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Mini Episode: Fundamentals: Testings Tests, Addictions vs Dependence, How Do We Alter Drug Absorption, What Do Drugs Do?

Concepts in this episode

Ryan and Toxo introduce their roles while explaining the current state of toxicology and what exactly a poison is.

testing our tests

  • Sensitivity: Rate of Positive test in those who have the disease
  • Specificity: Rate of negative test in those without the disease
  • Positive predictive value: True positive/ True Positive + False Positive
  • Negative predictive value: True negative/True negative + False negative

Pharmacokinetics and dynamics

  • (PK) Bioavailablity = Amount of drug available to be used by the body
  • Oral Bioavailablity= Dose- Fraction excreted unchanged- Fraction metabolized in gut- Fraction metabolized by liver 
  • How drugs interact with the body (PD)
  • Agonist- stimulates receptor
  • Partial agonist- Activation of receptor with ceiling effect, never achieves maximal activation
  • Antagonist- Prevents receptor activation
  • Inverse agonist- induces an opposite effect as an agonist after binding receptor
  • Addiction vs dependance
  • Addiction- Relationship between user and substance
  • A few definitions but frequently involving consequences in life from use and loss of control over use of substance
  • Dependence- Physiologic changes in body due to chronic use
  • Down regulation of stimulated receptors
  • Physiologic basis for tolerance and withdrawal

Reach the show

  • Email: Toxtalk1@gmail.com

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About the Podcast

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The Poison Lab
Explore the world of poisoning with Clinical Toxicologist Ryan Feldman and Cohost Toxo, dive into the history, science, and life-saving care of poisoning. Survivor stories, expert insights, and deep dives—every poison has a story to tell!

About your host

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Ryan Feldman

Dr. Ryan Feldman PharmD, DABAT is the chief scientist at The Poison Lab. He works as a Clinical Toxicologist, Emergency Medicine Pharmacist, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Emergency medicine.

Toxo's Repeairs

upport The Poison Lab Podcast!

Welcome to The Poison Lab, a grassroots podcast dedicated to advancing the care of poisoned patients and providing free, high-quality medical education to clinicians, students, and anyone interested in toxicology. This show exists thanks to the generosity of listeners like you.

Covering costs for website hosting, podcast distribution, editing software, recording equipment, and other essentials adds up—and every contribution helps keep us going. With your support, we can continue delivering in-depth, accessible content that makes a real impact in toxicology and emergency care.

Toxo's thanks you for fueling our mission and helping us bring valuable education to all!
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