INTRO TO MEDICINES

What is a drug?

Any substance (excluding food and water) that alters how the body functions

What is an active ingredient?

The chemical component responsible for producing a drug’s biological effect

Where do drugs come from?

Natural sources (plants/environment) or synthetic laboratory production

When does a drug become a medicine?

When it is used therapeutically to prevent, treat, or cure a condition.

What is a pharmaceutical?

A drug that has been developed and formulated into a product for therapeutic use

Give an example of a drug becoming a medicine

Caffeine (drug) —> used in Panadol Extra (medicine)

What is a legal drug?

A substance permitted for use, possession and sale (e.g caffeine)

What are regulated drugs?

Legal drugs with restrictions to reduce harm (e.g alcohol, nicotine)

What are controlled drugs?

High-risk substances tightly managed through prescription and legal oversight (e.g opioids)

What are illegal drugs?

Substances prohibited due to high harm and no lawful use (e.g heroin, meth, MDMA)

What is illicit drug use?

Any use that breaks the law, including misuse of legal substances

How do cultural beliefs influence drug classification?

Culture shapes what is considered medicine, acceptable or harmful.

Example of cultural influence on drug classification?

Ayahuasca is medicinal in South America but illegal in Australia

Key idea about legality vs use?

Legality depends not its on the substance, but how it is used

What is the role of TGA? (Therapeutic Goods Administration)

Ensures medicines are safe, effective and meet quality standards before supply.

What is ARTG

Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods - a list of approved medicines

Why must medicines be on the ARTG?

To be legally supplied in Australia (unless exempt)

What is the role of ODC? (office of drug control)

Controls and monitors high-risk substances and ensure compliance with international drug laws

What does the TGA’s “risked-based approach” mean?

Higher-risk medicines undergo stricter regulation and evaluation

What is scheduling?

A system that determines how medicines are accessed (e.g pharmacy vs prescription)

What is SUSMP?

Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons - the national system classifying medicines and poisons based on risk.

Why are drugs considered poisons?

Because harm depends on dose - any drug can be toxic at high levels

What does the chemist do in drug development?

Designs and synthesises new drug molecules

What does the toxicologist do?

Studies harmful effects and ensures drug safety

What does the pharmacologist do?

Studies how drugs interact with the body (effects + processing)

What does a pharmaceutical scientist do?

Converts drug compounds into usable medicines.

What does a pharmacist do?

Dispenses medicines, provides advice and ensures safe use

Why is the pharmacist important?

They are the final safety checkpoint between medicine and patient.