Analgesics, antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants

1. Introduction to Drugs and Medicines

  1. Drugs are chemical substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases.
  2. Medicines are drugs that provide therapeutic effects with minimal side effects.
  3. They interact with biological molecules like enzymes and receptors to produce effects.
  4. Drugs can be classified based on their function, chemical structure, or target.

2. Analgesics (Painkillers)

  1. Analgesics are drugs that relieve pain without causing unconsciousness.
  2. They act on the central nervous system to block pain signals.
  3. Two main types:
    • Non-narcotic analgesics: Mild pain relievers (e.g., aspirin, paracetamol).
    • Narcotic analgesics: Strong pain relievers, can be addictive (e.g., morphine, codeine).
  4. Aspirin also has anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties.

3. Antibiotics

  1. Antibiotics are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
  2. Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 (Penicillin).
  3. Work by targeting bacterial cell walls, protein synthesis, or DNA replication.
  4. Types of antibiotics:
    • Broad-spectrum antibiotics: Effective against a wide range of bacteria (e.g., tetracycline).
    • Narrow-spectrum antibiotics: Target specific bacteria (e.g., penicillin).
  5. Overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, a major global health issue.

4. Antiseptics

  1. Antiseptics are chemicals applied to living tissues to prevent infection.
  2. They are used for wound cleaning, surgery, and personal hygiene.
  3. Common antiseptics:
    • Dettol (contains chloroxylenol).
    • Hydrogen peroxide (used for wound disinfection).
    • Iodine (strong antiseptic for cuts and wounds).
    • Boric acid (used in eye washes and ointments).

5. Disinfectants

  1. Disinfectants are chemical agents that kill or inhibit microorganisms on non-living surfaces.
  2. Used in hospitals, homes, and industries to maintain hygiene.
  3. Stronger than antiseptics but not safe for use on living tissues.
  4. Examples:
    • Bleach (sodium hypochlorite, used for cleaning floors and water purification).
    • Phenol (used in hospital disinfectants).
    • Formaldehyde (used for sterilization and preservation).

6. Differences Between Antiseptics and Disinfectants

  1. Antiseptics are used on living tissues, while disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces.
  2. Disinfectants are generally stronger than antiseptics.
  3. Some substances, like phenol, can act as both at different concentrations.

7. Importance of Drugs and Medicines

  1. Help in disease prevention, treatment, and pain management.
  2. Essential in surgery, infections, and chronic diseases.
  3. Play a key role in public health and medical advancements.

8. Conclusion

  1. Drugs and medicines are crucial for maintaining health and treating diseases.
  2. Proper use of analgesics, antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants is essential.
  3. Misuse can lead to drug resistance and health complications.