Pharmacology Course Overview

This course focuses on various anti-infective drugs (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic) as well as other chemotherapeutic agents like anticancer drugs, hormones, and related treatments. It touches upon endocrine-related drugs and antihistamines.

These properties relate to how a drug interacts with the body and how well it reaches the target site. They influence the effectiveness and potential side effects of a drug.

This refers to the detailed study of how a drug works at a cellular and molecular level, including its uses, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs.

These are the characteristics of cancer cells that distinguish them from normal cells. Identifying these characteristics allows for targeted drug development.

The course involves analyzing representative drugs from different classes, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and anticancer therapies, to understand their specific mechanisms and applications.

These are the official guidelines for purity testing of pharmaceutical substances, raw materials, and final drug products, ensuring quality control and safety.

The course emphasizes the importance of safe handling of laboratory materials and equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The course aims to equip students with the ability to choose the most appropriate drug based on the cause and specific characteristics of the infection or disease, ensuring personalized and effective treatment.

A branch of science that focuses on the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents / drugs by combining chemistry, biology, and other scientific disciplines.

A chemical compound produced by a living microorganism to suppress the growth of other microorganisms.

These are fully synthetic compounds designed to fight bacteria. Though they resemble antibiotics in action, they are not naturally produced by microorganisms.

They inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative types.

They target specific types of bacteria, like either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria.

Substances used to disinfect living tissues like skin and wounds to prevent infection.

They are used on non-living surfaces and objects to destroy microorganisms.

Substances added to food, pharmaceutical preparations, and cosmetics to prevent spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth.

Prokaryotes that have a thin cell wall and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, making them less susceptible to certain antibiotics.

Prokaryotes with a thick cell wall, lacking the outer membrane present in gram-negative bacteria, making them more susceptible to certain antibiotics.

A class of anti-infective agents that work by interfering with the production of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in bacteria, hindering their growth and replication.

A group of anti-infective drugs that target the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, a protective barrier that keeps the bacteria intact. By weakening the cell wall, these agents make the bacteria more susceptible to osmotic stress and ultimately lead to their death.

Anti-infective agents that disrupt the bacterial cell membrane, making it more permeable and leading to leakage of essential cellular components. Some of these agents also block active transport across the membrane, interfering with the delivery of nutrients to the bacteria.

A class of anti-infective drugs that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria. Protein synthesis is essential for bacterial growth and survival. By blocking this process, these agents effectively stop bacteria from creating the proteins they need.

70% ethyl alcohol is a potent disinfectant that effectively eliminates various microorganisms by disrupting their cell membranes and denaturing their proteins. It is commonly used for surface disinfection and hand sanitization.

Chloroxylenol (Dettol) is a phenolic compound commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It acts by denaturing bacterial proteins and disrupting their cell membranes, leading to their inactivation.

A class of compounds containing a nitro group (-NO2) attached to a furan ring. They have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and work by interfering with bacterial metabolic processes, leading to their death.

Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran derivative primarily used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. It is active against a wide range of bacteria and works by interfering with bacterial DNA synthesis.

Nifuroxazide is a nitrofuran derivative used to treat diarrhea and colitis (inflammation of the colon). It is effective against a variety of bacterial species that can cause these conditions.

The nitro group in the 5-position of the nitrofuran molecule is crucial for its antimicrobial activity. Replacing it with other groups generally leads to inactive compounds.

Second-generation fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that are more effective against a wider range of bacteria compared to their first-generation counterparts. They have a lower tendency to induce bacterial resistance and cause fewer side effects. Examples include Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin is a potent antibiotic from the 2nd generation fluoroquinolone class, known for its broad spectrum of activity against various bacterial infections. It is considered significantly more effective than Nalidixic acid, a first-generation fluoroquinolone.

Sparfloxacin, a 3rd generation fluoroquinolone, is used for treating lower respiratory infections and bacterial gastroenteritis. It is less likely to cause photosensitivity than other di-fluoro derivatives due to the presence of a specific amino group that counteracts the phototoxicity effect.

Trovafloxacin, a 4th generation fluoroquinolone, is used for treating serious and life-threatening infections. However, concerns about potential liver toxicity and pancreatitis have limited its use to hospitalized patients with serious conditions. It is effective against anaerobic bacteria.

Quinolones can interact negatively with polyvalent metal ions like calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and iron. This interaction forms less soluble complexes, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, co-administration of antacids, hematinics, tonics, and avoiding dairy products shortly after taking quinolones is crucial.

A class of antibacterial drugs like nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin that target DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA replication in bacteria.

A bacterial enzyme that is essential for DNA replication. It introduces negative supercoils into DNA, making it easier for DNA to unwind and replicate.

A bacterial enzyme that is essential for DNA replication. It separates the interlocked daughter DNA strands after replication.

The mechanism of action of a drug refers to how it works at a molecular level to achieve its therapeutic effects.

Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, making them less susceptible to certain antibiotics.

Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker peptidoglycan layer, making them more susceptible to certain antibiotics.

A chemical modification or addition to a drug molecule that can improve its properties, such as efficacy, absorption, or stability.

The property of a drug that determines how well it is absorbed and distributed in the body.

A type of chemical compound characterized by having both positive and negative charges, allowing it to interact favorably with biological systems.

A measure of how much light a substance absorbs to cause damage, especially to the skin.

The ability of a drug to bind to and interact with its target in the body.

The propensity of a drug to cause unwanted effects or adverse reactions.

The process by which the body eliminates a drug or its metabolites.

A drug that is effective against a narrow range of bacterial species.

A drug that is effective against a wide range of bacterial species.

The development of resistance to a drug by a microorganism, making the drug less effective.

The ability of a drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract.

The distribution of a drug throughout the body's tissues.

The stability of a drug in the body, determining how long it remains active.

A type of bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract.

The study of how drugs interact with the body.

A subclass of quinolone antibiotics that differ in their chemical structure and activity.