Pharmaceutical Chemistry Flashcards
Definition of an Agonist?
A drug which enhances the body’s natural response or mimics the natural response of the body.
Definition of an antagonist?
An antagonist prevents the natural compound from binding to the receptor and so blocks the natural response from occurring.
Definition of an enzyme inhibitor?
A drug which binds to the active site of an enzyme and blocks the reaction normally catalysed there.
What is a drug?
A substance that alters the biochemical processes in the body.
How do drugs generally work? And what are they classified as?
By binding to pharmacophores to receptors.
These are classified as agonists or antagonists.
How do some drugs work?
By binding to enzymes and blocking their natural activity.
What does medicine usually contain?
The drug plus other ingredients such as fillers to add bulk or sweeteners to improve taste.
What are the types of interactions formed between a receptor binding site/active site of an enzyme and a drug?
Van der Waals forces (hydrogen bonding) and/or Ionic bonds
