Homework is to be presented as a short (50-100-word) paragraph
response for each question. The assignment is to be submitted as a
Microsoft Word document electronically to the instructor.
- Why are drugs classified in the categories they are?
- Give a description of the actions of drugs in each category.
- What is chemotherapy and which diseases are treated this way?
- Give examples of how contrast media are used to produce an image.
- Compare ionic and non-ionic contrast media.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a professor in the medical field, it is important to understand the classification of drugs, chemotherapy, and contrast media. In this assignment, we will explore these topics and their applications in medicine.
1. Drugs are classified into categories based on their chemical properties, mode of action, and therapeutic uses. These categories include antibiotics, antihypertensives, steroids, analgesics, and many others. This classification helps doctors to prescribe appropriate drugs for specific conditions and avoid harmful side effects.
2. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, by either halting their growth or killing them outright. Antihypertensives lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks. Steroids reduce inflammation, such as occurs with asthma. Analgesics are painkillers that relieve pain and discomfort.
3. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer by killing rapidly dividing cancer cells. This method aims to slow the progression of cancer and prevent its spread. Diseases treated with chemotherapy include leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
4. Contrast media are substances used to make specific structures more visible on medical imaging. They are either swallowed or injected into the body. For example, barium sulfate is used to produce an image of the gastrointestinal tract while iodine contrast agents are used for imaging blood vessels.
5. Ionic and non-ionic contrast media refer to the chemical makeup of the contrast agent. Ionic contrast media are more likely to cause allergic reactions while non-ionic contrast media are generally safer. However, non-ionic agents are more expensive than ionic ones.
