to-face lectures

In case of mixed or remote mode, due to the pandemic situation, necessary changes can be introduced, in order to accomplish the planned program as reported in the syllabus.

According to the RDA, Art. 12 – University Educational Credits (CFU), within the standard workload of 25 hours of total student commitment, corresponding to one credit, the following may be included:

a) 7 hours dedicated to lectures or equivalent teaching activities, with the remaining hours devoted to individual study;

b) at least 12 and no more than 15 hours dedicated to classroom exercises or equivalent assisted activities (laboratories), with the remaining hours devoted to personal study and elaboration.

Schedule: INSERIRE LINK

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD: In order to guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with regulations in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact our Department CInAP referent, Prof. Santina Chiechio

 According to the RDA, Art. 12 – University Educational Credits (CFU), within the standard workload of 25 hours of overall student commitment corresponding to one credit, the following activities may be included: a) 7 hours devoted to lectures or equivalent teaching activities, with the remaining hours assigned to individual study;b) no fewer than 12 and no more than 15 hours devoted to classroom exercises or equivalent supervised activities (laboratories), with the remaining hours assigned to individual study and independent work.

Required Prerequisites

o successfully attend the course, students are expected to have:

  • basic knowledge of general pharmacology and pharmacotherapy;

  • fundamental understanding of biochemistry and human physiology;

Attendance of Lessons

Mandatory attendance according to the rules of the teaching regulations of the Degree Course in Farmacy. 

https://www.dsf.unict.it/en/courses/lm-13/course-overview

Detailed Course Content

Module 1 (1 ECTS)
  •  Pharmacokinetic mechanisms of drug interactions
  •  Pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drug interactions
  • Molecular targets and enzymatic systems
  •  Focus on drugs with a narrow therapeutic index

Module 2 (2 ECTS)
  • Interactions with cardiovascular drugs: anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, and digitalis glycosides
  • Interactions with CNS drugs: antidepressants, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian agents
  • Interactions with respiratory drugs
  • Interactions with oncologic drugs, immunosuppressants, and other drugs with a narrow therapeutic index
 
Contribution of the course to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Target 3.4
Teaching methods:
Lectures (face-to-face)
 
 
 

Textbook Information

1 - B. G. Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Latest edition. 

2 - Scientific publications provided during the lectures


Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Pharmacokinetic mechanisms of drug interactions1
2Pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drug interactions1
3Molecular targets and enzymatic system1,2
4 Focus on drugs with a narrow therapeutic index1,2
5Interactions with cardiovascular drugs: anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, and digitalis glycosides2
6Interactions with CNS drugs: antidepressants, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antiparkinsonian agents2
7Interactions with respiratory drugs2
8Interactions with oncologic drugs, immunosuppressants, and other drugs with a narrow therapeutic index 2

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The exam is conducted through an oral test.

Exam schedule: INSERIRE LINK

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD:

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

You may also contact the departmental CInAP (Active and Participated Integration Center - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) coordinator, Prof. Santina Chiechio.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Describe the main pharmacokinetic mechanisms through which food can influence drug absorption.
Explain the mechanism behind the interaction between grapefruit juice and drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme.
Explain the mechanism underlying the interaction between ACE inhibitors and potassium-rich foods.
Explain the pharmacodynamic mechanism of the interaction between ethanol and antiepileptic drugs.