Drugs Flashcards
What is a double blind trial?
One in which neither the patient not the doctor knows which a placebo.
Describe the case study of thalidomide.
> was originally developed as a sleeping pill, it was approved but had not been tested on pregnant subjects.
> it became in use as a morning sickness treatment, but it caused Limb deformities
> as soon as this was discovered it was banned
What is Thalidomide used for now?
> leprosy
What are the benefits of statins?
> they save lives
> some have a genetic reason for high cholesterol that cannot be lowered by change in lifestyle
What are the arguments against statins?
> they have dangerous side effects
> exercise and change in diet could reduce cholesterol
> have to take them for the rest of your life
> encourages poor diet/lack of exercise
What are the main stages in the development of a new drug?
> toxicity testing
> low dosage on healthy volunteers
> clinical trials
- double blind
> approval
