Medicines are chemical substances used to treat, cure, alleviate, or prevent diseases by interacting with the body’s biological systems.
What is the difference between traditional and modern medicines?
Traditional medicines are derived from natural sources like plants and animals, while modern medicines are chemically synthesised in laboratories to target specific biological mechanisms.
Give two examples of traditional medicines.
Aloe vera and ginger (halia).
What are analgesics used for?
Analgesics are used to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Give two examples of analgesics.
Paracetamol and aspirin.
What are antimicrobials used for?
Antimicrobials kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Give two examples of antibiotics.
Penicillin and streptomycin.
What are psychotropic medicines used for?
Psychotropic medicines manage mental illnesses by altering brain function and neural pathways.
What are antiallergics used for?
Antiallergics help manage allergic reactions by blocking histamines or other substances that cause allergies.
Give an example of an antihistamine.
Loratadine.
What are corticosteroids used for?
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by mimicking natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Give an example of a corticosteroid.
Prednisone.
What are cosmetics?
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance appearance, cleanse, protect the body, or alter its odour.
Give two examples of preservatives used in cosmetics.
Parabens and benzoic acid.
What is the function of emulsifiers in cosmetics?
Emulsifiers help mix oil and water-based ingredients to create stable emulsions in cosmetic products.
Give two examples of moisturisers used in cosmetics.
Glycerine and lanolin.
Why are fragrances added to cosmetics?
Fragrances provide a pleasant scent to cosmetic products.
What are the potential side effects of using cosmetics?
Allergic reactions, skin irritation, hormone disruption, and eye irritation.
Why should medicines and cosmetics be used responsibly?
They may cause unwanted side effects, so they should be used according to instructions and in appropriate amounts.
What is the role of health regulations in medicine and cosmetic usage?
Health regulations ensure that medicines and cosmetics are safe for human use, effective, and free from harmful substances.
Explanation Questions
Why is paracetamol commonly used for pain relief instead of stronger analgesics like morphine?
Paracetamol effectively relieves mild to moderate pain with minimal side effects, whereas morphine is a much stronger opioid that can cause addiction and severe side effects.
Why should antibiotics only be taken when prescribed by a doctor?
Misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future.
Why do some people experience allergic reactions to cosmetic products?
Certain ingredients, such as preservatives and fragrances, can trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals, leading to itching, redness, or swelling.
Why are corticosteroids prescribed for inflammatory conditions but not for long-term use?
Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to serious side effects such as weakened immune function, osteoporosis, and hormonal imbalances.
Why is it important to follow dosage instructions when taking medicines?
Incorrect dosages can lead to ineffective treatment, overdose, or severe side effects.
Why do some cosmetics contain preservatives?
Preservatives prevent microbial growth, extending the shelf life of cosmetic products and ensuring they remain safe for use.
Why are psychotropic medicines used with caution?
Psychotropic medicines can have strong effects on mood, behaviour, and cognition, and may cause dependency or severe side effects if not used properly.
Why do some people avoid using cosmetics with parabens?
Parabens have been linked to potential hormone disruption and may increase the risk of certain health issues, leading some consumers to prefer paraben-free products.
Why should expired medicines not be consumed?
Expired medicines may lose their effectiveness and could degrade into harmful compounds, posing potential health risks.
Why are some cosmetic products labelled as “hypoallergenic”?
Hypoallergenic cosmetics are formulated with fewer allergens to reduce the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.