B1.3 - The Use & Abuse of Drugs

Question 1

What occurs during pre-clinical drug trials?

Answer 1

Animals or tissues are used in a lab to find out the level of toxicity and to find out how the drug works.

Question 2

Describe the three phases of clinical trials that drugs go through

Answer 2

Phase 1: low doses are tested on a small group of healthy people to evaluate its safety and identify any side effects Phase 2: tested on a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to determine the optimum dose. Phase 3: tested on large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness and monitor side effects.

Question 3

What are statins used for?

Answer 3

To lower blood cholesterol levels.

Question 4

What is Thalidomide?

Answer 4

A drug used to treat leprosy

Question 5

What impact can the misuse of drugs have on the body?

Answer 5

There may be adverse effects on the heart and circulatory system or psychological problems.

Question 6

What is addiction?

Answer 6

If some drugs are used a lot, the body builds up a tolerance to them. This means that you must use more of the drug to get the same effect. Your body will become dependent on the drug which means the person will find it difficult to manage without the drug.

Question 7

What is withdrawal?

Answer 7

When a person tries to stop taking a drug that they are addicted to, they suffer withdrawal symptoms such as feeling sick and headaches. More severe symptoms include tremors and fits.

Question 8

Athletes are banned from using drugs to enhance their performance. What are the impacts of stimulants?

Answer 8

Make reaction times faster

Question 9

Athletes are banned from using drugs to enhance their performance. What are the impacts of anabolic steroids?

Answer 9

Increase muscle size