O.K. I need help selecting a drug to write a paper in Chemistry?

Question

Can somebody give me some choices of drugs.
Please dont say illegal drugs like crack,cocaine. I want drugs
like advil...

If would be appreciated if you provided a website.
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The drug I have to choose must have these (4)
1. What is the complete name and structure for the drug.
2. What the drug is used for.
3. What side effects can happen with this drug.
4. What interactions with other drugs or foods can occur.

Answer 1

Oh! I want to see your paper when it is done.

I think Depakote has an interesting history.

It was originally used to treat seizure disorders. Then, someone realized that people who used it had a more stable mood after starting on this medication. They started using it then for people with bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder).

The generic name is valproic acid.

One side effect is that it inhibits the body's ability to metabolize fat. Most patients gain weight while taking it. but it makes them feel so much better that they continue to take it and just watch the fat intake.

Another interesting, fairly new drug is Lamictal. I really don't know much about it except that it is use for people with bipolar disorder and one side effect is Stevens Johnson syndrome. In SJS, you first get a rash, then they turn to blisters and your skin soughs off and you die.

You should be able to find either of these on the internet.

Answer 2

St. Johns Wort
It is used to treat depression and it has a lot of interesting drug drug interactions i.e. it upregulates drug metabolism genes meaning other drugs won't work as well. That could be really bad when taking "the pill."

Answer 3

I would pick a drug such as Benadryl, because it is relatively common, has few side effects, and has relatively few interactions that I know of. It is commonly used as a drug to combat allergic reactions and is given as a sleeping aid.
The information is easily found online as it is a very common drug that is used for both children and adults.

Answer 4

I would suggest thalidomide. Has relatively few side effects for the person taking it, but it led to severe birth defects in children of women who took it when they were pregnant. The drug itself exists in two, mirror image forms. It turns out that one of these forms caused the defects. Tragic, but an interesting chemistry/biology story. And, scientists are still finding potential uses for both of the forms of this drug (for potential use in NON-pregnant women, of course)

Answer 5

How about caffeine?...Neat little drug with a lot of information available

Answer 6

penicillin,tetracycline,