This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Although heroin and morphine both exhibit analgesic properties, heroin is more potent that morphine ... (Read 104 times)

jparksx

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 570
Although heroin and morphine both exhibit analgesic properties, heroin is more potent that morphine when injected intravenously. What is the clinical relevance of this difference in potency between these two drugs?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the distinction between a drug's clinical efficacy and its potency?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 354
Answer to Question 1

While heroin may require much lower doses than morphine to reduce pain, the maximal analgesia that can be achieved with the two drugs is equivalent and their clinical profile (e.g., side-effects) is virtually identical. Unless a more potent drug is capable of inducing a greater maximal response than a lower potency drug, or induces a lower incidence (or different spectrum) of side-effects, or induces benefits more quickly, differences in drug potency are generally not clinically relevant.

Answer to Question 2

Clinical efficacy refers to the degree to which a drug induces clinical benefits, e.g., the proportion of patients responding, the degree of response, the time it takes to respond, etc. Potency refers to the relative degree to which a drug produces a specific type of effect and the magnitude of the effect. The lower the dose necessary to produce that effect or magnitude of effect, the more potent the drug. (For example, clozapine Clozaril is considerably less potent than haloperidol Haldol, because it requires considerably higher doses to control the symptoms of schizophrenia, but it has a greater clinical efficacy because it is more effective in reducing some of the core symptoms of the disease, is effective in a higher percentage of schizophrenic patients, and induces fewer of the types of side effects that lead to noncompliance with treatment.)




jparksx

  • Member
  • Posts: 570
Reply 2 on: Jun 22, 2018
:D TYSM


cam1229

  • Member
  • Posts: 329
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

 

Did you know?

There are approximately 3 million unintended pregnancies in the United States each year.

Did you know?

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are the third most prevalent illness in the world. Women are most affected (18%), followed by children of both sexes (10%), and men (6%).

Did you know?

There are actually 60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 essential amino acids, and three essential fatty acids that your body needs every day.

Did you know?

Human neurons are so small that they require a microscope in order to be seen. However, some neurons can be up to 3 feet long, such as those that extend from the spinal cord to the toes.

Did you know?

To combat osteoporosis, changes in lifestyle and diet are recommended. At-risk patients should include 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily either via dietary means or with supplements.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library