Important Drugs (Synthetic and Natural)

Broad based antibiotics: Antibiotics which kill or inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are said to be broad spectrum antibiotics.

  • Prescribed when the specific bacteria causing an infection are unknown. 
  • Examples : Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, ofloxacin

An antacid is a medication that neutralizes excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It contains alkaline compounds that raise the pH level of gastric contents, reducing acidity in the stomach.

  • Metal Hydroxide : aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), or sodium bicarbonate

(5 M के हिसाब से steps लिख देना )

Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals etc) that are used to treat infections.

  • Resistant microbes are more difficult to treat, requiring alternative medications or higher doses, both of which may be more expensive or more toxic.

Major Reasons : 

  • High prevalence of communicable diseases necessitating antimicrobial treatment
  • Injudicious use of antibiotics, including overprescribing and incomplete courses
  • Lack of effective regulation and monitoring of antibiotic residues in pharmaceutical industry effluents

Steps Taken:

  • Implementation of the National Action Plan on AMR in 2017.
  • Revision of antibiotics protocols by the WHO to curb antibiotic resistance.
  • Commitment from G20 members to tackle antimicrobial resistance comprehensively, following the One Health approach.

Extra

  • Microbes resistant to multiple antimicrobials are called Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) or sometimes Superbugs.
  • India has one of the highest rates of AMR in the world, with more than 60,000 newborns dying each year from antibiotic-resistant infections.)
CriteriaActive ImmunityPassive Immunity
DefinitionImmunity developed by the body after exposure to an antigenImmunity acquired by transferring antibodies from another source
SourceNatural infection or vaccinationMaternal antibodies, antibody injections, or antiserum
Response TimeTakes time to develop (weeks to months)Immediate protection
DurationLong-lasting, sometimes lifelongShort-term, usually lasts a few weeks to months
Memory CellsProduces memory cells, providing long-term protectionDoes not produce memory cells
ExamplesRecovery from diseases like chickenpox, vaccinations like MMRNewborn receiving antibodies from mother’s milk(colostrum), antivenom for snake bites, Anti-Tetanus injection
CharacteristicCovishieldCovaxin
TypeViral vector vaccine (developed by AstraZeneca)Inactivated virus vaccine
ManufacturerSerum Institute of India (SII)Bharat Biotech
PlatformUses adenovirus vector Uses inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus
DosageRequires two doses, typically 4-12 weeks apartRequires two doses, 4 weeks apart
Efficacy~70-90% efficacy after two doses~81% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19
For Childrens Only for > 18 yearAvailable for < 18 years 
Approval StatusApproved by WHO, EUA granted in many countriesApproved for emergency use in India, some other countries

Drugs are chemicals of low molecular masses (~100 – 500u) that interact with biological macromolecular targets such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and produce a biological response. When these responses are beneficial, the chemicals become medicines used for diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases

Classes of Drugs

Therapeutic Action

Examples

Antacid

Neutralizing excess stomach acid to relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux.

  • sodium hydrogen carbonate
  • Metal hydroxides : Eg aluminum and magnesium hydroxide mixtures(Milk of Magnesia)
  • Histamine Receptor Blockers: cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac).

Antihistamine

Alleviate allergic symptoms → easing nasal congestion and allergic responses to pollen.

  • brompheniramine (Dimetapp
  • terfenadine (Seldane)

Neurologically Active Drugs

Tranquilizers



Alleviate stress, anxiety, and mental diseases by inducing a sense of well-being. 

  • Antidepressant drugs: iproniazid and phenelzine 
  • Equanil → controlling depression and hypertension.
  • Barbiturates → sleep producing agents : valium and serotonin..

Neurologically Active Drugs

Analgesics

Reduce or eliminate pain without causing impairment of consciousness or other disturbances of the nervous system.

  • Non-narcotic Analgesics: Aspirin and paracetamol
  • Narcotic Analgesics: Morphine and its derivatives relieve pain and induce sleep.

Antimicrobials

Antibiotics

A substance produced wholly or partly by chemical synthesis, which in low concentrations inhibits the growth or destroys microorganisms by intervening in their metabolic processes.

  • Broad Spectrum Antibiotics: ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol
  • Narrow Spectrum Antibiotics: (e.g., penicillin G

Antimicrobials

Antiseptics

Applied to living tissues such as wounds, cuts, ulcers, and diseased skin surfaces to prevent infection.

  • Dettol: A mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol.
  • Bithionol: Added to soaps.
  • Iodine: used in solutions like tincture of iodine (2-3% iodine in alcohol-water mixture) for wound application.
  • Boric Acid: a weak antiseptic for eyes in dilute aqueous solution.

Antimicrobials

Disinfectants

Applied to inanimate objects such as floors, drainage systems, and instruments to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

  • Phenol: A 0.2% solution acts as an antiseptic, while a 1% solution serves as a disinfectant.
  • Chlorine: In concentrations of 0.2 to 0.4 ppm in aqueous solution
  • Sulphur Dioxide:in very low concentrations

Antifertility Drugs

such as birth control pills

  • Norethindrone: suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
  • Ethynylestradiol (Novestrol).

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