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

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge of chemistry applied to drugs and related products, useful for carrying out the profession of prevention technician in this particular sector. Fundamental skills will be acquired on the composition, preparation, bioavailability and degradation of a drug, as well as related products (nutraceuticals, food supplements, herbal, homeopathic), with particular attention to legislative aspects.

Program

Definition of drug and active ingredient. Natural products as agents with pharmacological activity. Natural products and synthetic products. Classification of active ingredients based on their main therapeutic effects. Chiral properties: the case of thalidomide.
Excipients and pharmaceutical forms.
Outline of biopharmaceuticals: transport across cell membranes, measurement of bioavailability. Bioequivalent drugs. Stability and degradation of an active ingredient; kinetic evaluations of the shelf life of a drug; Expiration date.
Main procedures for pharmaceutical and related preparations.
Phytochemical drugs and herbal products. Food supplements, homeopathic and cosmetic products. Outline of radiopharmaceuticals for hospital-diagnostic use. Plant nutraceuticals; antioxidant activity.
Italian and European regulations in force. Labeling. Galenic products and rules of good preparation.

Learning assessment procedures

Written exam with open-ended questions.
The student must demonstrate that he/she has understood the theoretical notions relating to the situation referred to, and be able to present them with appropriate technical language, demonstrating to know how to transfer the notions learned to the proposed application cases.
The exam will be carried out in conjunction with the examination of some other teachings of the course.