Understanding Drugs
A New Interdisciplinary Course
Mlldred H. Evans
Erie Community College-South, 4140 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, NY 14127
We are living in a drug-oriented world. Daily we are hom-
harded with ads for "extra-strength" pain reliever, Brand X,
which neutralizes more acid, or similar products. Many of us
ingest our daily dose of caffeine each morning or "relax" with
an inhalation of nicotine after dinner. For the ill and aging a
vast spectrum of drugs is prescribed. Some people have a
veritable drugstore of prescription and over-the-counter
medications on their kitchen table or in their hathroom cah-
inet.
To bring some understanding of the chemical make-up and
physiological responses of some of these drugs and medica-
tions, my colleague, Mary Losi (who teaches anatomy and
physiology) and I (a chemist) decided to organize alayman's
interdisciplinary course, which we entitled "Understanding
Drugs."
Who Takes the Course
While this course is being offered at our local community
college, it has no prerequisites. No prior chemical or biological
knowledge is presumed. The course is presented at a level that
could he adapted to secondary school curricula.
At our community college we have three sources of clientele
for this course. First, the course is used as a science elective
for nonscience curricula such as Business Administration,
Secretarial Science, and Liberal Arts Social Science. Second,
Allied Health students (students in Nursing, Medical Tech-
nology, pre-Medical, or pre-Pharmacy curricula) find this
course helpful in preparing for subsequent pharmacy comes.
The third source of students is the general public-adults or
young people who take the course as a matter of personal in-
terest.
Course Credit and Gradlng Policies
This one-semester course consists of three 50-min class
periodslwk and earns the student three credits. Course grades
are determined as follows: Weekly short answer quizzes are
averaged. This quiz average is added to the three multiple-
choice, hour exam grades and divided by four. A plot of the
resulting final averages is used to determine letter grades for
the course.
Source Materials
Materials covered on the quizzes and exams comes from a
wide variety of sources: current journals, newspapers, phar-
macology texts, medicinal chemistry texts, Food and Drug
Administration publications, etc. A partial list of sources is
included in the Bibliography at the end of this paper. The
search for a satisfactory text continues. The closest we have
come to the type of text we want is "Drugs and the Human
Body: With Implications for Society" by Ken Liska. We have
used this book as a reference text, omitting the "Implications
for Society" since our course is designed to he a factual course
rather than a "use-and-abuse'' course. We cover the physio-
logical and chemical properties of the drugs and medications
hut do not attempt to preach or moralize.
In general, our students have little science background. To
maintain their interest and to help them conceptualize the
Table 1. Fllm Llst
Mr. Galen Comea to Town
Roman physician visits modem drug stwe. (1971) 28 min.. color. Menell Dow
Film Lit~ary,Merrell Dow PharmaceNicals Inc.. Subsbaii of the Dow Chemical
Company, 1269 Gest Street, Cincinnati. OH 45203.
Panem of Pain
F a n professionalsdisuss pereeptimof p i n as rekted to the nervous sysmm.
(1979) 28 mi"., cola. (Produced by Canadian Broadcasting Cap.) Filmakers
Library. Inc., 133 East 58lh Street. Suite 703A. New York. NY 10022.
FetalAlcohol Syndrome
(1975) 13 min.. color. Film $21907. The Pennsylvania State University. Audb
visual Services. University Park. PA 18802.
.-
R V r, - -
-.h n a r t.i.u.a
Discuses me physiological effects of five classes of drugs: alcohol, opiates.
stimulants, hallucinogens, marijuana. (1978) 29 min., color. Film $32172, The
Pennsylvania State University, Audiovisual Services. University Park. PA
18802.
Valium
A segmem of a "80 Minutes" pmgram repiing on Valium use. (1978) 18 min..
miat. Film $2-14125. Syracwe University Film Center. 1455 East Cobin Sbset
Syracuse. NY 13210.
FIX for Hope
A shoR film depictingmat help is available fadepessed patients. 15 min.. cola.
Film $15278. Modern Talking Picture Service, Film Scheduling Center. 5000
Park Sheet North. St. Petersburg. FL 33709.
LSC-25
Chemical and physiological propdies of LSD. (1968) 27 min.. colw. Film
#31254. The Pennsylvania State University, Audiovisual Services. University
Park. PA 16802.
Angel b a t h (Pm
Shows physiologicalproperties of PCP. (1980) 33 mln.. color. Film $%15241.
Syracuse University Film Center. 1455 East Colvin Street. Syracuse, NY
13210.
fundamentals, we sprinkle the course liberally with audiovi-
suals in the form of slides, transparencies, films, and film-
strip-cassette programs. A partial list of 16-mm films used is
aiven in Table 1. It should he noted that some of the filmsused
contain societal considerations. Sources that are strictly fac-
tual are rare.
A few examples of material used in transparency form are
included in Figures 1-3. Figure 1is used as a color transpar-
.
encv to show the students what an onium wnnv looks like and
.A"
ho; the green seed pod is scored to Lollect the opium exudate.
Figure 2 is a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century adver-
tisement for heroin and aspirin. Before 1912 heroin was
marketed leeallv as a coueh sunoressant and nain reliever. At
that time h;roi;l was thought he nonaddictive. Figure 3
which shows the similarity of codeine to morphine, is used as
an example of structure-related activity. Examples of struc-
tures of drugs which hear similarity to neurotransmitters also
are used in appropriate topic areas. For example we show how
drugs such as am~hetaminesand halluciuonens mimic nor-
epiGephrine.
Volume 61 Number 6 August 1964 67 1
 BAYER

