D1. Pharm answer key
1. List 3 different ways in which drugs can be injected into the body. Predict (giving reason) which of the
three will result in the drug having the most rapid effect. subcutaneous into the fat, intravenous into the
vein and is the fastest because goes directly into the blood stream and passed throughout all of body
;intramuscular into the muscle.
2. What is meant by tolerance towards a drug and explain why is it potentially DANGEROUs? more of the
drug is needed to achieve the original effect and this is dangerous because if have enough tolerance
may need so much of the drug as to exceed the lethal dose
3. State the meaning of the term parenteral
4. During drug development trials are conducted to determine the therapeutic window. Explain the
meaning of the term therapeutic window and discuss its importance in drug administration
5. Explain the use of placebos in clinical trials in humans
6. Identify one other effect of a drug which must be determined during clinical trials side effect
7. Drugs are most commonly taken orally. State one advantage and one disadvantage of this
8. List three methods, other than orally, that can be used for administration of a drug. Rectally, inhalation,
injection and topically
9. State what is meant by the term side effect. An effect unwanted and/or undesired effect produced
when taking a drug
D2. Antacids
1. State the names of two metals, other than sodium, whose compounds are often used in
antacids. aluminum, calcium and magnesium
2. Antacid tables are used to neutralize some of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Two
substances commonly used in the tablets are calcium carbonate and sodium
hydrogencarbonate. Write an equation to represent each of these neutralization reactions
NaHCO3 + HCl NaCl + H2O + CO2
CaCO3 + 2HCl CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O
3. Explain with reference to the equations in #1 why a tablet containing .01 mol of calcium
carbonate is more effective than one containing .01 moles of sodium hydrogencarbonate .01
mol of CaCO3 will neutralize 2 times the amount of HCl (look at coefficient 1 CaCO3 to 2 HCl
which is more effective than NaHCO3 which will only neutralize 1 mole per reaction( 1
NaHCO3 + 1 HCl)
4. Explain why alginates are often included in antacid tablets
5. Dimethicone is often included in antacid tablets because of its anti-foaming action. Explain with
reference to #1 why dimethicone is included. Both of the reactions for #2 produce CO2 gas
which causes flatulence and bloating and burping so dimethicone is an antifoaming agent to
reduce the amount of CO2 produced.
6. Identify another base used in antacid tablet for which dimethicone need not be included. MgO
and Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)3
7. Name the acid found in gastric juice of the stomach hydrochloric acid
8. Explain why dimethicone is added to antacids anti-foaming agent to reduce the amount of CO2
produced by breaking the surface tension of gas bubbles.
9. Sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO3) and magnesium hydroxide ( Mg(OH)2 ) can both be used
as antacids. Give the equation for the reaction of these two with hydrochloric acid
NaHCO3 + HCl NaCl + H2O + CO2 Mg(OH)2 +2 HCl  MgCl2 + H2O
10. Compare the effectiveness of 1.00 grams of sodium hydrogencarbonate to .50 grams of
magnesium hydroxide in combating acidity of the stomach
1.0 grams NaHCO3 x 1 mole NaHCO3
= .012 moles NaHCO3
(22.99 + 1.01 + 12.01 + (3x16))=84.01
.50 grams Mg(OH)2 x x 1 mole Mg(OH)2
= .0086 moles Mg(OH)2
(24.31 + + (2x16)+(2 x1.01))= 58.33
which neutralizes more acid .012 moles x 1 mole HCl =.012 moles HCl
1 mole NaHCO3
.0086 moles x 2 mole HCl =.017 moles HCl
1 mole NaHCO3
017 moles HCl this is greater than .012 moles so Mg(OH)2 is more effective.
11. Explain why alginates are often added to antacids.
12. A well-known brand of antacids contains .160 grams of Al(OH)3 and .105 grams of Mg CO3 state
the separate equations for the reactions of Al(OH)3 and Mg CO3 with HCl aq
13. Determine which of the two components of the tablet with neutralize the most acid
14. The tablets also contain alginic acid and sodium hydrogencarbonate. The function of the sodium
hydrogencarbonate is to react with the alginic acid to form sodium alinate. State the function of
the sodium alginate produced.
15. On the leaflet which comes with the tablets it states that one of the side effects of the tablets is
belching. Explain why this might occur.
