Authors: Dr. T. Clarina and Dr. A. Muthuvinothini

ISBN: 978-81-988533-9-4

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/pc/376

Date of Publication: June 06, 2025

About the Book:

Pharmaceutical Chemistry is an essential branch of science that connects the principles of chemistry with the development of safe and effective medications. This book, titled “Pharmaceutical Chemistry,” is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for undergraduate students pursuing their Semester V studies in chemistry and related disciplines.

The book covers a broad range of topics, including drug classification, mechanisms of drug action, synthesis of important pharmaceutical compounds and pharmaceutical analysis techniques. Each chapter is structured to provide clarity, promote understanding and highlight the real-world applications of chemical concepts in the pharmaceutical field. Special attention has been given to align the content with the academic syllabus, while also nurturing curiosity and deeper learning among students.

This volume draws from several authoritative sources, particularly Dr. Jayashree Ghosh’s “A Textbook of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,” as well as various academic references and reliable online materials. Our goal has been to present complex concepts in a simplified and student-friendly manner without compromising academic depth.

We are especially thankful to our esteemed Chairman, Dr. J. Praveen Christopher and the college management for their encouragement and trust in our efforts. We also acknowledge the editorial team at San International Publications for their professionalism and commitment to high publishing standards. We hope this book will be a valuable guide for students and an inspiration for further exploration into the dynamic world of pharmaceutical chemistry.

 Syllabus

UNIT I: Introduction

Important terminologies – drug, pharmacognosy, pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, chemotherapy, toxicology, pharmacophore, antimetabolites, mutation, bacteria, virus, fungi, actinomycetes, vaccines, pharmacopeia, posology and therapeutic index. Sources of drugs–dosage forms–bioavailability–routes of administration – absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs–drug metabolism– prescription terms. Structure and pharmacological activity:Effect of – unsaturation, chain length, isomerism; groups – halogens amino, nitro, nitrite, cyano, acidic, aldehydic, keto, hydroxyl and alkyl groups. Development of Drugs: Development of a drug– classic steps- lead compounds- comparison of traditional and modern methods of development to drugs – drug design By method of variation–disjunction and conjunction methods.

Unit II: Indian Medicinal Plants

Some important Indian medicinal plants–tulsi, neem, kizhanelli, mango, semparuthi, adadodai, turmeric and thoothuvalai –uses. Common diseases and their treatment; Causes, prevention and treatment of the following diseases: Insect borne diseases– malaria, filariasis, plague; Air borne diseases– diphtheria, whooping cough, influenza, measles, mumps, common cold, tuberculosis; Water borne diseases–cholera, typhoid, dysentery. Digestive system – jaundice; Respiratory system – asthma; Nervous system – epilepsy. Antibiotics: Definition – classification – structure and therapeutic uses of chloramphenicol, penicillins, structure activity relationship of chloramphenicol ; therapeutic uses of ampicillin, streptomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, rifamycin.

UNIT III: Drugs for major diseases

Cancer – common causes – chemotherapy – antineoplastic agents – classification –adverse effects of cytotoxic agents ; alkylating agents–chlorambucil; antimetabolites– methotrexate, fluorouracil; Vinca alkaloids– vincristine, vinblastine. Diabetes– types– Management of diabetes–insulin ; oral hypoglycemic agents- sulphonylureas – chlorpropamide; biguanides -metformin – thiazolidinediones .Cardiovascular drugs– cardio glycosides ; antiarrhythmic agents – quinidine, propranolol hydrochloride ; anti- hypertensive drugs – Aldomet, pentolinium tartrate; vasodilator- tolazolinehydrochloride, sodiumnitro prusside. AIDS–causes, symptoms and prevention–anti HIV drugs-AZT,DDC.

UNIT IV: Analgesics and antipyretic agents

Classification – action of analgesics – narcotic analgesics –morphine; synthetic analgesics – pethidine, methadone; antipyretic analgesics – salicylic acid derivatives, indolyl derivatives, p-aminophenol derivatives. Anaesthetics: Definition, characteristics, classification – general anaesthetics – volatile anaesthetics – nitrous oxide, ethers, cyclopropane, chloroform, halothane, trichloroethylene–storage, advantages and disadvantages; non volatile anaesthetics – thiopental sodium ; local anaesthetics – requisites – advantages- esters – cocaine, benzocaine ; amides – lignocaine, cinchocaine. Blood and haemotological agents: Blood– composition, grouping – physiological functions of plasma proteins – mechanism of clotting; Coagulants – vitamin K, protamine sulphate, dry thrombin; Anti coagulants – coumarins, citric acid and heparin; antifibrinolytic agents – aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid. Anaemia–causes, types and control–anti anemic drugs.

UNIT V: Clinical Chemistry

Blood tests–blood count–complete haemogram – Hb, RBC, GTT, TC, DC, platelets, PCV, ESR; bleeding and clotting time–-glucose tolerance test. Significance of Clinical Tests: Serum electrolytes- blood Glucose-ortho toluidine method; Renal functions tests – blood urea, creatinine; liver function tests – serum proteins, albumin globulin ratio, serum bilirubin, enzymes SGOT, SGPT; lipid profile – cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, coronary risk index. Urine Examination– pH, tests for glucose, albumin and bile pigment.