Ethnopharmacology

Abstract

Ethnopharmacologic research has revealed that ethnicity significantly affects drug response. Genetic or cultural factors, or both, may influence a given drug's pharmacokinetics (its absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination) and pharmacodynamics (its mechanism of action and effects at the target site), as well as patient adherence and education. In addition, the tremendous variation within each of the broader racial and ethnic categories defined by the U.S. Census Bureau (categories often used by researchers) must be considered. Nurses need to become knowledgeable about drugs that are likely to elicit varied responses in people with different ethnic backgrounds, as well as the potential for adverse effects. The existing ethnopharmacologic research focuses primarily on psychotropic and anti-hypertensive agents, as does this article. Cultural assessment of every patient is vital; thus Leininger's Sunrise Model and Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Models are briefly described as well.

Cultural competence: a conceptual framework for teaching and learning

“…Although research in this area is still quite recent, it suggests that biological differences can be related to genetic differences that may influence the ways in which certain drugs are metabolised. Until now, this kind of research has focused primarily on psychotropic and antihypertensive agents 13 . However, this research focuses mainly on racial rather than genetic differences.…”

“…Until now, this kind of research has focused primarily on psychotropic and antihypertensive agents. 13 However, this research focuses mainly on racial rather than genetic differences. Thus, it should be viewed with caution because research has also shown that genetic differences are greater within socially defined racial groups than between groups, 14 which implies there is no biological basis for 'race'.…”

The 1998 Curriculum Guidelines and Regulatory Criteria for family nurse practitioners seeking prescriptive authority: What should we be teaching nurse prescribers today?

“…One specialized field of study within pharmacogenetics is ethnopharmacology. Ethnopharmacology is the study of how genetic and cultural factors can impact use of pharmacothereapeutic treatments (Munoz & Hilgenberg, 2005). While ethnopharmacology is currently most studied with antihypertensive and psychotropic medications (Munoz & Hilgenberg, 2005), its potential for prescribing decision making is profound.…”

Assessing Culture Competence Among Nurses in an Acute Care Setting

“…It may be that nurses in this study may not be knowledgeable about disease incidence and prevalence and treatment efficacy among different ethnic groups. Munoz & Hilgenberg (2005) assert that understanding how ethnicity can affect drug response is essential to providing cultural competent care. How ethnicity affects drug response is challenging as many factors such as diet, tobacco, genotyping and health belief practices affect pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs.…”

“…Variations in drug metabolism with reference to common drugs used should be emphasized. Munoz & Hilgenberg (2005) In addition, all existing structures and processes influencing delivery of care should be examined. From the overall organization's management perspective, one of the major implications is to measure progress in elimination of inequities and assess patient outcomes.…”