Medicinal Drugs and Analgesics Overview

Medicinal Drugs

• Medicinal drugs treat diseases or relieve pain.
• Drugs originate from diverse sources: synthesis, fermentation, microbial cultures, animal sources, and plant sources.
• An effective drug is non-toxic and has no adverse effects like allergic reactions or diarrhea. Effectiveness shouldn't be diminished by bodily substances like stomach acid.

Drug Formulations and Additives

• Drugs are formulated (shaped) into tablets, capsules, liquids, sprays, ointments, and suppositories.
• Drugs contain active ingredients and inert (inactive) ingredients.
• Inert ingredients are additives that contribute to the drug's form and function (e.g., binders, coatings, and disintegrants).

Characteristics of Analgesics

• Analgesics reduce or eliminate pain.
• Types of Analgesics:
  • Narcotic: drugs like morphine and codeine for moderate pain relief.
  • Anti-pyretic: drugs used to reduce fever
  • Anti-rheumatic: drugs used to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints.
• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a common pain reliever, but side effects include stomach bleeding. Alternative drugs, like Panadol and Tylenol, are milder on the stomach.

Anesthetics

• Anesthetics cause a loss of sensation (pain, heat, cold).
• Two types: Local and General
  • Local anesthetics temporarily numb small areas, often used in minor surgeries. Examples include cocaine and ethyl chloride.
  • General anesthetics cause widespread loss of sensation and consciousness through injection or inhalation (e.g., diethyl ether, pentobarbital).
  • Potential side effects for general anesthetics include coma and death with overdose.

Anti-Acids

• Anti-acids treat excess stomach acid.
• These contain basic active ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium carbonate, that neutralize the acid.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

• These drugs reduce or eliminate inflammation.
• Two main types:
  • Steroidal: Based on steroid structures.
  • Nonsteroidal: include salicylates like aspirin, as well as others.
• Side effects from overdose can include stomach distress, nausea, and diarrhea.

Antibiotics

• Chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
• Can be bactericidal (bacteria), or fungicidal (fungi).
• Examples include penicillin, sulfadiazine, and streptomycin.
• Overuse or high doses can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, dizziness, and heart muscle contractions.
• Antibiotics can be classified broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum (effective against specific micro-organisms)

Antibiotic Resistance

• Bacteria might adapt over time to become resistant to certain antibiotics.
• Resistance mechanisms can be natural or acquired through genetic modification.
• Combining antibiotics can sometimes be a less effective strategy if they interact badly.

Tranquilizers

• Tranquilizers help to reduce anxiety and agitation.
• Commonly prescribed tranquilizers include benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlorodiazepoxide).
• Side effects from high doses include intoxication, drowsiness and coma.

Anti-depressants

• Drugs used to treat depression.
• Symptoms include persistent sadness and loss of interest or pleasure.
• Barbiturates, a type of anti-depressant, can be associated with coma and death from overdose.