ASPIRIN
HEROIN The Sadstire for Cough",

Figure 1. Opium pappy. The graen seed pad scored to collect W e opium exmte
is de~ictedat left

WIII. 11#.1.
I", tn

Reassuring the Student while Teaching Chemlstry FARBENFABRIKEN OF ELBERFELD CO.

40 Stone Street, N e w York,
Most students taking this course have a fear of chemistry. *ll.l.,.ll .l#l.l.

Constant reassurance is needed to remove their anxieties when

they see com~licatedstructures such as those of mornhine. Figure 2. Old advwisement for heroin and aspirin.
codeinr, or neurotransmitters. We do not expect memorization
of such formulus but use them as illustrati~miof tho fact that
many families of drugs have almost identical structures except
for variance a t a particular position on the molecule. For ex-
ample the replacement o f a n -OH group by an -OCH3
group
- - changes morphine t o codeine.
Again, hicause so many students taking this course suffer
from chemistry-anxiety, we have to "sneak" chemistrv into
this chemistry/biology interdisciplineary course. For ins&ce,
the course outline (Table 2) shows a section on Mild and
Moderate Pain Relievers. This section includes the chemical
make-up and physiological comparison of aspirin and acet-
aminophen (marketedunder trade names such as Tylenol@,
Datril", etc.), medications which are widely used in over- MORPHINE
the-counter (OTC) combination remedies. Manv of these OTC
remedies also contain antacid suhstances. This gives us an
o ~ ~ o r t u n ito
t v~rovidesome chemical information about acids
i d bases and ihe pH scale. Acids are defined as suhstances
which provide H+ ions. Examples given include acetic acid
(vinegar), CHBCOOH,citric acid in oranges and lemons, and
hydrochloric acid, HCI, the "stomach acid" present in gastric
juice in the stomach. Students learn that i t is normal for the
contents of the stomach to be acidic and that the linine of the
stomach is normally protected from attack by this k i d by
mucous secretions.
We explain that it is common to express the degree of
aciditv in pH units which ranee rowhlv from 1for verv acidic
subs&ces to 14 for basic suh&mce~~ i i d i t of y some &mmon CODEINE
substances are located on a diagram of the pH scale (vinegar Figure 3. Structures of morphine and codeine, emphasizing chemical simi-
a t about 3, coffee a t about 4, milk a t abo& 6, baking s k a larity.
(sodium bicarbonate) a t about 8, and household ammonia a t
about 12. Neutral suhstances such as pure water would have
a pH value of 7 on this scale. I t is explained that a substance tionally, sodium birarbonate should be avoided by penons on
with a pH of 6 is 10 times more acidic than pH 7; a substance a low sodium diet. Aluminum hydroxideand magnesium hy-
with a pH of 5 is 100 times more acidic than pH 7; a substance droxide avoid the prohlem of arid retwund and are oftrn used
with a pH of 4 is 1000 times more acidic than pH 7, etc. Thus together. V h e laxative effects of magnesium hydroxide (milk
gastric juice with a pH of 1to 2 is very acidic. ofmagnesia) counteract the constipating effect of aluminum
Antacids are defined as substanceswhich are anti-acid, or hydroxide.) Recent studies, however, have implicated alu-
substances which react with and thus remove H+ ions, I t is minum ions injested in antacids as a possible causative factor
pointed out that sodium hicarbonate and calcium carhunnte in Alzheimer's disease.
are used as antacids, hut hnvr the disadvantage of promoting All of the above factors illustrate to the student the com-
"acid rehound" in which the stomach srrrrtes additional plexity of drug usage. The therapeutic henefits need to he
gastric acid which nullifies the effect of the antacid. Addi- weighed against the undesirable side effects.

