Skip to content

Category: Medicinal chemistry

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Decoding the Core: What is the basic principle of drug design?

5 min read
Despite costing billions and taking over a decade to develop, only a fraction of drug candidates successfully reach the market. The core process that drives this scientific endeavor is drug design, and understanding its basic principle—molecular recognition—is fundamental to creating more effective and safer medicines.

Exploring the Journey: What are the steps of drug design?

5 min read
Developing a new drug is a lengthy and challenging process, with statistics indicating that only about 1 out of 5,000 compounds entering the preclinical phase eventually becomes an approved drug. Understanding **what are the steps of drug design** is crucial for appreciating the immense scientific and financial investment required to bring new medicines to market.

Understanding What is Modification of the Drug Target?

4 min read
According to scientific literature, antibiotic resistance through target modification is a prevalent strategy employed by pathogens to evade treatment. Understanding what is modification of the drug target is thus essential for grasping the complexities of both disease-causing organisms and modern medicinal chemistry.

The surprising truth: Is ivermectin a natural product?

3 min read
First discovered from a microbe in a Japanese soil sample, the precursor to ivermectin is indeed a natural product. However, the final antiparasitic medication, ivermectin, is not purely natural but a semisynthetic derivative, created through a specific chemical modification process.

What are the properties of beta asarone?

4 min read
Beta-asarone is a primary active component found in the essential oil of plants like *Acorus calamus*, where its concentration in some varieties can be as high as 95% [1.5.1]. This article delves into what are the properties of beta asarone, covering its dual nature of therapeutic potential and toxicity.

Understanding What is the Classification of Pentobarbital

4 min read
As a potent central nervous system (CNS) depressant, pentobarbital belongs to the barbiturate class of medications. Its classification as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States highlights its high potential for abuse and dependence, which dictates its restricted medical use.

A Guide to Pharmacology: What is Acetal Good For?

4 min read
In organic synthesis, acetals are frequently used as protecting groups for ketones and aldehydes, temporarily masking their reactivity [1.3.1, 1.5.3]. So, **what is acetal good for** in the broader context of pharmacology and medicine? Its roles are surprisingly diverse.

What Drug is SH? Unpacking a Critical Medical Abbreviation

4 min read
The sulfhydryl (-SH) group is a key functional component in many drugs, including captopril, one of the first widely available ACE inhibitors used to treat hypertension [1.5.3, 1.5.1]. When asking 'What drug is SH?', the answer most often lies in understanding this vital chemical moiety.

What is the mechanism of action of adrenergic agonists?

6 min read
Adrenergic agonists are a broad class of medications that mimic the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. These drugs produce a range of physiological responses, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and bronchodilation, all by interacting with specific adrenergic receptors. Understanding the precise mechanism of action of adrenergic agonists is crucial for appreciating their diverse therapeutic applications and potential side effects.