Learning Guide
January v3 2008
Learning Guide
You are now beginning the course. Please turn to Topic 1 and
work your way through the sessions. Remember to use the
Planning and Time Management Guide in the Course Outline if
you are unsure about the next activity or section of work to
complete.
January v3 2008
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Topic you will be able to:
• define the terms medicine, drug and poison
• define the terms Pharmacology and Toxicology
• list four different sources of drugs
• describe the main characteristics of medicines, drugs and
poisons.
Activity 1A
January v3 2008
Activity 1B
Definitions
Read:
• eBook, Chapter 1, pp.3 - 4
Test your understanding:
• Review the list of “Medicine, Drug or Poison?” and refine
it with your new understanding based on Session 1.2.
January v3 2008
Activity 1C
January v3 2008
Activity 1D
January v3 2008
Example:
• diazepam:
click on the link to MIMS online given above. A search
box will appear with three rows. Enter “diazepam” in
the first row (brand/generic name). A list of drugs will
then appear, trade names in bold and generic name in
brackets. Select two drugs that contain diazepam,
click on these names (e.g. valium and valpam) and
note any similarities or differences between the two
preparations:
e.g. Valium: available as tablets containing diazepam,
2 or 5 mg; also contains lactose but no gluten (for
those with allergies to gluten). Also available as
an injection.
Valpam: tablets containing diazepam, 2 or 5 mg
and also contains lactose but no gluten.
The two tablet preparations, Valium and Valpam seem
to be identical – both contain the same amounts of
diazepam and the same additives. The colours of the
tablets are also the same. Possibly one is a cheaper
alternative to the other.
May be classified on the basis of 1) use: anti-anxiety or
muscle relaxant or 2) chemical class or structure:
benzodiazepine (see “Pharmacology”)
Discussion Exercise:
• What do you understand by “chemical synthesis” of
drugs and “natural” remedies?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a)
chemically manufactured drugs; b) natural extracts?
January v3 2008
January v3 2008