History of Drug Use and Pharmacology

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which ancient civilization documented drug use for medical education around 1550 BCE?

Ancient Egypt (correct)

Ancient Greece

Ancient Rome

Ancient China

What significant substance was isolated from opium by Serturner in 1803?

Thebaine

Senna

Morphine (correct)

Codeine

What was one of the effects of consuming bread made from rye infected with ergot in the Middle Ages?

Enhanced muscle relaxation

Prolonged pain relief

Improved digestion

Hallucinations and convulsions (correct)

What is a notable risk associated with the use of ergonovine during childbirth?

Maternal injury from rapid delivery Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of morphine found in opium?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is known to cause hallucinations and is used for mystical experiences?

Peyote Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of contemporary drugs are derived from plant sources?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes curare's historical use and effects?

It caused paralysis and was utilized as a hunting poison. Signup and view all the answers

Which pharmacological application is associated with ergotamine?

Pain relief for severe migraines Signup and view all the answers

Who first synthesized LSD and in what year?

Albert Hoffman in 1943 Signup and view all the answers

What was a pivotal discovery in the treatment of tuberculosis?

Streptomycin Signup and view all the answers

Who documented therapeutic properties of substances like opium in Ancient Greece?

Theophrastus Signup and view all the answers

What did ancient Chinese drug classification focus on during 2700 BCE?

Taste of the drugs Signup and view all the answers

What step is NOT part of the drug development and approval process?

Post-marketing Surveillance Signup and view all the answers

What type of drugs did Paul Ehrlich develop that were significant in fighting infectious diseases?

Organoarsenicals Signup and view all the answers

Which drug introduced in the 1930s was the first synthetic antibacterial compound?

Sulfa drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of comparing measured outcomes from experimental and control drugs?

To determine if the observed differences are statistically significant Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of drug regulation is emphasized after the patent expires?

Generic manufacturers can produce copies under strict regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptors play in drug action?

They mediate the regulatory interactions of drugs within biological systems. Signup and view all the answers

What defines bioequivalence in drug formulation?

The drugs have identical active ingredients and exhibit similar blood levels. Signup and view all the answers

How do agonists function in relation to drug receptors?

They stimulate the receptors to produce a response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern that can arise during Phase IV clinical trials?

Identifying delayed or infrequent risks that weren't observed in earlier trials. Signup and view all the answers

What role do antacids play in drug action?

They neutralize stomach acid through acid-base reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a drug's brand name after the patent expires?

The brand name remains protected but allows generics to be produced. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Phase 3 trials in drug development?

To assess the safety and efficacy of the drug compared to a placebo or standard therapy Signup and view all the answers

How does the inclusion/exclusion criterion affect the study population in Phase 3 trials?

It defines who is deemed eligible or ineligible to participate based on specific characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a double-blind design in Phase 3 trials?

It ensures that neither the participants nor the investigators know which treatment is administered to minimize bias. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best summarizes patient compliance in Phase 3 trials?

It can vary significantly, sometimes as low as 50-60%. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the study population in Phase 3 trials?

They include individuals with common comorbidities to represent the target population. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the most expensive aspect of drug development as seen in Phase 3 trials?

Conducting randomized control trials Signup and view all the answers

Why might a golden standard drug be used instead of a placebo in the control group?

It allows for a clearer comparison if available for ethical reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What important factor must be assessed in relation to a drug's effectiveness during Phase 3 trials?

The overall quality of life of the patients taking the drug Signup and view all the answers

What does 'adverse effects of drugs' NOT include?

Expected outcomes from treatment Signup and view all the answers

How is drug toxicity measured using the therapeutic index?

TI = TD50 / ED50 Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to drug toxicity when a drug is used over a prolonged period?

It may increase or become significant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a phase where drug-drug interactions can occur?

Transport Signup and view all the answers

What does teratogenesis refer to?

Producing birth defects from drug exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can influence a drug's pharmacological effects when another drug is present?

