Chapter 13 Answers to self check questions

Origins of drug molecules

Case study 13.1:

There is a common misconception that natural products cannot do any harm. This, however, is simply not the case. Just because something is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe to eat. Lots of very toxic chemicals come from nature.

Medicines that come from natural products have been rigorously tested to make sure they are safe.

Case study 13.2:

  1. Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin. Since many people have an allergy to penicillin, it is important to check that anyone prescribed this medication is sate to take it.
  2. Benzylpenicillin is broken down by stomach acid, so it has to be injected. It can also be broken down by lots of bacteria (they produce enzymes called β-lactamases). Amoxicillin is less susceptible to these.
  3. Amoxicillin does not taste very nice, but, thankfully, it is easily masked by other flavours. Paediatric amoxicillin suspension is banana flavoured.
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