Drugs & Pharmacology Flashcards
What is a Graded Dose-Response Curve (DRC)?
Graded Dose-Response Curve relates the dose of a drug to the gradual, continuous increase in response. It shows how the magnitude of the drug’s effect changes with increasing doses.
What is the Therapeutic Index (TI)?
The Therapeutic Index is the ratio of the median lethal dose (LD50) to the median effective dose (ED50). It measures the safety margin of a drug. A high TI indicates a safer drug, while a low TI indicates a narrow margin of safety.
What does ED50 represent?
ED50 (Effective Dose 50) is the dose of a drug that produces a therapeutic effect in 50% of the population. It is used to measure the potency of a drug.
What is the significance of LD50 in toxicology?
LD50 (Lethal Dose 50) is the dose of a drug that is lethal to 50% of the population. It is used to assess the toxicity of a drug.
How do you compare the potency and efficacy of drugs using a Graded DRC?
Potency is determined by the position of the curve (lower EC50 means higher potency), while efficacy is determined by the maximum effect (Emax) the drug can produce. Drugs with the same efficacy can have different potencies.
What is the relationship between EC50 and potency?
lower the EC50, the higher the potency of the drug, meaning less drug is needed to produce the desired effect.
What are the steps in forensic drug analysis?
- Screening tests (e.g., color tests, ELISA) to identify the presence of drugs.
- Confirmatory tests (e.g., GC-MS, HPLC) to specifically identify and quantify the drug.
What is the purpose of a screening test in forensic drug analysis?
Screening tests are preliminary tests used to reduce the possible identities of unknown substances to a small, manageable number. They are quick and cost-effective but not definitive
What is a confirmatory test in forensic drug analysis?
A confirmatory test is a specific test that definitively identifies a drug substance to the exclusion of all other known substances. Examples include Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
What is the role of chromatography in forensic drug analysis?
Chromatography separates and tentatively identifies the components of a mixture. It is used to isolate drugs from biological samples for further analysis.
What is a false positive in drug testing?
A false positive occurs when a test indicates the presence of a drug when it is not actually present. This can happen due to cross-reactivity with other substances.
What is the importance of chain of custody in forensic drug analysis?
Chain of custody ensures that the evidence is properly documented, handled, and stored to prevent contamination or tampering. It is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the evidence in court.
What are the common biological samples used in forensic drug analysis?
Common samples include blood, urine, hair, and saliva. Each sample type has different detection windows and uses.
How is a blood sample used in forensic drug analysis?
Blood samples are used to determine the concentration of drugs in the bloodstream, which can indicate impairment or toxicity. Blood is in equilibrium with the brain, making it useful for assessing central nervous system effects.
What is the advantage of using hair samples in drug testing?
Hair samples can detect drug use for up to 3 months after consumption. They provide a longer detection window compared to blood or urine.
What is the purpose of a breathalyzer in forensic analysis?
A breathalyzer is used to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) quickly and non-invasively. It cannot detect drugs other than alcohol.
What is the role of a forensic toxicologist in drug analysis?
A forensic toxicologist analyzes biological samples to detect and quantify drugs or poisons. They interpret the results to determine if drugs contributed to behavior, illness, injury, or death.
How long does LSD stay in the body?
LSD can be detected in blood for up to 13 hours, in urine for up to 3 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
How long does alcohol stay in the body?
Alcohol can be detected in blood for up to 12 hours, in urine for up to 5 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
How long does cocaine stay in the body?
Cocaine can be detected in blood for up to 48 hours, in urine for up to 4 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
How long does cannabis stay in the body?
Cannabis can be detected in blood for up to 336 hours (14 days), in urine for up to 30 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
How long does heroin stay in the body?
Heroin can be detected in blood for up to 12 hours, in urine for up to 4 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
How long does methamphetamine stay in the body?
Methamphetamine can be detected in blood for up to 37 hours, in urine for up to 6 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
How long does morphine stay in the body?
Morphine can be detected in blood for up to 18 hours, in urine for up to 6 days, and in hair for up to 90 days
What factors influence how long a drug stays in the body?
Factors include the drug’s half-life, metabolism rate, frequency of use, dosage, and individual differences in metabolism and excretion.
What is the half-life of a drug?
The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the blood concentration of the drug to decline to half of its initial value. It varies depending on the drug and individual factors.
How does the route of administration affect how long a drug stays in the body?
The route of administration affects the absorption rate and bioavailability of the drug. For example, intravenous administration leads to rapid absorption, while oral administration results in slower absorption and longer detection times.
