Question 1: Define the term 'analgesic' and explain its role in pain management.

Answer: An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness. It works by blocking pain signals in the nervous system.

Question 2: Describe the mechanism by which common painkillers like ibuprofen reduce inflammation and pain.

Answer: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain.

Question 1: A bottle of ibuprofen suspension contains 200 mg per 5 mL. How many milligrams of ibuprofen are in a 10 mL dose?

Answer: 400 mg

Question 2: If a patient is prescribed 400 mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours, how many grams are they taking in one day?

Answer: 2.4 grams

Question 1: Design a simple experimental setup to test the effectiveness of a new painkiller. List the variables involved and safety precautions to consider.

Answer: The experiment involves administering the painkiller to a test group and comparing their pain levels to a control group receiving a placebo. Variables include dosage (independent), pain level (dependent), and age or health status (controlled). Safety precautions include ensuring proper dosage, monitoring for adverse reactions, and obtaining informed consent.

Question 1: A study shows that after taking 200 mg of a painkiller, patients report a 50% reduction in pain levels. If another group takes 400 mg, the pain reduction is 75%. What does this data suggest about the relationship between dosage and pain relief?

Answer: The data suggests that increasing the dosage of the painkiller improves pain relief, but the effect may diminish at higher doses. It indicates a dose-response relationship.

Question 1: Explain why it is important to use the correct dosage of painkillers to avoid side effects or overdose. (6 marks)

Answer: Using the correct dosage ensures the painkiller effectively relieves pain without causing adverse effects. An overdose can lead to toxicity, organ damage, or even death. Conversely, too little may be ineffective. Proper dosing involves understanding the concentration, patient weight, and age to maintain safety and efficacy.

Question 1: Describe how pharmaceutical companies determine the appropriate concentration of a new painkiller before it is approved for public use.

Answer: They conduct clinical trials to test safety and effectiveness at various concentrations, analyze data on side effects and efficacy, and follow regulatory guidelines to approve the optimal dosage for public use.