Shikimic Acid Pathway pharmacy notes
Chemical Classification of Drugs
The chemical classification of drugs groups medications based on their shared molecular structures and properties. This forms the fourth level of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system and provides valuable insights into a drug’s potential behavior and interactions.
Here are some key principles of chemical classification:
1. Shared Functional Groups: Drugs with similar functional groups, like amines or alcohols, often share similar properties and interact with similar targets in the body.
2. Ring Structures: The presence and arrangement of ring structures within a molecule can significantly impact its activity and stability. For example, many antibiotics feature beta-lactam rings essential for their antibacterial action. (Image of a beta-lactam ring)
3. Bond Types: Single, double, or aromatic bonds influence a molecule’s chemical reactivity and interaction with biological targets.
Based on these principles, drugs are categorized into various chemical classes:
- Alkylating Agents: These drugs form covalent bonds with DNA, preventing cell replication and used in cancer therapy. (Image of alkylating agent molecule)
- Antibiotics: They target specific bacterial processes, inhibiting growth or killing the bacteria. Different classes exist based on their mechanisms, like penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides. (Image of penicillin molecule)
- Corticosteroids: Share a common steroid structure and mimic natural hormones, affecting inflammation, immune response, and metabolism. (Image of cortisol molecule)
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin share a carboxylic acid group and inhibit enzymes involved in pain and inflammation. (Image of ibuprofen molecule)
- Benzodiazepines: This class of psychoactive drugs share a characteristic ring structure and act on the nervous system to induce sedation, anxiety relief, and muscle relaxation. (Image of diazepam molecule)
Benefits of Chemical Classification:
- Predicting Drug Behavior: Helps understand how a drug might interact with other molecules and potential side effects.
- Drug Design and Development: Guides the creation of new drugs with desired properties and reduces redundancy.
- Pharmacovigilance: Aids in monitoring drug safety and identifying potential risks associated with specific chemical classes.
Limitations of Chemical Classification:
- Oversimplification: Drugs within a class may have diverse effects due to slight structural variations.
- Focus on Structure: Doesn’t always directly reflect a drug’s mechanism of action or therapeutic effects.
Understanding the chemical classification of drugs adds another layer to comprehending their actions and potential interactions. It’s important to remember that this classification system is just one of many tools used to categorize drugs for various purposes.
Suggested readings:
Final Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
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