(39) GCSE Biology Revision "Testing Medicines"

Digitalis

A drug extracted from the plant foxglove, used for medicinal purposes.

Aspirin

A painkiller that was extracted from willow trees.

Penicillin

An antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in the mould Penicillium.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance is harmful to humans.

Preclinical Testing

Initial testing of a drug carried out on cells, tissues, or live animals before it is tested on humans.

Clinical Testing

The process of testing a drug on human subjects to determine its safety and effectiveness.

Optimal Dose

The best dose of a drug that treats a disease with the fewest side effects.

Placebo

A tablet or injection with no active drug; used as a control in testing.

Double-Blind Test

A study design where neither patients nor doctors know who receives the active drug and who receives the placebo to eliminate bias.