B1.3 - The Use and Abuse of Drugs Flashcards
What happens to new medical drugs before they can be used?
They must be extensively tested and trialled
Why are new drugs tested?
For toxicity, efficacy (how well they work) and the optimum dose.
How re drugs tested first in a laboratory?
First on cells, then on tissues and live animals to see they effect they have
What happens in a clinical trial?
Very low doses of the drug are given at the start of the trial, to healthy volunteers. If the drug is safe, further clinical trials are carried out to find the optimum dose.
What happens during a double blind trial?
Some patients are given a placebo, which does not contain the drug. Neither the doctors nor the patients know who has received a placebo and who has received the drug until the trial is complete.
What are statins used for?
Reducing the risk of heart and circulatory diseases
What was thalidomide originally developed as?
A sleeping pill
What was thalidomide also found to be effective for treating?
Morning sickness for pregnant women
What effect did thalidomide have on the women’s babies?
They were born with severe limb abnormalities
Why was the effect of thalidomide on the babies not realised?
The drug had never been tested on pregnant women
What can thalidomide be used for now?
Treating leprosy and other diseases
Name 3 illegal drugs:
Cannabis, ecstasy and heroin
What effects can illegal drugs have on the organs?
They may have adverse effects on the heart and circulatory system, and cause mental illness.
Name 2 legal drugs:
Alcohol and Niccotine
What 4 categories can drugs be classified into?
Legal, illegal, medicinal and recreational
How do people become addicted to drugs?
Drugs alter the chemical processes in the brain, so that they become dependent or addicted to the drug and suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Name 2 addictive drugs:
Heroin and Cocaine
How does the overall impact of legal drugs compare to that of illegal drugs?
The impact of legal drugs is much greater than the impact of illegal drugs because far more people use them.
Are performance enhancing drugs for athletes legal?
Some are prescribed and legal, but some are illegal. However all are prohibited under sporting regulations
What are some examples of performance enhancing drugs?
Stimulants that can improve bodily functions such as heart rate, and steroids which increase muscle growth.
