Question 1: Define the term 'analgesic' and explain its primary function in pain relief.

Answer: An analgesic is a substance that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness; it works by blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation.

Question 2: Describe the mechanism by which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation.

Answer: NSAIDs inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation, thereby reducing these symptoms.

Question 1: A patient is prescribed 500 mg of ibuprofen per dose. If the medication comes in tablets of 200 mg each, how many tablets should the patient take to meet the prescribed dose? Show your working.

Answer: 2.5 tablets (which should be rounded to 3 tablets for practical purposes). Calculation: 500 mg ÷ 200 mg = 2.5 tablets.

Question 2: If a painkiller reduces the production of prostaglandins by 60% and the initial level was 100 units, what is the new level of prostaglandins after taking the medication?

Answer: 40 units. Calculation: 100 units × (1 - 0.60) = 40 units.

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the effectiveness of a new painkiller. Include the variables you would control, the independent and dependent variables, and safety precautions you should consider.

Answer: The experiment would involve two groups: one receiving the new painkiller and one receiving a placebo. The independent variable is the type of treatment; the dependent variable is the level of pain relief (measured with a pain scale). Controlled variables include age, gender, and baseline pain level. Safety precautions include ensuring proper dosage, monitoring for allergic reactions, and conducting the trial under supervision.

Question 1: A clinical trial reports that patients taking the painkiller experienced an average pain score reduction from 8 to 3 on a scale of 0-10. Explain what this data suggests about the effectiveness of the painkiller.

Answer: The data suggests that the painkiller is effective in significantly reducing pain levels in patients.

Question 2: A group of 50 patients showed varied responses to a painkiller: 20 patients reported complete pain relief, 20 reported partial relief, and 10 reported no relief. What could be some reasons for this variation?

Answer: Reasons could include individual differences in metabolism, severity of pain, placebo effect, or differences in how the medication is absorbed or processed by the body.

Question 1: Explain how pharmaceutical companies ensure the safety and efficacy of painkillers before they are released to the market.

Answer: Pharmaceutical companies perform extensive clinical trials, including multiple phases of testing for safety, dosage, and efficacy, and review data carefully before approval.

Question 2: Discuss some potential risks or side effects associated with regular use of painkillers such as NSAIDs.

Answer: Potential risks include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, allergic reactions, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems with long-term or excessive use.