672 Journal of Chemical Education

 Table 2. Course Outline for UnderstandlnaDrum
I. Introdunion IV. Depressants
Brief Overview 01 Course Purpose 1. Alcohol as a h u g
and Contents. 2. Anesthetics
(a) General
11. Analpsics
(b) Local
1. The Cenual N e m u s System
3. Barbiturate and Nonbarbiurate
2. The Neuron: Nature of the Nerve
Sedatives and Hypnotics
Impulse
4. Tranquilizws
3. The Nature and Measurement of
(a) Minw Tranquilizers (Antlanx-
Pain
iety Agents: Meprobamate,
4. Mild and MDderate Pain Relieving
Valium. Libriuml
AgenO: Aspirin. Acetsminophen.
(b) M 4 w Tranquilizers (Antipsy-
and Related Compounds
chotics Including Thorazine)
5. Agents That Relieve Severe Pain:
The Opiates V. Stimulants
(a) Opium and Its Derivatives: 1. Antidepressants
Morphine and Codeine (a) Tricyclics
(b) Semisynlhetic Narcotics In- (b) M A 0 lnhlbitors
cluding Heroin 2. Reflex Stimulants
(c) Synthetic Narcotics Including 3. Spinal Cord Stimulants
Methadone. Meperldine, and 4. Cerebral Stimulants
Fmpoxyphene (a) Cocaine
(d) Antagonists (b) Amphetamines
(9) Endosenous Opiates (c) Xanthenes: Caffeine. Theo-
bromine, Theophylline
Ill. Factam Affecting Dmg Usage
(d) Nicotine
1. Generic versus Brand Names
2. Administration Methods Vl. Hallucinogem
3. Dosage. Side Effects, and Con- 1. LSD, DMT, Psilocybin. Buf+
haindicatims tenine
4. Drug Interactions 2. Mescaline (*om Peyote) and Re-
(a) D w a r u s Interactions lated Compounds
(b) DrusFaod Interactions 3. PCP
(c) Drug-Smoking lntwactions
Vll. Cannabis: Mariiusna
5. Allergic Reactions
6. Use of Physicians' Desk Retw-
ence

