Drug Delivery Block

Question 1

When is a compound classed as a drug ?

Answer 1

A compound is classified as a drug if it has a reproducible effect on the body which can be observed and measured

Question 2

A Drug will bind to an available ______ to form a ______

Answer 2

Ligand

Drug Binding complex

Question 3

What is meant by the term affinity?

Answer 3

Affinity: The degree to which a drug tends to bind with a given receptor​

Question 4

What is meant by the term Specificity ?

Answer 4

Specificity: The narrowness of the range of receptors with which a drug is effective

Question 5

Drugs with high ________ act at low concentration on a particular receptor subtype​ making them more effective

Answer 5

specificity

Question 6

What are the advantages of Local drug delivery

Answer 6

1. Target drug exactly at site where required​
2. Controlled release: correct dose delivered over a defined period of time​
3. Higher doses can be administered with less impact on the rest of the body​
4. Less input from patient (they don’t need to remember to take medication)​

Question 7

What are some disadvantages of local drug delivery ?

Answer 7

1. Ensure system remains in-situ: e.g. can’t have chunks breaking off an entering blood stream​
2. Controlling release: not as easy it may seem…​
3. Device materials: need biocompatibility, biodegradability?​

​4. Not easy to alter dose afterwards (e.g. a drug delivery implant cannot be easily removed)​

​5. Design and manufacturing costs​

6. Deliverability: i.e. getting the drug to the correct site​