D3. Analgesics
1. State what is meant by the term analgesics and Explain the difference in the method of action
of mild analgesic’s and strong analgesics reduces pain mild intercepts pain at the source and
strong bonds to receptor sites in the brain to prevent transmission of pain impulses
2. State the beneficial and unwanted side effects of aspirin (+) used to treat mini-strokes and
prevent heart attacks, thins blood, anti-coagulate, anti-inflammatory, reduce fever (-)
stomach bleeding, Reye syndrome, hearing loss, tinnitus, gastro intestinal problems, allergic
reaction
3. State the general name of the two functional groups attached to the benzene ring in a molecule
of aspirin. Ester and carboxylic acid
4. State the name of the nitrogen containing functional group in Paracetamol and heroin
amide
Paracetamol
heroin
amine(tertiary)
5. Naturally occurring morphine can be converted into synthetic heroin by reaction with ethanoic
acid. Identify the group in the morphine molecule that reacts with ethanoic acid, the name of
the type of reaction and the other product of the reaction
A group in morphine molecule hydroxyl (OH)
Type of reaction esterification (condensation because water is byproduct)
Other product of reaction water H2O
6. State the type of chemical reaction used to convert morphine into the semi-synthetic opiate
heroin.
7. State the structure difference between the morphine and codeine molecules
8. State the main advantage and main disadvantage of using morphine as an analgesic
9. Outline two different types of social problems associated with the misuse of heroin.
10. Aspirin is thought to interfere with the production of prostaglandins. Explain how which
produces an analgesic effect.
11. Explain how morphine can prevent pain
12. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally considered to be safe to use as an analgesic in small
doses. Other than the possibility of death, outline e problems associated with taking larger doses
of Paracetamol.
13. State one important use of aspirin other than the relief of pain and fever
14. Other than the phenyl group state the name of one functional group that is common in both
Paracetamol and morphine
Both aspirin and diamorphine
15. Explain what is meant by the term tolerance and suggest why this is a particular problem for
heroin users.
16. State the differences between structures of morphine and diamorphine (HEROIN) state the
names of all functional groups in the molecule of morphine.
17. State one advantage of aspiring and one disadvantage of Paracetamol.
18. Explain why it is dangerous to take aspirin when ethanol has been consumed.
19. Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of taking diamorphine rather than morphine to
relieve pain
D4 Depressants
1. One method for detecting alcohol in breath involves blowing through a tube containing crystals of
acidified potassium dichromate (VI). The alcohol turns the crystals from orange to green. Explain what
happens to both the dichromate (VI) ion and the alcohol in this reaction. What species is responsible for
this final color? Reduces dichromate (VI) to Cr3+ ions and oxidizes ethanol to ethanol or ethanoic acid
and the color change s from orange to green
2. A modern method for accurately determining the amount of alcohol in breath uses an intoximeter.
Explain how this works. Sample of breath is passed into an infrared spectrometer. Ethanol will be
absorbed at certain wavelength. The amount of absorption depends on the amount of ethanol in the
breath. The intoximeter compares the breath sample with a reference sample of air. This machine
uses infrared radiation. Ethanol is absorbed at specific wavelengths and the amount of absorption
depends on the amount of ethanol in the breath.
3. Suggest why it is advisable not to drink alcohol when taking other drugs. alcohol depresses the CNS
which enhances the effect of other drugs which have a sedative effect on the CNS also there is an
increased risk of stomach bleeding with aspirin and sometimes a reduced effectiveness of some drugs.
4. Depressants such as tranquilizers and sedatives are capable of affecting the CNS (central nervous
system). State two effects on the body by taking a low dose of tranquilizer and two effects by taking a
high dose of a sedative. Low dose sedation reduces anxiety, sedates the CNS by interfering with nerve
impulse transmission, reduction of inhibition and reduce mental activity
High dose sedation is sleep, loss of consciousness, coma and death
5. Explain why depressants are sometimes describes as anti-depressants relieve the symptoms of mental
depression
6. The most widely used depressant is ethanol. Discuss the harmful effects of regularly taking large
amounts of ethanol by referring to 4 specific problems 1) increased risk of cirrhosis of the liver and liver
disease 2) alcoholism 3) increased risk of ulcers 4) adverse effects during pregnancy (miscarriage, low
birth wt, pregnancy abnormalities) 5) reduced judgement 6) increased risk when operating machinery
7) involvement in crime 8)loss of job-income
7. List 3 prescription depressants nitrazepam (mogadon-sleeping aid) fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac)
depression and diazepam (valium- anxiety)
8. One problem with many drugs is that users develop tolerance. Explain what is meant by the term
tolerance and state why it could increase the risk to the user. Tolerance is the need for more of the drug
to produce the original effect because body build up immunity to drugs at lower dose , if increasing too
much may cause damage or dependency or death if go over lethal dose
9. Explain how the breathalyzer works and describe its color change in a positive reaction the breathalyzer
uses K2Cr2O7 (potassium dichromate VI and when breath into device it goes through an oxidation
reduction reaction which reduces dichromate to Cr3+ ions and oxidizes ethanol into either ethanol or
ethanoic acid the color change is from orange to green.