When we discuss opiates, we define alkaloids and show that Acknowledgment

the oresence of a nitroeen atom in these comoounds makes
them bases (related to ammonia) arrd allows them M, react
with an acid to form asalt. We mint out that this salt forma-
tion is extremely important because it makes these large
molecules soluble in water. thus allowing them to be iniected
with a hypodermic needle.
Using a hall-and-stick model we show what a large, com-
plicated molecule morphine is and that it is an asy&netric
molecule. This asymmetry is likened to aleft hand. We show
that an asymmetric object such as a left hand has a mirror
image--the right hand. We explain that just as the left and
right hands are mirror images, so, too, asymmetric molecules
such as morphine also exist as mirror images, one of which is
called the (-)-isomer and the other which is called the (+)-
isomer.
Then using a pair of gloves it is shown that the left hand will
fit into the left glove, but not into the right
- glove.
. This infor-
mation is likened to a drug fitting into a receptor site. Mor-
phine isolated from the opium poppy is the (-)-isomer. I t is
physiologically active because it fits the morphine receptor
sites in the body. ArtificiaUy synthesized (+)-morphine does
not fit the receptor site Gust as your right hand does not fit
your left glove) and, therefore, is not pharmacologically ac-
tive.
Other chemical principles are similarly inserted in appro-
priate spots.
Summary
This interdisciplinary course covers the chemical and
physiological properties of selected drugs and medications.
Since students in the course are mostly nonscience majors,
extensive use of audiovisuals and a relaxed avoroach h e l to
~ Consumer Reporfe. 412 (August 1983l."SameBiaehwistry ofSedati~a: J. Olar
overcome their science anxiety. The health o&tation ofthe
course lends relevance.
I thank my colleague, Mary Losi, for her encouragement,
stamina, and congeniality during the planning phases of the
course and in our team-teaching experiences. Thanks also to
Lawrence Seyfried for his assistance in the administrative
processes of new-course approval.
Angel. Jack E.. (publisher). "Phyaidana' D e k Reference: 37th ed.. Medical EEoaomies
Company, Oradell, NJ. 196.3.
Andre&, JiU H., "Chaoslng the Right Aspitin Can Be a Pain," C a ~ u m e r aDigost. 11,
(JanuaryiFebruary, 1982).
"Aspirin: Is Bayer Better: Conrumer Reports, 347 (July 1982).
~ a * e r charies~.,
, JI. (pubrieher),"~hysicians'~ek~efrence for~onpreseriptianm ~ , "
2nd ed., Medical Eeonomica Compsny, Oradell, NJ, 1981.
Bany, Brian W.."DTU~Delivery Systems: Chernfoeh. 38 (Jsnuary 1983).
Clark, Matt. Shspim. Dan, and Lindsay. J o b J., "Atterm New Inaight=,"Ne~uawe~k. 40
(August 23,19321.
h t a n m . James, and Banks, Yvetta. "What toEat and Not to&t WhenTaLing Modica-
tion: O w d Housaheeping. 1% (July 1982).
"Cough Remedies: Which On- Work Beat?" ComumerRoporta.59 (Feb- 1983).
Dunean,David,and Goid, RoberZmDmgsandthe Whol~Person,"John Wilev&Sone, Near
York, 1382.
D W ~ ~orothy,
, and Girdano, Daniel A,. "mugs-A FactualAceouni," 3rd ed., Addision-
Wesley PublishingCo., Reading, MA, 1980.
Editma of Consumer Guide with Nimla Giacona, "Proscription Drugs: PuhlicationaIn-
ternstionel, Ltd..Skokie, IL,1983.
Engs.Ruth C., "Responsible Drug and AleohalUa%"MaunillanPuhlishingCo.,lnc., Near
York, 1979.
FDA Consumer, Department of Healthand HumanSeNices.PuhiicHealthService,Fmd
end Drug Adminiatration, Office of Public Affairs, Raekville. MD (Many different
reprints fmm this journal are used.)
Gerald. Michael C.."Pharmaeolaev-An lntrodudion to Drum," 2nd ed., Prentice-Hall,
I..., ~ " ~ 1 - cliffa,
d ~~,ig81.
Gmedon, Ja, "ThePeoplek Pharmacy-2," AwnBmks, Near York, 1980.
~itt. w . . d ~ ~ ~ ~.."~hemistn~~d~~h:a~~lg~~b~ishiog~a..~io-
~ t . ~ ~ ~ ~ t h ~
nrapoliolis. MN. 1978.
Hoffman. Phllio C.. '"Meehaniama of h e Action." NSF Chautauoua Short Comas for
~ & g e +eacbera, conducted by t h e v h n c & h i a t i o n i&the ~dvaneementof
Science,Temple Univ.. Philadelphia,PA, Mareh 196.3."HoarToCh- An Antacid,"
EDUC. 56,402 (1979).
Jon=-Witten, Pstrieia, and Wittera, We1don;'hgsandSaeiety-ABiologicalPerapec-
tive: Wsdawarfh. he.. Belmont, CA. 1983.

