Drugs Flashcards
What is a drug?
A drug alters body chemistry
What was thalidomide given to patients for originally?
As a sleeping pill
Why was Thalidomide given to pregnant women?
It cured morning sickness
Which parts of the baby’s body was affected by the mother taking Thalidomide?
The limbs were deformed
What does Thalidomide treat today?
Cancer and Leprosy
What is a placebo?
A medicine which appears identical to the real one but has no active ingredient or drug / dummy drug / sugar pill
Who knows who takes the placebo and who the drug in a double blind trial?
The trial organiser only, not the doctor nor the patient
Many recreational drugs harm the body. Some people become dependent on a recreational drug. What happens to people’s bodies when they become dependent on a drug? (2 marks)
Drugs alter chemical processes in body. Person suffers withdrawal symptoms without drug.
The overall effect of alcohol on the health of the UK population is much more than the effect of heroin. Suggest an explanation for this. (2 marks)
Many more people in the UK use alcohol than heroin. The less harmful effect is multiplied so the overall effect of alcohol on the health of the UK is much more.
Many people use drugs recreationally. What is meant by the recreational use of drugs? (1 mark)
Using drugs for pleasure / to make you feel good / to reduce stress
Explain why a person might become addicted to a recreational drug. (2 marks)
- drug contains addictive chemicals - drugs alter body chemistry - cause withdrawal symptoms - uses drug frequently or uses a lot of the drug or needs more drugs
Scientists have developed drugs to reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Give the three main stages in testing a new drug before it is sold to the public. (3 marks)
Laboratory tests / tests on tissues or tests on animals (1 mark) Tests for side effects on volunteers / healthy people / small numbers (1 mark) Widespread testing or testing for optimum dose or test on patients / sick people or test to see if it is effective (1 mark)
Which drug lowers your cholesterol levels?
Statin
Why is cannabis a gateway drug?
It puts us in contact with drug dealers and can create a desire to try harder drugs
What do anabolic steroids do?
Increase muscle growth
Is caffeine a stimulant?
Yes