10. Describe one effect at a moderate dose and at a high dose of depressants on the human body that are
medicines prescribed by doctors.
11. One method used to check whether a driver has consumed ethanol is the breathalyzer. This makes use
of an oxidation reaction of ethanol. For this reaction,
Identify the reagent used
The color change
A possible organic product
12. Fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) is a common depressant. Depressants have many therapeutic uses.
State three other common depressants and describe one effect other than relieving depression of
moderate doses of depressants on patients.
13. Ethanol is a depressant that can be consumed in the form of alcoholic drinks. The danger is that there is
little control over the amounts used. Discuss the long term consequences of ethanol abuse, both for the
individual and for society.
14. Which type of depressant is more water soluble and why (according to its chemical structure)
15. Deduce the full balanced chemical equation for the redox reaction of ethanol with acidified potassium
dichromate (VI) and state the name of the organic product formed
16. In order to quantify exactly how much ethanol is present in the blood, a person may be required to give a
blood sample or may be asked to blow into an intoximeter. Explain the chemistry behind the techniques
for determining the ethanol content in a blood sample and by using an intoximeter
Blood:
Intoximeter:
17. Ethanol may exert a synergistic effect when taken with other medicines. State the meaning of the term
synergistic effect.
D5 stimulants
Methyl amphetamine
1. On the structure of methamphetamine above draw a ring around the amine group.
2. Determine whether both amine groups in caffeine are primary, secondary or tertiary
3. Caffeine contains the group 0
CH3 state the general name for this functional group
---C------N---- amide specifically N-methylamide
4. A designer drug with a structure related to methyl amphetamine is ecstasy. Ecstasy tablets are
sometimes contained with a substance called 4-MTA.
Ecstasy
4-MTA
Methyl amphetamine, ecstasy and 4-MTA are sympathomimetic drugs. Identify the structural
similarity between the three drugs and adrenaline, the structure of which is giving below phenyl
ethylamine or benzene ring link to 2 carbon atoms attached to amine group
Adrenaline
Outline what is meant by the term sympathomimetic drug and state on example of the short term
effect sympathomimetic drugs have on the human body. Mimics stimulation of CNS so speeds up
heart, increase sweat production and increase rate of breathing
6. State on example of a long term effect of taking stimulants weight loss, constipation and emotional
instability
7. Describe two similarities in the structure of caffeine and nicotine (not including the presence of
double bonds, methyl groups and nitrogen atoms) compare the structures of caffeine and nicotine in
terms of functional groups both contain a 6-member and 5 member ring, both have tertiary amine
group and both have an n-methyl group attached
5.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Discuss the problems associated with nicotine consumption, distinguishing between short-term and
long term effects. Short term- increased heart rate, blood pressure and reduction of urine output
Long term- increased risk of lung cancer, increased risk of emphysema, risk of addition,
thrombosis, reduction in capacity of blood to carry oxygen, yellowing of fingers and teeth and
bronchitis and shortness of breath
State the name of the class of drugs with effects similar to that of adrenaline. Outline one effect of
these drugs on humans.
Identify the stimulant responsible for the addiction to smoking tobacco
List three physiological effects of stimulants
Name the type of drug that increases mental alertness
Explain the term sympathomimetic drug
Identify 2 structural differences between amphetamine and adrenaline
State the effect of caffeine on the urinary system
Identify the functional group present in both caffeine and nicotine
Describe two effects of large amounts of caffeine on the human body
Deduce which functional group is common to both nicotine and caffeine.
Draw the structure of phenylethylamine
Compare the two nitrogen containing groups of amphetamine and epinephrine.
Caffeine is found in chocolate along with another stimulant called theobromine. identify the
Alkene group in theo
bromine above by drawing a ring around it.
