Introduction to Molecular Pharmacology

Question 1

Describe the difference between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.

Answer 1

Pharmacodynamics = the effect of a drug on the body
Pharmacokinetics = the effects of the body on the drug

Question 2

Define the pKa value

Answer 2

Measurement of acidic strength

Question 3

How does pH influence drug properties? Think in terms of ionic forms/bonds.

Answer 3

• Ionic forms of drugs penetrate membranes slowly
• Ionic bonds can lead to strong interactions with target
• The equilibrium can regenerate both forms after the drug enters a new compartment (which may be at a different pH)

Question 4

Describe Acid and Base chemistry.

Answer 4

Acid = delivers protons to right of dissociation equilibrium
Base = vacuums protons to generate more alkaline system

Question 5

How do you calculate the proportion of drugs in different ionic states at a given pH?

Answer 5

pH - pKa = log (x/xH)

x = Acid or Base
H = proton on right side of equilibrium

Question 6

How does chirality influence drug activity?

Answer 6

By Optical Isomers

• Have the same physio-chemical properties
• Have the same chemical groups, but are in different 3-D positions
• Usually, optical isomers do not have the same activity