Medicinal drugs

• Antacids


  Substances which neutralize stomach acidity and are used to relieve acid reflux or indigestion
• Brand Names of Some Antacids

  • Gaviscon
  • Rennie
  • Maalox
• Antibiotics


  Drugs used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and to eliminate infection
• Antibiotics cannot treat diseases caused by viruses
• Preparation of Antibiotics


  • Microbiological Culture (Natural)
  • Chemical Synthesis
• Types of Antibiotics


  • Narrow Spectrum
  • Broad Spectrum
• Narrow Spectrum Antibiotics


  Effective against specific bacteria, prescribed when the bacteria is known (identified)
• Broad Spectrum Antibiotics


  Effective against a wide variety of bacteria, prescribed when the bacteria is not known
• Broad spectrum antibiotics have the advantage of treating infection when the bacteria is not identified (unknown), but the disadvantage of killing good bacteria that are beneficial to the body (such as the intestinal flora)
• Antibiotic Resistance


  Occurs when an antibiotic doesn't kill the bacteria anymore, because the bacteria has developed resistance to this antibiotic
• Causes of Antibiotic Resistance


  • Over-prescription of antibiotics
  • Patients not finishing the entire antibiotic course
• Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance

  • Production of enzymes that render the antibiotic inactive
  • Change in permeability to the antibiotic
  • Change the site of action of the antibiotic
  • Reach a state of tolerance
• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs


  Drugs used to reduce or eliminate inflammation
• Classification of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs


  • Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs


  Have a steroid nucleus
• Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs


  • Cortisone
  • Prednisone
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)


  Do not have a steroid nucleus
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Diclofenac
  • Aspirin
• Overdose of aspirin leads to shortness of breath, and overdose of cortisone leads to hypertension, weight gain, restlessness, muscle paralysis, and hyperglycemia
• Tranquilizers


  Drugs used to treat anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia
• Tranquilizers


  • Valium (Diazepam)
  • Xanax (Alprazolam)
  • Lexotanil (Bromazepam)
• Antidepressants


  Drugs used to treat depression, especially melancholia
• Symptoms of Depression


  • Continuous sadness
  • Lack of interest and pleasure in activities
  • Crying spells
  • Emotional fragility
  • Feelings of guilt, uselessness and despair
• An overdose of antidepressants can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory paralysis, and death