OVERVIEW

The course provides in-depth 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.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student is able to discuss, on the basis of the characteristics of the chemical structure of the molecule, its interactions at molecular level with the biological target and therefore the student is able to better understand the therapeutic use of that specific drug. Furthermore, the student is able to identify the main points for metabolic attack and therefore, toxicity, generally speaking 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

At the end of the course the person is able to discuss, on the basis of the characteristics of the chemical structure of the molecule, its interactions at the molecular level with the biological target and therefore better understand the therapeutic use of the drug in question. Furthermore, it is able to identify the main points of metabolic attack and therefore, any toxicity, in general or for particular classes of patients. The person knows how to identify any negative or positive associations between drugs. It can identify any "off-label" uses of the drug.

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

During lessons the teacher uses slides (available for students) about the contents of each topic discussed, a book of Medicinal Chemistry is strongly suggested as further support.

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

The contents are detailed into the Manifesto, see previous sections. Drugs treating pathologies of the Central nervouls system (e.g. anxyolitics, anti eptilectic, antidepressant, antipsychotic, narcotics), NSAIDS and other drugs acting on peripheral targets (e.g. hearth, blood coagulation, circulation, pressure).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gasco Gualtieri Melchiorre, Chimica Farmaceutica, editrice Ambrosiana

Patrick, italian edition by Gabriele Costantino, Edises

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLA FOSSA (President)

ANNA CARBONE

ELENA CICHERO (Substitute)

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 discussion of four topics of the course. It lasts 50 minutes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will ascertain if the student already possess the knowledge of the topics discussed in the course.

Exam schedule