Learning objectives
Knowledge of the basic principles of pharmaceutical research. The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the chemical and biological properties and on the mechanism of action of the main classes of drugs.
Prerequisites
Biochemistry
Course unit content
<br />GENERAL PART<br />Introduction Illustration of the aims of the course. Definition, classification and nomenclature of drugs. Strategies for drug discovery. Optimization of the lead compound.<br />Pharmacological structure and activity Phases of a drug's action. Mechanism of the molecular action of drugs. Chemico-physical properties and biological activity. Receptors and drug-receptor interactions. The binding interactions of the drug-receptor complex. Receptor theories. Enzymes and enzyme inhibitors. Antimetabolites. Stereochemistry and pharmacological activity. Optical, geometric and conformational isomerism. Isosterism and bioisosterism. Drug metabolism. Drug biotransformation; phase I and phase II reactions; the cytochrome P-450 system. Prodrugs..<br />SYSTEMATIC PART<br />Drugs that affect neurotransmission in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.<br />Cardiovascular drugs<br />Cardiotonics, antianginal drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, antihypertensives. Lipid-lowering drugs.<br />Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.<br />Antiallergic drugs.<br />Antiulcer drugs.<br />Synthetic systemic anti-infectious drugs (Sulfamidics, quinolones, nitro heterocycles).<br />Antibiotics: beta-lactams, macrolides, polypeptides, aminoglucosides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol.<br />Antiviral drugs.<br />Anticancer drugs.<br /><br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
<br /><br /> D.A. Williams, T.L. Lemke, Foye's Principi di Chimica Farmaceutica Ed. Piccin Bologna<br /> E. Schroder, C.Rufer, R.Schmiechen Chimica Farmaceutica EdiSES - Napoli <br /> C.G. Wermuth Le applicazioni della Chimica Farmaceutica EdiSES - Napoli<br /> G.L. Patrick Introduzione alla Chimica Farmaceutica EdiSES - Napoli<br />
Teaching methods
The final exam focuses on all the topics included in the course syllabus. The student must demonstrate that he/she has understood the fundamental concepts of each topic and that he/she is able to use them.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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