DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Science >> Biology for Kids

Biology for Kids

Medicine and Pharmaceutical Drugs

We often take medicine, also called pharmaceutical drugs, when we are sick. Pharmaceutical drugs are chemical substances that help to cure, prevent, or relieve the symptoms of illnesses.

What are medicines made from?

Historically medicines have been made from natural sources such as plants, animals, molds, bacteria, and minerals. A lot of medicines are still made from natural sources, especially plants. However, most medicines are "synthetic" medicines. This means that they are made by chemists in labs.

Making a New Drug

In order to make a new drug, pharmaceutical companies do a lot of research and testing. There are certain steps that are usually followed:
  1. Research - The first step in making a new drug is research. Scientists study what causes a disease or a symptom. They may study the pathogens (germs) that cause a disease or what makes a certain symptom occur. They then run experiments in the lab to see what chemicals may work. They also use supercomputers to run computer models.
  2. Testing on animals - The next phase is testing on animals. Once they have had success in testing on animals, they will apply to the FDA for approval to begin testing on humans.
  3. Testing on humans - Testing on humans takes place in three phases.
  4. Phase I trials - In the first phase, the drug is tested for safety on a small group of 20-80 people.
  5. Phase II trials - In the second phase, the drug is tested on 100-300 people for efficacy. Efficacy is a measurement of how well the drug works. Some people take the actual drug while others take a placebo. A placebo is just a sugar pill with no real drugs in it. This phase helps researchers determine if the drug is truly effective.
  6. Phase III trials - In the third phase, much larger groups of people are tested, typically over 1,000. The effectiveness and side effects are further determined during this phase.
  7. New Drug Application - If the trials are successful, then the pharmaceutical company will apply to the FDA for a New Drug Application.
  8. FDA Approval - If the FDA approves, then the drug can be sold.
Making a new drug takes many years and typically costs millions of dollars.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

In the United States, the government has regulations in order to insure that drugs are as safe as possible. Companies must run certain tests and pass requirements before they can sell a drug. The agency that watches over drugs is called the Food and Drug Administration, which is often shortened to FDA.

Types of Drugs

Most legal drugs can be divided into two categories: Ways of Taking Drugs

Pharmaceutical drugs can be administered by a number of methods including pills, shots (ouch!), creams, eye drops, inhalers, mists, and through an IV (intravenous).

Side Effects

Most drugs have side effects. You should always read the labels of any drugs you take and follow the instructions, doses, and warnings. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your doctor.

*** NOTE: Just because a drug is "safe" and "over the counter" you must still follow the instructions. Taking too much of any drug is VERY dangerous and can even kill you. Kids should never take medicine without the help of a parent, nurse, or doctor.

Interesting Facts about Medicine and Pharmaceutical Drugs Activities

*** This page is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Please immediately consult your doctor if you have medical concerns.

More Biology Subjects

Cell
The Cell
Cell Cycle and Division
Nucleus
Ribosomes
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts
Proteins
Enzymes

The Human Body
Human Body
Brain
Nervous System
Digestive System
Sight and the Eye
Hearing and the Ear
Smelling and Tasting
Skin
Muscles
Breathing
Blood and Heart
Bones
List of Human Bones
Immune System
Organs

Nutrition
Nutrition
Vitamins and Minerals
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Enzymes

Genetics
Genetics
Chromosomes
DNA
Mendel and Heredity
Hereditary Patterns
Proteins and Amino Acids

Plants
Photosynthesis
Plant Structure
Plant Defenses
Flowering Plants
Non-Flowering Plants
Trees
Living Organisms
Scientific Classification
Animals
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Viruses

Disease
Infectious Disease
Medicine and Pharmaceutical Drugs
Epidemics and Pandemics
Historical Epidemics and Pandemics
Immune System
Cancer
Concussions
Diabetes
Influenza


Science >> Biology for Kids


Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.