Drugs in medicine Flashcards
What are antibiotics
A chemical or compound produced by a living organism (fungi, bacteria) that kills or prevents the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics have no effect on the cells of the host organism or viruses.
what is an Antibiotic- resistant bacteria
Bacteria that mutate to become resistant to an antibiotic,
survive and reproduce very rapidly, passing on their antibiotic resistance.
What is a drug
A substance that when introduced into the body, alters the body’s chemical reactions. They are medicinal drugs used to treat symptoms or causes of a disease, for example antibiotics.
What is methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
A type of bacteria commonly found in hospitals that is resistant to almost all
antibiotics.
How can antibiotic resistance be prevented?
Only taking antibiotics when absolutley necessary and when prescribed a course of antibiotics, ensure that the entire course is completed, even if symptoms improve
In which ways do antibiotics treat bacterial infections?
Some antibiotics kill bacteria by destroying their cell wall, leading to bursting, antibiotics can also inhibit the growth of the bacteria.
Why do bacterial strains become resistant to antibiotics?
A mutation can occur in a bacterial cell which makes it more resistant to antibiotic
ways an antibiotic resistance can develop
Overuse and the prescription when unecesary, large scale use of antibiotics in farming to prevent disease when livestock are kept in close quarters, even when animals are not actually sick
What happens when antibiotics are administered in an antibiotic resistant environment?
When an antibiotic is administered, the resistant cells are not killed, whereas the cells which haven’t become resistant (even the healthy ones) are killed. The resistant bacteria can therefore survive and reproduce, due to reduced competition for nutrients, they can form a larger population that is difficult to control.
What is a Plasmid?
A plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell’s chromosomal DNA. Plasmids naturally exist in bacterial cells, and they also occur in some eukaryotes. Often, the genes carried in plasmids provide bacteria with genetic advantages, such as antibiotic resistance
Why are viruses and bacteria different?
Viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics as they do not grow and reproduce in the same way as bacteria
What is the primary site for drug metabolism?
The liver
How does penicillin work?
It interferes with the building of the bacterial cell wall, the cell ruptures and dies when it tries to grow
Which organ breaks down heroin and alcohol?
The liver
Possible effects of drug abuse
Addiction, reduced self control, and severe withdrawal symptoms (cravings.
problems with sleep.
irritability or agitation.
feeling restless.
trouble concentrating.
mood changes.
feeling depressed or anxious.)
which component of a cigarette reduces oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells, thereby reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
effect of smoking on cilia and goblet cells
Cigarette smoke is known to induce airway epithelial remodelling in smokers and patients with COPD, characterised by an increase in goblet cells and a reduction in presence of ciliated cells