22. State the name of the functional group in the theobromine circled.
23. State the name and classification of the N-CH3 group in the 5 membered ring.
D6 Antibacterial
Penicillins are molecules that can kill harmful micro-organisms. The general structure is shown
1. State the type of micro-organism killed by penicillin and explain how they do this bacteria is the
microorganism and 1) interfere with cell wall formation 2) prevent formation of cross links in wall
3) size and shape of cell wall can’t be maintained without crosslinks 4) water comes into cell
because of no regulation 5) cells fills up with fluid and burst
2. Explain the effect of over prescription of penicillin 1) allows for resistant population of bacteria to
occur 2) also destroys useful bacteria 3) makes penicillins less effective
3. Describe the differences between bacteria and viruses, by referring to their structures and the way
they multiply. 1) bacteria replicate by binary fission while viruses must replicate using the host cell
by inserting DNA/RNA into the host
2) bacteria are much larger than viruses
3) bacteria are cellular while viruses are noncellular
4) bacteria have cell parts like cytoplasm and nucleus and cell wall but viruses don’t
5) bacteria have metabolism and can feed, excrete, respire but viruses can’t
4. Outline how penicillin work as antibacterial prevents cell wall formation so water fills the cell and it
burst
5. Compare broad spectrum and narrow spectrum antibiotics broad spectrum are effective against a
wide variety of bacteria and narrow spectrum only attack a limited range of bacteria
6. Discuss the problem with over prescription of penicillin. 1)Bacteria develop resistance to penicillins
2) penicillins lose effectiveness 3)antibiotics kill useful bacteria as well
7. Penicillin G in which the R group is C6H5CH2 deduce the number of carbon atoms in one molecule
of penicillin G
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Some bacteria are resistant to penicillin explain how these bacteria are able to resist the effect of
penicillin G
Describe how the structure of penicillin was modified to overcome this problem
Explain how penicillin are able to destroy bacterial
A doctor prescribes a broad spectrum antibiotic for a patient then some days later a narrow
spectrum antibiotic. Describe what the doctor does not allow the medication to be changed to the
narrow spectrum antibiotic
State the main disadvantage of using a broad spectrum antibiotic.
Outline the major contribution of Florey and chain in the development of penicillin
Discuss the reason why a “cocktail” of different antibiotics may be needed to treat tuberculosis.
Many diseases are the result of infection of the body by either bacteria or viruses. State the name of
one disease caused by bacterial ______________ and viruses _____________
16. Describe two misuses of antibiotics that have led to some bacteria becoming resistant
17. The discovery of penicillin by alexander Fleming in 1928 is often given as an example of serendipity in
science. Describe ether chance event that led to alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin.
18. Outline the work of Florey and chain in developing penicillin
19. Explain how penicillin works and why it is necessary to continue to develop new forms of penicillin
with modified side chains.
20. Two different antibacterial are sodium piperacillin and doxycycline. Sodium piperacillin is a type of
penicillin and doxycycline belongs to a class of drugs known as the tetracycline.
Sodium piperacillin
doxycycline
Explain how penicillin are able to cure certain diseases caused by bacteria. Sodium piperacillin has a
different side chain to the original penicillin developed by Florey and Chain. State one advantage of
changing the side chain. E
Explain why is may be necessary to give a mixture of several different types of antibacterial (such as
penicillin and tetracycline) to patients suffering from diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and MRSA (a
disease caused by the presence of the staphylococcus aureus bacterium)
D7 Antivirals
1.
Describe the differences between bacteria and viruses, by referring to their structures and the way
they multiply. 1) bacteria replicate by binary fission while viruses must replicate using the host cell
by inserting DNA/RNA into the host
2) bacteria are much larger than viruses
3) bacteria are cellular while viruses are noncellular
4) bacteria have cell parts like cytoplasm and nucleus and cell wall but viruses don’t
5) bacteria have metabolism and can feed, excrete, respire but viruses can’t
Outline two ways in which antiviral drugs work. 1) alter host cell’s genetic material 2) prevent virus
from replicating, 3) alter the virus binding site on the cell wall 4) prevent viruses from leaving the cell
1. Suggest how acyclovir acts as an antiviral becomes part of DNA of virus stops viral replication by
mimicking nucleotide (guanine) which prevents other nucleotides from attacking
2. Describe two ways in which an antival drug can prevent the HIV virus from interacting with human cells
1) if reception site is altered then HIV virus couldn’t bind to cell , 2)can prevent HIV from losing its
protein coat, 3)drug stops virus from leaving cells 4)product of new viral RNA and proteins can be
blocked 5) reverse transcriptase can be blocked so virus can’t enter nucleus of host cells
3. Explain why effective treatment of AIDS with antiviral drugs is difficult
4. Many diseases are the result of infection of the body by either bacteria or viruses. State the name of one
disease caused by bacterial ______________ and viruses ____________
5. Discuss why viral infections are generally harder to treat than bacterial infections
6.