OVERVIEW

The course provides in-depth knowledge of chemical formula, design and development, mechanism of action, molecular interactions with the biological target, structure-activity correlations, dosage, commercial name, main metabolic reactions and metabolites, side effects, interactions with other drugs for the following class of drugs (the complete list is reported in Manifesto): anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic drugs - antiepileptic drugs - antidepressant drugs - neuroleptic drugs - opiate analgesics - cannabinoids - CNS stimulants - drugs active on the peripheral nervous system, drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antirheumatic drugs, antigout drugs, drugs for heart and circulation, diuretics, antiarrhythmic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, drugs for erectile dysfunction, antitussive drugs. Toxicological Chemistry topics will be discussed along Medicinal Chemistry topics, since the two modules are strictly connected. Special attention will be paid to to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) structures and effects and alkaloids.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student is able to discuss, on the basis of the  chemical characteristics of the molecule, its interactions at molecular level with the biological target. Therefore the student is able to understand the therapeutic use of the specific drug. Furthermore, the student is able to identify the main points for metabolic attack, metabolic reactions, and therefore the drug toxicity, in general or for particular classes of patients. The student knows how to identify any negative or positive association between drugs. He/she can identify any "off-label" use of the drug.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Objective of the course is to make the student able to analyze the type of drug, its ability to pass the blood-brain barrier, its metabolic reactions, the possible formation of active metabolites, its toxicity on the basis of the chemical structure of the molecule. The ability to predict and discuss interactions at the molecular level with the biological target is also acquired

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of basic chemistry, in particular organic chemistry, is required to take the course successfully and derive the maximum benefit from it in terms of learning. The notions learned in the courses of Biochemistry, General Pharmacology and obviously General Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry I are also very useful.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of about 48 lessons of two hours each, held in person. During the lessons slides, available for students, are used.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department ( Prof. Luca Raiteri, Luca.Raiteri@unige.it ) before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific learning methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes. VERY IMPORTANT: any request for compensatory tools and adaptations in the exam MUST be done within 10 working days before the date of the exam according to the instructions that can be found at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Knowledge of chemical formula, mechanism of action, molecular interactions with the biological target, structure-activity correlations, dosage, commercial name, main metabolites, side effects, interactions with other drugs for the following class of drugs (the complete list is  reported in Manifesto): anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic drugs - antiepileptic drugs - antidepressant drugs - neuroleptic drugs - opiate analgesics - cannabinoids - CNS stimulants - drugs active on the peripheral nervous system, drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antirheumatic drugs, antigout drugs, drugs for heart and circulation, diuretics, antiarrhythmic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, drugs for erectile dysfunction, antitussive drugs.
 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

G. Patrick, Chimica Farmaceutica, Ed. curata da G. Costantino, Edises

Gasco et al., Chimica Farmaceutica, Ed. Ambrosiana

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to Manifesto, second semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is an oral exam, lasting 1 hour. 4 questions concerning medicinal chemistry, 1 question on toxicological chemistry.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The candidate is able to fully answer to all questions during the exam. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information please contact the teacher by e-mail.