1. In allergy sufferer, histamine causes runny noses, red eyes, and other symptoms.
a. Give the chemical formula for this compound.
b. Circle the amine functional groups in histamine.
c. Which part (or parts) of the molecule make the compound water-soluble?
Answer:
a. C5H9N2
b.
c. N atoms have negative dipole moments which can form hydrogen bonds with H+ of H20 molecules
2. Antihistamines are widely used drugs for treating symptoms of allergies caused by reactions to histamine compounds. This class of drug competes with histamine, occupying receptor sites on cells normally occupied by histamine.
a. Give the chemical formula for this compound.
b. What similarities do you see between this structure and that of histamine (shown in the previous question 1) that would allow the antihistamine to compete with histamine?
Answer:
a. C16H21N3
b. Two-carbon chain with an N at the end and a three atom sequence N-C-N.
3. Consider this statement. ‘Drugs can be broadly classed into two groups: those that produce a physiological response in the body and those that inhibit the growth of substances that cause infections.” Into which class does each of these drugs fall?
Answer:
| Physiological response
-aspirin -morphine -estrogen -amphetamine |
Inhibit growth of substances
-(Keflex) antibiotic -Penicillin
|
4. Herbal or alternative medicines are not regulated in the same way as prescription or OTC medicines. In particular, the issues of concern are identification and quantification of the active ingredient, quality control in manufacture, and side effects when the herbal remedy is used in conjunction with another alternative or prescription medicine.
a. What do you think is the evidence from herbal supplement manufacturers that address these issues?
b. Do you know anything about Singapore’s legislation on the topic?
Answer:
a. Products like herbs are sometimes tainted with germs, pesticides, or toxic heavy metals. Other supplements do not contain what’s listed on the label. This is because some herbal manufacturers mix or substitute products with cheaper alternatives. As such, the purity of these medicines become obscured as testing becomes less reliable.
b. We know that there is currently not much strict enforcement of legislation but regardless dealers have the responsibility to ensure that their health supplements do abide with safety and quality standards.
