BIO 316 W2 Assignment Classifying Drugs
BIO 316 W2 Assignment Classifying Drugs
Using the text and the Internet, such as the PDR website, classify each of the following drugs and include a generic name, if possible. Also, list the clinical usage of each and the adverse effects that could arise.
Use the Classifying Drugs Template when completing this assignment.
Atropine
Dexamethasone
Adenosine
Neo-Synephrine
Epinephrine
Lanoxin
Benydryl
Glucagon
BIO 316 W2 Assignment Classifying Drugs
Vasopressin
Nitroglycerin
Dopamine
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected
| Week Two Assignment Questions |
Homework is to be presented as a short (90-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.
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
1-Clinical Pharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple
Olson, J. (2010). Clinical pharmacology made ridiculously simple (4th ed.). Miami, FL: MedMaster, Inc. ISBN 9781935660002 (Available as print text only)
2-Periodic Table of the Elements
Refer to the Periodical Table as needed throughout the course.
URL:
http://conhs.gcumedia.com/periodicTable/periodic.htm
PDRhealth Physicians’ Desk Reference
Explore the PDRhealth Physicians’ Desk Reference website.
URL:
http://www.pdrhealth.com
Drugs can be classified in many ways. For example, they can be classified according to:
- uses (medicinal or recreational)
- effect on the body (the specific effect on the central nervous system)
- source of the substance (synthetic or plant)
- legal status (legal/illegal)
- risk status (dangerous/safe).
One of the most common and useful ways of classifying a drug is by the effect that it has on a person’s central nervous system. The brain is the major part of the central nervous system, and this is where psycho-active drugs have their main effect.
The below sub-section summarises the major classifications of drugs including stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. The group ‘others’ includes those psycho-active drugs that do not fit neatly in any other category. Some drugs can be classified in a number of categories, e.g. cannabis and ecstasy.
Classifying drugs by their effect on CNS
Stimulants
Tend to speed up the activity of a person’s central nervous system (CNS) including the brain.
These drugs often result in the user feeling more alert and more energetic.
Examples include:
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Pseudoephidrine (found in medications such as Sudafed, Codral Cold and Flu)
- Nicotine
- CaffeineTop of page
Depressants (also known as relaxants)
Tend to slow down the activity of the CNS, which often results in the user feeling less pain, more relaxed and sleepy.
These symptoms may be noticeable when a drug is taken in large amounts.
It is important to note that the term ‘depressant’ is used to describe the effect on the CNS, not mood.
CNS depressants are more likely to result in euphoria than depression, especially in moderate use.
Examples include:
- Alcohol
- Major tranquillisers
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Temazepam) Opioids (heroin, morphine)
- Volatile substances (can also be classified as ‘other’ (glue, petrol, and paint).