Introducation
The study of drug metabolism in pharmaceutical chemistry courses focuses on how the body breaks down and excretes medications. The development of medications with the best dose regimens is aided by this information. These topics also cover the fundamentals of medication toxicity and safety, making it possible to recognise and reduce potential dangers. Aspects of regulation, such as Good Manufacturing Practises (GMP) and quality control, are also taught to students in order to guarantee that medications are produced in accordance with the necessary standards. Pharmaceutical chemistry courses ultimately support the creation of novel, life-saving drugs and are the foundation of the pharmaceutical business.
In the first year of the D. Pharm program, students will study Pharmaceutical Chemistry, which encompasses various topics related to the fundamentals of chemistry, pharmaceutical impurities, analytical techniques, inorganic pharmaceuticals, nomenclature of organic compounds, and the classification and study of medicinal compounds.
Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to-
- Describe the chemical class, structure and chemical name of the commonly used drugs and pharmaceuticals of both organic and inorganic nature.
- Discuss the pharmacological uses, dosage regimen, stability issues and storage conditions of all such chemical substances commonly used as drugs.
- Describe the quantitative and qualitative analysis, impurity testing of the chemical substances given in the official monographs.
- Identify the dosage form & the brand names of the drugs and pharmaceuticals popular in the marketplace.
Here is an overview of what students will learn in each topic:
- Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Students will understand the scope and objectives of pharmaceutical chemistry, exploring its relevance to pharmacy practice and drug development. They will gain insights into the sources and types of errors, including accuracy, precision, and significant figures.
- Impurities in Pharmaceuticals: Students will learn about the sources and effects of impurities in pharmacopoeial substances. They will understand the importance of limit tests for determining the presence of impurities, and the principles and procedures involved in limit tests for chlorides, sulphates, iron, heavy metals, and arsenic.
- Volumetric Analysis: Students will study the fundamentals of volumetric analysis, including different types such as acid-base titration, non-aqueous titration, precipitation titration, complexometric titration, and redox titration. They will gain an understanding of the principles and methods involved in each type of analysis.
- Gravimetric Analysis: This topic covers the principles and methods of gravimetric analysis, which involves the determination of the quantity of a substance based on the measurement of mass.
- Inorganic Pharmaceuticals: Students will explore different inorganic pharmaceutical formulations, their market preparations, storage conditions, and uses. They will study haematinics (such as ferrous sulphate and carbonyl iron), gastrointestinal agents, topical agents, dental products, and medicinal gases.
- Introduction to Nomenclature of Organic Chemical Systems: Students will learn the basics of nomenclature in organic chemistry, with a focus on heterocyclic compounds containing up to three rings.
- Study of Medicinal Compounds: Students will study various categories of medicinal compounds with respect to their classification, chemical names, chemical structures, uses, stability and storage conditions, different types of formulations, and popular brand names.
- This includes-
- Drug acting on the central nervous system (such as anaesthetics, sedatives, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants)
- Drug acting on the autonomic nervous system (such as sympathomimetic agents, adrenergic antagonists, cholinergic drugs, and cholinergic blocking agents).
- Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System: Students will explore anti-arrhythmic drugs, anti-hypertensive agents, antianginal agents, and diuretics used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
- Hypoglycemic Agents: This topic covers the study of hypoglycemic agents, including insulin and its preparations, metformin, sulfonylureas, gliflozins, gliptins, and other agents used in the management of diabetes.
- Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Students will learn about morphine analogues, narcotic antagonists, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aceclofenac.
- Anti-Infective Agents:This topic covers antifungal agents, urinary tract anti-infective agents, anti-tubercular agents, antiviral agents, antimalarials, sulfonamides, antibiotics, and antineoplastic agents used in the treatment of various infections and diseases.
Conclusion
For the creation and manufacture of safe and effective drugs, pharmaceutical chemistry is a crucial field of study. Students studying this subject gain knowledge of drug metabolism, dosing guidelines, and pharmaceutical safety. They research the names, chemical compositions, and physical and chemical structures of widely used organic and inorganic medications. Techniques for quantitative and qualitative analysis, such as impurity testing, are mastered by students. They look into several types of therapeutic substances, including those that affect the cardiovascular system, the autonomic nervous system, the central nervous system, analgesics, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective chemicals. Students get the information and abilities needed to contribute to the pharmaceutical business and the creation of life-saving medications via their academic pursuits.