The presence of other concurrent medications Signup and view all the answers

What type of reaction occurs when a metabolite binds to tissues causing damage?

Adverse biotransformation reactions Signup and view all the answers

What effect might tyramine have when taken with antidepressants?

Raise blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What effect does combining tyramine with MAO inhibitors have on blood pressure?

It raises blood pressure sharply. Signup and view all the answers

Which component in grapefruit affects drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract?

Furanocoumarins Signup and view all the answers

What is neurogenesis?

The generation of new neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

During which process does sodium influx lead to neurotransmitter release?

Action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the limbic system in the brain?

Integrating memory and emotion. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the termination of neurotransmitter response in synaptic transmission?

Neurotransmitters can be reabsorbed or broken down by enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the effects of drugs on synaptic transmission?

Certain drugs can enhance or interrupt synaptic transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 1: Introduction to the History of Drug Use and Development

Drugs are substances received by a biological system that affect its function, not for nutritive purposes
Pharmacology studies drug effects, action, and uses
Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians (from 2500 BCE), used drugs for medicinal purposes. Evidence shows knowledge of using Senna for bowel movement use in 2700 BCE.
Opium contains morphine and codeine
Morphine is a pain reliever from opium.
Ancient Egyptians also used senna for bowel movements as well as other observations documented on drug use in that time period.

Historical Influences

Ancient Greek physicians documented various aspects of pharmacology
Discoveries by ancient civilizations, including Theophrastus's (380 BCE) therapeutics textbook.
German pharmacist Sertürner isolated morphine from opium in 1803.
Curare, a plant-based drug, was used as a poison by indigenous peoples in the Amazon. This inspired the use of curar as a form of anesthesia .
Ergot, a poisonous fungus, caused epidemics in the Middle Ages when contaminating bread.

Influence of Poisons

Curare affects voluntary muscles, causing paralysis and eventually respiratory failure.
This inspired medical practices to utilize curare.

Drug Discoveries and Developments

Discovery of drugs for infectious diseases was key from the 1900s. Paul Ehrlich designed organoarsenicals to fight disease, leading to a cure for syphilis and Gerhard Domagk introduced sulfa drugs for bacterial diseases.
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, and Selman Waksman discovered streptomycin; both significant and revolutionary breakthroughs in antibiotic research.
These developments significantly improved treatment of infectious diseases and provided a significant turning point for medicine.

Drug Development and Drug Trials

Drug development typically involves preclinical and clinical trials of a new drug.
The drug discovery process includes basic research to identify and study potential drug targets.
Basic research and discovering targets often involve screening potential compounds and studying targets.
Preclinical trials primarily test the new drug on animals.
Important tests include pharmacology and toxicology studies.
Pharmacology studies examine how the drug acts at a cellular level.
Toxicology studies analyze the drug's potential risks, including short-term and long-term harmful effects, on reproductive, carcinogenic, and mutagenic potential.
Clinical trials assess the drug's safety and efficacy in humans, with different phases focused on progressively larger groups.

Phase 1 Clinical Trials

Phase 1 trials aim to evaluate drug tolerance and effects in a small group of healthy volunteers.
The goal is to determine the maximum tolerated dose, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the drug in humans.
Phase 1 trials generally include a small number of participants and are usually done in controlled settings.

Phase 2 Clinical Trials

Phase 2 trials involve larger groups of patients with the disease under investigation to evaluate its efficacy.
Participants in phase 2 trials generally have some degree of the target disease.
Efficacy is determined by comparing the experimental drug to other treatment options.
Safety is a priority, and any adverse effects are carefully monitored.

Phase 3 Clinical Trials

Phase 3 trials involve even larger groups of patients to further evaluate the treatment's efficacy and determine the optimal dosage.
Comparisons are performed between the experimental treatment group and either a control group or another treatment group.
The results of phase 3 trials are assessed for approval or rejection to introduce the new drug into clinical practice .

