Why do we study chemistry?
Why do we study chemistry? The answer to this question will be obvious
when you consider the various classes of compounds we encounter in medicine and in our
daily lives. For example, we are concerned with compounds such as drugs and the changes
they undergo. Here are some things chemistry will tell us about drugs.
Actions. Chemistry may tell us
about the actions of drugs on the body. Drug effects are determined by the chemical
structure of a drug; changes in structure may alter the actions of the drug.
Safety and Storage Procedures.
Special safety or storage precautions may be necessary for particular drugs. These can be
identified by the chemical structure.
Incompatibilities. Sometimes,
two or more drugs cannot be mixed because of undesirable consequences. There are three
types of incompatibilities:
- Chemical. Alterations of chemical properties may occur when
two or more drugs are mixed.
- Physical. Physical properties of ingredients may produce a
mixture unacceptable in appearance or accuracy of dosage.
- Therapeutic. When two or more drugs are given to a patient,
they may interact in some way to change the effects of one of the drugs.
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