Drugs Flashcards
1
Q
Developing new drugs
A
1) tested on models (humans cells) to see if it is safe and effective
2) tested on animals
3) tested on healthy volunteers, dose rises from very low in order to find optimum dose.
2
Q
What is a double blind trial?
A
Placebo is used to distinguish real effects from fake
User may feel better without drug effecting them
50% of volunteers have real drug, doctors don’t know who has real or fake drug
3
Q
What happened with thalidomide?
A
- originally used as sleeping pill
- used as a morning sickness - untested on pregnant women
- particularily if taken during first 4-8 weeks of pregnancy it causes limb deformities
- 10,000 babies affected
- used today to treat bone cancer and leprosy, but heavily regulated
4
Q
Effects of alcohol
A
•don't realise how much the drink - lead to unconsciousness •addictive Long term: •brain damage •liver cirrhosis/damage •weight gain
5
Q
Effect of nicotine
A
•114,000 related deaths per year •health warning on packets •addictive Increase risk of: •heart disease & stroke •miscarriage & premature birth •lung, mouth and throat cancer
6
Q
Illegal drugs
A
- HIV - when sharing needles
- could cause brain (cannabis) and circulatory problems (cocaine)
- not as much of a prominent issue as legal drugs as they are not as widely used.
- may cause dependency (heroin)
7
Q
Performance enhancing drugs
A
- banned in sports
- stimulants - boost body function (e.g. heart rate)
- steroids - increase muscle mass, ability to train harder and longer
