Medicines


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Medicines

Medicines And Vaccines:

  • Medicinal chemistry involves the design, synthesis and development of pharmaceutical drugs.
  • Compounds used as medicines are overwhelmingly organic compounds including small molecules and biopolymers. However, some inorganic compounds and metals have been found to have medicinal properties as well.
  • Classes of Drugs:

    Class of DrugApplicationExampleNotes
    AntipyreticsReduce body temperatureAspirin, Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

    Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override an increase in temperature.

    Taking antipyretics in empty stomach can cause ulcer.

    AnalesicsRelieve painParacetamol,Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Morphine

    Some antipyretics   act as analgesics as well.

    Some narcotics  (heroin,morphine, marijuana) can also act as analgesics.

    TranquilizersInduce sedationBarbiturates, Antihistamines

    Sedatives cause sleep, poor judgement, and slow reflexes.

    Excessive use can cause unconsciousness and even death.

    AntisepticsReduce possibility of infectionBoric acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine

    Antiseptics are applied externally to living tissue.

    Antiseptics also reduce body odour caused due to bacterial decomposition.

    They are used in breath fresheners and deodorants.

    AntibioticsKill bacteriaPenicillin, Gramicidin, Amoxicillin, Streptomycin

    An antibiotic is defined as a  substance produced by a microorganisms that kills other microorganisms.

    Antibiotics are considered  life-saving drugs.

    DiureticsIncreases rate of urinationAmiloride, Triamterene 
    VasodilatorsWiden blood vesselsHistamine, Nitric OxideThese decrease blood pressure and increase  blood flow.
    Vasoconstrictors

    Narrow blood vessels;

    Staunch blood loss due to haemorrhage

    Antihistamines, Cocaine, LSD, Caffeine

    These increase blood pressure  and decrease blood flow.

    These make skin look paler because less blood reaches the skin.

    AnaestheticsCause loss of sensationCocaine, Nitrous Oxide, Hailothane

    General anaesthetics cause a loss of  consciousness.

    Local anaesthetics cause loss of sensation in a specific  part of the body.

    AntifungalsFungal diseases like ringworm, athlete;s foot, meningitisKetoconazole, Benzoic Acid, Neem Seed Oil, Tea Tree OilSince both fungi and human cells are eukaryotes, the possibility of side effects is higher than in anti-bacterial drugs (like antibiotics)
    Antivirals (Antiretrovirals)Inhibit growth of virusZedovudine,Lamivudine

    Unlike antibiotics, antiviral drugs do not destroy target microbes but only inhibit their growth.

    Designing antiviral drugs is difficult

       

    because virus use host's cells to replicate.

    Some virus, like influenza and HIV, mutate rapidly, which means they can be treated with antivirals only and not be prevented by vaccines.

    Antiretrovirals  are a subclass of antivirals that treat  retroviruses such as HIV.

    Chapters
    Constitutional Development in India
    Non-Constitutional Organisation
    Art, Architecture & Culture of India
    Pantings
    Theatre
    Dance
    Music
    The State Legislature
    Local Self Goverment
    Emergency Provisions
    Constitutional Organisation
    Union And Its Territory
    Structure of Indian Constitution
    Third Phase of National Movement
    Indian Struggle Against British Rule
    Constitutional Development of India
    Socio Religious Reforms
    Growth of British Paramountacy
    Post Mughal Period
    Irrigation System Of India
    National Income
    Inflation And Trade Cycles
    Poverty And Unemployment
    Infrastructure In India
    Sectors Of Indian Economy
    Economic Growth And Development
    Banking System In India
    Census of India 2011
    Windlife Conservation In India
    Architecture During Medivial India
    Major Industries In India
    Means Of Transport In India
    Natural Vegetation
    Agriculture In India
    The Physical Features Of India
    Soils In India
    Climate Of India
    Drainage System of India
    Advent Of The Europeans
    The State Executive
    Judiciary In India
    The Union Legislature
    The Union Executive
    Fundamental Rights and Duties
    Constituent Assembly
    Second Phase of National Movement
    First Phase of National Movement
    The Revolt Of 1857
    Election Commission Of India
    Lodhi Dynasty
    Mughal Empire And Beyond
    Tughlaq and Sayyid Dynasty
    Slave Dynasty
    Khilji Dynasty
    The Early Kingdoms
    The Mauryan Empire
    The Age Of The Guptas
    Chemistry In Everyday Life
    Administrative Structure of Delhi Sultanate
    Post Gupta Era
    Post Mauryan Period
    Religious Reform Movement
    Vedic Civilization
    Indus Valley Civilization
    Tissues In Organism
    Units And Dimensions
    Pre-Historic Period
    Environmental Studies
    Bio-Diversity
    Human And Regional Geography
    Fiscal And Monetary Policy In India
    Major Institutions
    Economic Planning Of India
    India - Size And Location
    Constitutional Amendments and Provisions
    Content / Category
    Class / Course
     
     
    Related Videos
    Language - English
    Language - English

    Language - English
    Language - English



    Students / Parents Reviews [20]