D1 - Drugs Intro Flashcards
1
Q
pharmacology
A
Branch of science that studies the effects of drugs upon the functions of living systems
2
Q
Drug
A
- A chemical substance given with the intention of preventing or curing disease or otherwise enhancing the medical or physical state of humans or animals
- A habit forming medicinal substance/narcotic - carries negative connotations
3
Q
4 broad protein classes of receptors
A
- G protein coupled receptors GPCR
- Ion channels
- Kinases
- Nuclear receptors
4
Q
Pharmacodynamics
A
- what the drug does to the body
- a scientific description of the mechanisms underlying the effects of the drug on the body, extending from the interactions of drugs with target receptors, effects on cell signalling pathways, cell and tissue responses, and changes in the functions of whole organs and body systems
5
Q
Pharmacokinetics
A
- what the body does to the drug
- a scientific description of the fate of the drug once it enters the body, extending from its absorption from the site of administration, distribution through the blood stream to body tissues, metabolism within the liver, and eventual excretion by the kidneys
- readiness of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
6
Q
Small molecule drugs are the domain of
A
Pharmacology
7
Q
Biological drugs are the domain of
A
Biotechnology
8
Q
Pros of small molecules
A
- easy to distribute / available at pharmacies
- easy and cheap to make / copy on patent expiry
- access to body readily - oral
9
Q
Cons of small molecules
A
- can hit multiple receptors / side effects
- subject to DDIs - competing for the same P450 molecules
- problems with toxicity - P450 processes to form toxic metabolites
- undergo extensive metabolism in the liver
10
Q
Pros of biotechnology
A
- specific for one receptor - few side effects
- rarely subject to DDIs - don’t compete for the same P450
- undergo minimal metabolism
11
Q
Cons of biotechnology
A
- hard to copy upon patent expiry
- expensive to make - make with cell bio reactors, complex structure and hard to confirm purity - expensive for patients
- hard to get into the body - ie. infusion/infection - needs a trained person to administer
12
Q
Basic or experimental pharmacology
A
- medicinal chemistry and structural biology
- physiology and biochemistry
- genetics, systems biology and cellular biology
13
Q
Clinical or human pharmacology
A
- clinical medicine
- optimising drug and regulation
- drug abuse and addiction
- legal, economic aspects, side effects
14
Q
3 types of drug names
A
- Chemical
- Generic
- Brand
15
Q
Bioprospecting
A
- medicines obtained from plants, microorganisms, animal venoms, marine organisms etc. - bioactive species
- systematic testing of naturally procured materials for pharmacological study