Proof of Safety and Efficacy

Pharmaceutical manufacturers provide evidence pertaining to the safety & efficacy of drugs by testing in several animal species.
The regulatory agency will assess these animal tests and if the results are acceptable, clinical trials of the drug on humans will be permitted.

Design of Phase 3 Trials

Target Population characteristics are identified.
Informed consent protocols determine if patients with conditions have similar outcomes when participants are tested on the drug.
Health Canada assesses the results of the trials and approves manufacturing if the new drug is safe and effective for clinical practice use.

Treatment Allocation

A double-blind design makes it so neither researcher or participant know what they are receiving to eliminate bias.
Randomization ensures the experimental treatment group and control group are comparable.

Drug Action

Drugs usually act by interacting with receptors, which are special molecules on cell surfaces that mediate cellular responses.
Understanding the precise mechanism of drug action allows for better prediction and management of the adverse effects.
Drugs act by either mimicking or blocking the action of endogenous ligands. "Agonists" mimic, and "Antagonists" block.
Drug targets can be either receptors or enzymes, and there are many ways drugs can be administered, including orally, intravenously, or topically.

Dose-Response Curve

Dose-response curves plot the relationship between the dose administered and the drug effect seen.
The slope of the dose-response curve indicates the drug's potency. A steeper slope means a higher potency, with less drug needed to produce the same effect.
The maximum effect on the curve indicates a drug's efficacy; a larger maximum effect means greater efficacy.

Pharmacokinetics: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion

ADME describes the movement of a drug through the body.
Absorption refers to how the drug passes from the site of administration into the bloodstream.
Distribution explains how the drug moves from the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Metabolism (biotransformation) refers to the process where the body transforms the drug's chemical structure to either activate or inactivate it.
Excretion is the process of removing the drug and its metabolites from the body.
Factors that affect drug actions and distribution include blood flow to tissues and organs, and chemical properties (lipid solubility, size, ion charges of the drugs).

Drug Metabolism (Biotransformation)

This refers to the chemical alteration or modification of drugs by the body.
It often involves processes in the liver, sometimes in other organs.
Metabolism can lead to drug activation (or bioactivation), which enhances pharmacological activity of a drug, or inactivation, where drugs are changed into more water-soluble molecules, suitable for easier excretion by the body through the kidneys, lungs, bile, and/or sweat.

Routes of Administration

Topical administration involves placing the drug on the skin or other surfaces.
Enteral administration delivers the drug through the digestive tract.
Parenteral administration bypasses the gut and delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream.
Injection routes are intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous.

Drug Toxicity and Drug Interactions

Adverse effects are unintended responses to a drug.
Drug toxicity refers to harmful effects.
Drug interactions occur when one drug affects the activity or absorption of another.
Factors such as patient genetics, environmental factors, concurrent diseases, and concomitant medications alter drug response.
Therapeutic indices help determine a drug's safety profile.
A high Therapeutic Index (TI) suggests a safe drug.
Other factors like the route of administration, drug dosage, concurrent disease status, diet, and concomitant medications can all affect the drug response of patients.
Interactions can happen at absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion sites or a combination of those factors.

Physiological and Pharmacological Aspects of the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system integrates and coordinates various physiological functions including sensory input, motor output, and mental processes.
The brain's regions like the cerebral cortex, limbic systems, and the hypothalamus perform important functions involved in mental processes and sensory or motor control.
Neurons are the fundamental units in the central nervous system.
Important neurotransmitters involved in communication between neurons include GABA, Serotonin, Acetylcholine, Opioids, and Catecholamines.

Drug-Food Interactions

Food can influence drug absorption, metabolism.
Interference can occur, potentially enhancing or diminishing the effect of the drug.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating history of drug use from ancient civilizations to modern pharmacology. This quiz covers significant discoveries, ancient practices, and the evolution of drug classification and synthesis. Test your knowledge on key figures and substances that have shaped medicinal practices over millennia.