Drugs and Medicines

Chapter 9

What are drugs?

Drugs: any substance that causes a change in a persons physical or psychological state.
MEDICINES VS.DRUGSOFABUSE

Where do drugs come from?

Natural Sources
Plants Animals Fungi Ex: Bark of willow tree is source of salicin, used to create asprin

Chemicals made in laboratories

Scientists work on chemical structure to create new drugs and change existing ones.

How do drugs enter the body?

Implanted pumps Inhalation Injection Transdermal patches Ingestion Topical application

Lets Practice!!
Inhalation Topical Application Ingestion Antibiotics Acne cream Nicotine patch Vaccines Pain killers Asthma inhaler Injection Antacids Transdermal Patches Sun block Cigarettes Birth control Coffee

Drugs of Abuse
Drugs people take for mind-altering effects that have no medical purpose Can lead to:
changes in brain structure and function Changes in behavior and long term health problems

Examples:
Cocaine Alcohol Heroin

Psychoactive: drugs and medicines that affect the brain and change the way we perceive, think, or feel

Drugs as Medicine
Medicine: any drug used to cure, prevent, or treat illness or discomfort Must have these qualities:
Effectiveness- Is the medicine good at what it is supposed to do? Safety- Is it safe when used as directed? Minor side effects- Are there too many side effects? Are they too severe? Sideeffect:Anyeffectcausedbyadrugand thatisdifferentthandrugsintendedaffect

Types of Medicines

Prescription: written order from a doctor for a specific medicine Over-the counter (OTC) medicines: can be bought without a prescription

How are medicines regulated?

Food and Drug Administration (1906)- created to control the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics Approval process is needed to prove drug is safe and effective
Initial tests in labs Animal tests Tested on human volunteers Tested on humans who have illness Drug company applies for approval

Prescription Medicines
Can treat serious health problems/can be very powerful Should only be taken with doctors instructions Limited amount of medicine, with instruction on when and how often to take medicine

What information does a prescription have?

The dose (how much you should take) When you should take the medicine How often you should take the medicine The length of time you should take the medicine

Misuse of Prescription Medicines

Medicine is only for person whose name is on label Medicine may be too strong/weak Allergies Abuse: Taking meds when not needed Taking too much Mixing more than one kind

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

Medicines bought without a prescription Mostly used for common illnesses, injuries, or disorders Examples:
Acetaminophen for headaches Cortisone cream for skin rashes

How do you choose the right OTC medicine?

Decide what works best for you
Does the medicine work for your symptoms? Ex: cough suppressants vs. cough expectorants

Decide between generic and brand name medicine Read Label

Generic medicine: made by company other than the company who developed the original medicine Tells dosage, special instructions, potential dangers

Misuse of OTC Medicines

OTC meds treat symptoms, not disease that causes symptoms Long term use can cover pain/discomfort of bodys way of telling you that something is wrong If symptoms last longer than a few days you should consult a doctor

Herbal Remedies and dietary Supplements

Do not have to be approved by FDA
Do not have to prove it works

Why do people buy these?

They think products from plants and animals are more pure. Not necessarily true!!!!!

What are possible problems with medicines?

Allergic Reactions Side Effects
Ex: drowsiness
Ranges from mild itching to severe skin rashes

Drug Interactions: occurs when a drug reacts

with another drug, food, or dietary supplement to increase or decrease the effects of one of the substances
Ex: sedatives and alcohol