Drugs

• What is a big part of medicine?

  The use of drugs or medications
• How much does the NHS spend on medications annually?

  Over seventeen billion pounds
• What are the two groups of medications?

  • Medications that relieve symptoms
  • Medications that treat diseases
• What symptoms might you experience with a sore throat?

  Cough, throat pain, and headache
• What type of medication can help relieve sore throat symptoms?

  Painkillers like aspirin or paracetamol
• Do painkillers cure the problem of a sore throat?

  No, they only relieve symptoms
• What do antibiotics do?

  They kill bacteria or prevent their growth
• Why might antibiotics not help with a sore throat?

  Most sore throats are caused by viruses
• Why can't antibiotics kill viruses?

  Antibiotics are designed to target bacteria
• What is a metaphor used to explain antibiotics' ineffectiveness on viruses?

  Trying to kill a tree with a flyswatter
• What is a challenge when treating bacterial infections with antibiotics?

  Different antibiotics target different bacteria
• What is antibiotic resistance?

  Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
• How has the ability to treat diseases changed medicine?

  • Improved quality of life
  • Extended people's lives
  • Multiple drugs can be used simultaneously
• What is the outcome of treating symptoms and diseases with medications?

  Revolutionized medicine
• What is the role of multiple drugs in treatment?

  Some improve symptoms, others treat causes
• What is the conclusion of the video?

  Medications are crucial for treatment
• What are the two main uses of drugs mentioned in the video?

  Relieve symptoms and help cure diseases
• Why have microorganisms and plants been valuable in drug development?

  They produce substances that kill pathogens
• What are the three examples of drugs derived from natural sources?

  • Aspirin from willow tree bark
  • Digitalis from foxglove plants
  • Penicillin from penicillium fungus
• What is aspirin commonly used for?

  To lower fevers and relieve pain
• What is digitalis used to treat?

  Heart problems like heart failure
• How did Alexander Fleming discover penicillin?

  He noticed fungus killing bacteria in a dish
• What are the three main factors to consider when testing drugs?

  Efficacy, toxicity, and dosage
• What does efficacy refer to in drug testing?

  How well the drug works
• What does toxicity measure in drug testing?

  How harmful the drug is to cells
• What does dosage refer to in drug testing?

  The amount or concentration of the drug
• What are the three main stages of drug testing?

  1. Testing on human cells and tissues
  2. Testing on live animals
  3. Clinical testing on humans
• What is the benefit of testing drugs on human cells and tissues?

  It allows for cheap and easy testing
• Why is testing on live animals important?

  It gives insight into efficacy and toxicity
• What types of mammals must drugs be tested on in the UK?

  Two different types like mice and rabbits
• What is the purpose of clinical testing?

  To test the drug on humans
• What is the first step in clinical testing?

  Giving the drug to healthy volunteers
• What is the aim of increasing the dosage during clinical testing?

  To find the maximum safe dosage
• What is the goal of finding the optimum dosage?

  Maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity
• What is a placebo?

  A substance that looks like the drug but has no effect
• Why are clinical trials often blind or double-blind?

  To avoid unconscious bias in results
• What happens after drug testing is complete?

  Results are peer-reviewed by other scientists
• Why is peer review important in drug testing?

  It prevents false claims and ensures fairness
• What should volunteers not know in a blind trial?

  • Whether they are taking the real drug
  • Whether they are taking the placebo
• What is the significance of the drug testing process?

  • Ensures safety and efficacy
  • Validates results through peer review
  • Avoids bias in clinical trials