Volume 61 Number 8 August 1984 673

Julien, Robert M.,"APrimer of DrugAnion,"3rded., W. H, heeman and Company, Ssn "PillsThat Compete With Aspirin: C o ~ u m eReports.
r 395 (August 1982).
Franciaeo, CA, 1981. Plat< W e r i r i W.. "Better Home+ and Garden. Handbook of C a m o n Medicines," Meridith
Korolkouss, Andrejus, and Burckhalter. Joseph H.,"Fmmtials of Medicinal Chemistry,' Carp., Den Moinea, IA, 1980.
John Wiley 8 Sons,Inc.. New York, 1976. Reed, T. Edward, "One Man's Tipple is Another Man's Poimn,"Neu Scientist, 748 (8 Dc-
Levins, Ruth R.,"Pharmaeology: Drug Actions and Reactions," 2nd ed., Little, Brown and cemher 1983)
Company, Boston. 1978. Rodman, Morton J.,"The Drug Interactions We All Overlmk," RN, 61 (April 1981).
Krieger, Dorothy T.."Brian Psptidea: Whet, Where, and When," Seiems.975 (ZDeeembu Rodman, Morton J.. "Underatanding Mediations: The Haws and Whys of Drug Therapy,"
,9119, Medical Economics Company. Oradell, NJ, 1981.
Liska, Ken. "Drugs and the Hum= Body-With Impllcationa for Soeicty," Maemillan
Publishing Co., NewYork, 1981.
Stern. Edward L. "Praeri~tionDrum and Their Side Effects." Gr-tsndDuolao.
York, 1975.
. . New
Long, James W., M.D., "The Eracntial GuidetnPresoiptbn Drugs." 3rd ed., H w e r and Stine, William R., "Amlied Chemistry," 2nd ed., Allw and Bscon, he., Baston, MA.
R o w , Publishers, New Yark, 1982. 1981.
Marry, Robert I.. "Human Physiology? 2nd ed., Prentiee-Hall, Ine.. E"g11woad Cliffs, NJ, "The Merck Index, An Encycloped~aof Chemistry and Drum," loth ed., M a c k and Co..
1975. Inc., Rahway, NJ, 1983.
Morganthau, Tam, C o p ~ ~ lVmnnt.
a. Pate, James L., Abmmaob Pamela. Shannm, Elaine. U q . S~lly."No-nameDrugsAreMakingaNameforThemseluea,"ChomicolMorksting
and Fmte, Donna. "Guns, Gras-and Maney,"Nemsweok, 36 (October 25,1982). Reports, 9 (March 7,1983).
Ne*n, Marian, Godbey,Kamlyn,Ncwton,David W ,and Godbey. Asa L.."HowYou Can Waaan, John. "Natural and Synthetic Nmotie Dmge," Amatiron Scientist, 69, 318
Improve the Effechuenesa of Psychotropic Drug Therapy." NurmLg 78. 46 (July (1981).
1WP) 2immerman.David R.. "AGuide to 100 Nonp-iption Drugs," GoodHousekee~ing.77
Niear. Michael J.. "Marijuana Use and Abuse," Chemistry. 17 (January 1979). (April 1983).
Personal Business Supplement, "Ancsthek New Ways," Busineaa Week, 166 (February ZoUer,Uri, and Weias,Shhana. "Hashishand Marijuans, C h e m k b y h the SocialSew+ce
15,1982). Curriculum: J. CHEM EDUC.,58.42 (1981).

674 Journal of Chemical Education