To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide a basic knowledge on chemistry applied to medicines and related products, useful to professionals in the prevention and protection of health to act in this particular area. Fundamental skills will be acquired on the composition, preparation, bioavailability and degradation of a drug, as well as related products (nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal), with a particular focus on the current legislative issues.

Program

Definition of drug and active ingredient. The natural products as agents for pharmacological activity. Natural and synthetic products. Classification of the active ingredients according to their principal therapeutic effects. Chiral properties: the case of thalidomide.
Excipients and pharmaceutical forms.
Elements of biopharmaceutical topic : transport across cell membranes, measurement of bioavailability. Bioequivalent drugs. Stability and degradation of an active ingredient; kinetic evaluations of the period of validity of a drug; expiration date.
Operations for pharmaceutical preparations and the like.

Phytoterapeutic and herbal products. Dietary supplements, homeopathic products and cosmetics. Notes to radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic hospital use. Nutraceuticals : definition, examples and properties (e.g. anti-oxidant activity) .
Italian and European regulations: organizations and current forms. Products labeling. Galenic products and standards of good preparation.

Examination Methods

written form with open questions, with the aim to verify the acquired knowledge and the ability to discuss on the topics; . the call is established in conjunction with other modules of the course.