CM8001

Q1. In allergy sufferers, histamine causes runny noses, red eyes, and other symptoms. Here is its structural formula.

a. Give the chemical formula for this compound.
b. Identify the amine functional groups in histamine.
c. Which part (or parts) of the molecule make the compound water-soluble?

Q2. Antihistamines are widely used drugs for treating symptoms of allergies caused by reactions to histamine compounds. This class of drug competes with histamine, occupying receptor sites on cells normally occupied by histamine. Here is the structure for a particular antihistamine.

a. Give the chemical formula for this compound.
b. What similarities do you see between this structure and that of histamine shown in the previous question that would allow the antihistamine to compete with histamine?

Q3. Consider this statement. “Drugs can be broadly classed into two groups: those that produce a physiological response in the body and those that inhibit the growth of substances that cause infections.” Into which class does each of these drugs fall?

a. aspirin c. (Keflex) antibiotic e. amphetamine
b. morphine d. estrogen f. penicillin.

Q4. Herbal or alternative medicines are not regulated in the same way as prescription or OTC medicines. In particular, the issues of concern are identification and quantification of the active ingredient, quality control in manufacture, and side effects when the herbal remedy is used in conjunction with another alternative or prescription medicine.

a) What do you think is the evidence from herbal supplement manufacturers that address these issues?
b) Do you know anything about Singapore’s legislation on the topic?