Unit 3: Drugs

Section 1: Drugs

Section 2: Drugs as Medicines

Section 3: Drugs and the Brain

Chapter 9: Understanding Drugs and Medicines

What are drugs?A drug is any substance that causes a change

in a person’s physical or psychological state.

Some drugs are medicinesA drug that is used to cure, prevent, or treat

illness or discomfort is called a Medicine

Section 1: Drugs

Types of Medicines (pg.220)AnalgesicAntihistamineAntacidAntibioticBronchodilatorSteroid anti-

inflammatory

HormoneStimulantAnti-anxietyVaccineSedative

Prescription – a written order from a doctor for a specific medicine.

Over-the-counter (OTC) – medicines that can be bought without a prescription.

Prescription vs. Over-the-counter (OTC) Medicines

How Drugs Enter Your Body Implanted Pumps

Surgically implanted specialized pumps inject drugs directly into a specific part of the body

Inhalation The drug enters the body

through blood vessels in the lungs when it is inhaled

Injection The drug is injected by

using a hypodermic needle.

Transdermal Patches The drug is packaged into

patches that are placed on the skin

Ingestion The drug is swallowed and

absorbed though blood vessels in the intestines.

Topical Application The drug is applied directly

to certain areas of the body and absorbed into the skin

Name the delivery method of the following drugs and medicines ---Asthma InhalerTetanus ShotNicotine PatchCup of CoffeeSunburn Lotion

Activity

The purpose of this section is to learn the following:Drug approval processPossible problems with medicinesHow to read a drug labelHow to use medicines wisely and safely

Section 2: Drugs as Medicines

In 1906, a governmental agency called the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was created to control the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics.

Testing a Drug --- Initial tests take place in a laboratory and include

chemical tests or tests on cell cultures (cells grown in labs).

Then, Drugs are tested on animals. If safe, then drugs are tested on human volunteers. If pass, then tested on patients with illness drug is meant

to treat. If clinical trials show drug is safe and effective, then drug

company can apply for approval by the FDA.

Approving Drugs for Medical Use

Even with FDA approval, some medicines can be bought only with a prescription.

Such medications often treat serious health conditions or are very powerful medicines.

Prescription medicines should only be taken under the recommendation of a doctor.

Prescription Medicines

Why do I need to take this medicine?When should I take the medicine?For how long?Are there any side effects?What should I do if I experience a side effect?Should I avoid any other medications, dietary

supplements, foods, drinks, or activities while I take the medicine?

What do I do if I miss a dose?Can I take a generic form of the medication and

if so, what is the name?

Questions to Ask When Your Doctor Prescribes a Medicine

The dose (how much of the medicine you should take)

When you should take the medicineHow often you should take the medicineThe length of time you should take the

medicine.

When filled at a pharmacy, the pharmacist should make sure you have all the information you need; many will also include a drug information sheet.

What Information Does a Prescription Have?

The only person who should take a prescription medicine is the person whose name is listed on the label.

Many prescription drugs are misused and abused.This misuse and abuse can involve taking

medicine when it is not needed, take too much, or mixing with other medicines.

Misuse of Prescription Drugs

Most grocery stores and drug stores have at least one aisle of OTC medicines.

You can but them with prescription

See pg. 224. Beliefs vs. reality

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

Complete Drugs as Medicines Worksheets --- examining OTC medicine Labels (pg. 9 and 12)

Due tomorrow.

Activity/Homework

Allergic ReactionsSide EffectsDrug Interactions

Occur when a drug reacts with another drug, food, or dietary supplement to increase of decrease the effect of one of the substances.

Possible Problems with Medicines

Taking correct amounts of the correct medicine is very important. There are several important things you can do to make your medicines as safe and as effective as possible.Make yourself a part of your own healthcare teamBe prepared to ask questionsLearn the facts about any medicine you are going

to takeListen to your bodyIt’s not always safe to suddenly stop taking a drugSpeak up and enlist your parents’ help

Using Medicines Wisely

The Path to Addiction --- The dangers of drug useToleranceDependence

PhysicalPsychological

AddictionWithdrawl

Addiction is a Treatable Disease

Section 3: Drugs and the Brain

Chapter 9 ReviewKey TermSection 1Section 2Section 3

Do not do Critical Thinking questions.

Homework

Groups of two.

See handout.

Drug Projects