lecture 1 of Semester 2

Question 1

History of drugs and medicines

Answer 1

• we’ve had it for time
• Even primates self medicate
• Bioactive compoinds which expel gut bacteria

Question 2

Drug definition

Answer 2

The active ingredient of a medicine

Any substance which interacts with a biological system and changes it

Question 3

Pharmacology definition

Answer 3

The study of mechanism of drug action

Question 4

Aspirin names :

Answer 4

Chemical name - acetylsalicylic acid
Generic name - Aspirin (use this)
- Trade name - Aspro, Disprin, Adanin, more

Question 5

Drugs produce their effects due to biochemical properties, some examples of these drugs are :

Answer 5

Antacids - Sodium bicarbonate
Bulk laxatives - methyllcellulose
Osmotic laxatives - magnesium sulphate
Osmotic diuretics - mannitol

Usually need high concentrations, effects non specific

Question 6

What is meant when we say drugs are ‘potent’?

Answer 6

Not a very high concentration is required to bring about a response within the body

Question 7

What do we mean when we say drugs can be specific?

Answer 7

Biological -
Chemical -
Competition -

Question 8

What is the receptor concept

Answer 8

Answer 9