MEDICINAL DRUGS

→ drug is any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the
body.

ANTIBIOTICS
→ chemical substances to treat bacterial infections made by fungi/bacteria.
They kill bacteria by destroying their cell wall leading to cell bursting whilst others inhibit the
growth. Targeting bacterial prokaryotic cells.

Some bacterial strains become resistant to antibiotics because :

→ Mutation occurs in bacterial cells so when an antibiotic is administered the cell is not killed
therefore can reproduce.

VIRUSES
→ cannot be treated with antibiotics because antibiotics work by disrupting cell functions
however viruses do not carry out any cell functions and do not have cell walls, cell membranes
or any other cell organelles.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
→ resistance to antibiotics results in antibiotic resistant bacterial infections in hospitals such as
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Commonly prescribed antibiotics are becoming less effective because :

- Overuse.
- Patients failing to complete the fully prescribed course by a doctor
- Large scale use of antibiotics in farming to prevent disease when livestock are kept in
close quarters even when animals are not sick.

Ways to help individuals to prevent the incidence of antibiotic resistance increasing:

- Only taking antibiotics when needed.
- When prescribed, ensure that the entire course is completed even if you feel better in a
few days to make sure all the bacterias are killed.
MISUSED DRUGS
→ alcohol and heroin
They are both depressants meaning they lower the rate of nervous impulses by blocking
synapses.
(reactions are slower, lower self control leading to increased crime rate and antisocial behavior)

ALCOHOLS
The liver removes alcohol from the bloodstream, it has enzymes that break down alcohol but the
products involved are toxic which can irreparably damaged liver.

→ effects of alcohol
SHORT TERM EFFECTS
- Vomiting : getting rid of alcohol.
- Impared judgement and potentially violent behavior
- Impared balance and muscle control
- Sleepiness and when consumed in large amount : blackout

LONG TERM EFFECTS

- Damages the brain causing memory loss and confusion
- Heavy alcohol abuse over long term period damages the liver cause cirrhosis (sirosis sel
jaringan parut mempengaruhi fungsi normal hati)

HEROIN
→ reduces pain and slows breathing.
Excessive heroin : overdosing and death.
Medical problems : HIV due to sharing injections from the syringe. (dirty needles)

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
→ nausea, muscle cramps, sweating, anxiety and insomnia.

HOW HEROIN AFFECT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

→ When it enters the brain, heroin is metabolised to morphine, the molecules fit into some of
the endorphin receptors making them feel good.
Taking heroin reduces the production of natural endorphin and other neurotransmitters which is
why repeated use leads to need for greater amounts thus ADDICTION.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS

→ to enhance sporting performance
- Anabolic steroids : trigger the release of hormones which promotes muscle mass and
strength.

- Testerone : hormone which enhances athletic performance by improving muscle strength

and size as well as increasing energy levers and hand-eye coordination.
SMOKING
→ smoking is addictive due to a chemical called nicotine that causes the release of dopamine.
Long term smoking habits have links to diseases such as :

→ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

- Decreases the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs by damaging the alveoli resulting
in smaller surface area for diffusion and causing inflammation in airways
- Causes breathlessness, persistent cough and frequent chest infections.
- CANNOT BE CURED but progression can be slowed.

→ Lung cancer
- This is because cigarettes contain a variety of toxic chemicals like carcinogens.

→ Coronary heart disease

- Smoking puts a strain on the heart.
- This means that there is less oxygen present in the blood so it must work harder to
supply it to the tissues.
- There is also an increased risk of blood clots and other chemicals can damage arteries
which lead to heart attacks and heart failures.

COMPONENTS OF CIGARETTES
- Nicotine : causes high rate and blood pressure as well as triggers the release of
adrenaline.
- Tar : sticks to the cilia of cells in the lungs which blocked the transport of mucus resulting
in chest infections and can narrow airways.
- Carbon monoxide : decreases the amount of oxygen in blood thus putting strains to the
heart to supply more.

Other chemicals
Arsenic : rat poison
Formaldehyde : poisonous
Hydrogen cyanide : kill ants