Drug Development & Testing Flashcards
What is a poison?
A relative term relating to the dose necessary to cause harm to an organism
When does a poison become classified as a medicine?
If it can kill pathogenic microbes or maligent cancer cells at a dose level which leaves humans alive
What are the characteristics of foxglove leaves?
They are poisonous when eaten by humans and other animals. They have a strong bitter taste
What are the symptoms of foxglove poisoning?
Dizziness, vomiting, hallucinations and heart failure caused by an irregular heartbeat
What is dropsy now called?
Oedema
What is dropsy?
It happens when fluid accumulates in the body tissues. This process is painful and can cause a slow death. It is usually caused by heart or kidney problems
Why was William Withering interested in foxgloves?
He had heard that it was a cure for dropsy
How many patients did WW study to discover the side effects of digitalis? What did he find?
163 patients. He discovered the side effects of digitalis were nauseam vomiting, diarrhoea and green/yellow vision
What did WW find was a sign of recovery?
The production of a large quantity of urine
How did he discover the correct dose for his patients?
He slowly increased the dose until the patients showed the side effects, he then reduced it very slightly. This was the most effective dose
How did WW communicate his findings to other scientists?
He wrote a book about the medicinal properties of the foxglove
What three criteria does a new drug have to satisfy?
1) It has to be safe
2) It has to be effective
3) It has to be capable of making a profit
To find a new drug potential substances are?
Analysed and the active ingredient is identified and copied so it can be synthetically manufactured
Why are slight variations (analogues) made of the chemical structure?
Just in case they might have a better effect
How are most new drugs discovered nowadays?
Through computer modelling of their chemical structures
