Interesting facts about the use of medications. Interesting facts about medications that not everyone knows

Often people have no idea how many interesting and unusual things are hidden within the world. Take, for example, the medications we are used to. Some of them hide such interesting facts that sometimes you can’t believe them. For example, you suddenly noticed a strange craving for gambling, although you previously walked around gambling establishments a kilometer away. But the reason for this may be side effects medicines!

Before plunging into the history of medicines, I would like to talk about modernity, because in our time you can buy medications without leaving home - online pharmacy.com.ua - one of best services this direction: only certified products, free delivery and many other pleasant bonuses on this service.

There is a reason why doctors recommend taking medications only with water. For example, if you take a pill with milk, it will lose its effectiveness and simply won’t work. But a couple of centuries ago in Russia and abroad, medications were washed down only with beer. IN medical institutions Petersburg, the foamy drink was even given to patients preparing for discharge. In the 19th century, beer was considered a generally accepted means of disinfection, strengthening the immune system and increasing general tone body. In Germany they even founded a special beer institute. Scientists who studied the foamy drink came to the conclusion that a liter of unfiltered beer will bring human body more benefits than drinking a liter of milk.

In 1872, British-born American chemist Robert Augustus Chesbrough patented the process for producing petroleum jelly. But initially this ointment was not used as a laxative at all. Vaseline was widely used as a stain remover for furniture upholstery. But a year later, the scientist concluded that medicinal properties Vaseline, the use of which internally causes a laxative effect, and use as an ointment promotes the healing of damaged skin.

In the early 90s of the twentieth century, Pfizer decided to introduce pharmaceutical market new heart drug– sildenafil citrate. However, clinical trials of this medicine ended in failure - no therapeutic effects it had no effect on the heart. At the same time, male representatives of the control group noted that the use of the medicine caused them excitement. Thus, sildenafil citrate, instead of improving blood supply in the heart area, contributed to an increase in blood flow in reproductive organs. This is how it was invented future drug Viagra.

In 1886, pharmacist John Stith Pemberton introduced a new drug to the United States. broad action, intended for the treatment of diseases nervous system, impotence, as well as for removing pain symptoms of various origins. The medicine was a mixture of coca leaves and cola nuts in a 3:1 ratio. 17 years after Coca-Cola appeared on the market, manufacturers were accused of aiding and abetting the riots caused by townspeople under the influence of the intoxicating substance that was part of the drink - Coca juice. Coca-Cola production technology has been changed, and when processing fresh leaves coca, cocaine was first removed from them.

In the first ten days of August 1897, Felix Hoffman, a staff pharmacist of the German company Bayer, using the acetylation method, received salicylic acid V pure form and stable shape. This is how Aspirin appeared - the world's first medicine based on an artificially created substance.

In the 20s of the 19th century, regular ketchup was sold in American pharmacies. He was considered the right remedy in the treatment of eczema and baldness, and was even patented as a drug. Although today ketchup is used in cooking and not in medicine, the pigment lycopene included in its composition is a very useful antioxidant for the body. Even in fresh tomato the concentration of lycopene is much lower than in ketchup. Nowadays, lycopene can be purchased at the pharmacy in tablet form.

Everyone has probably heard about the placebo effect. This effect is based on a person’s own belief in a cure for the disease by using “dummy” drugs. Thanks to self-hypnosis, a person convinces himself of the effectiveness of such a drug, although in fact it contains none medicinal substance. For example, in Russia and other CIS countries lactose is used as the basis for placebos.

Students of the specialty “Pharmacy” studying in the 9th grade begin to form an idea of their future profession to a greater extent in the 2nd year, when they begin to study general professional disciplines. If during the learning process at the stage of mastering new knowledge and skills, students develop a cognitive interest in future professional activities, then the main educational tasks become the formation of the qualities that a pharmacist as a medical worker should have, awareness of the significance of the future profession, and satisfaction with the choice made.

The class hour “Pharmacist: a look at the profession” will help students expand their understanding of the activities of a pharmacist. The experience gained during this class hour can be used when presenting the specialty “Pharmacy”.

Educational:

continue to form an idea of the pharmacist profession;
expanding students' knowledge of the qualities that a pharmacist should have.

The student must know:

history of the development of pharmacy;
basic requirements for a pharmacist as a specialist and as an individual;

The student must be able to:

organize work on the project;
work with literature
conduct a survey among the population;
systematize the material obtained during the work on the project.

Educational:

fostering a responsible attitude towards the assigned work;
instilling respect for the chosen profession;
developing the ability to establish contact when communicating with people;
fostering determination, initiative, and hard work.

Developmental:

developing a sense of duty and understanding of the significance of one’s profession;
development creativity students;
development of the ability to speak, the ability to manage oneself;
development of thinking, memory, speech.

TIME: 45 min.

EQUIPMENT: methodological development of an open class hour, a CD with a presentation of the class hour, a DVD with the film “Population Survey”, the newspaper “Dynasties of Pharmacists of Our College”, multimedia installation.

AUDIENCE DECORATION: the newspaper “Dynasties of Pharmacists of Our College”, the emblem of the specialty “Pharmacy”, a table for scenes from the life of a pharmacist with the inscription “Pharmacy”.

TRAINING PLAN

No.	date	Contents of the preparatory work	Responsible
1.	October	Development of a class concept, preparation of a script.	Classroom teacher Alekseeva S. N.
2.	October-early November	Selection of material, work with literature, on the Internet.	Class teacher Alekseeva S. N., students Anishchenko V.V., Maksimenko A., Ferapontova O.V. Sergeeva M.
3.	November 15-22	Preparation of the project - quiz “Interesting facts from the history of pharmacy”.	Creative team: Anishchenko V.V. Pantyukhov S.
4.	November 13-20	Preparation of the project - a survey of the population “Qualities that a pharmacist should have.”	Creative team: Sergeeva M., Moiseenkova V., Komoza A., Romankova E., Rykova N.
5.	November 20-29	Preparation of the project – “10 advantages of a pharmacist”.	Creative group: Shashova I., Volosatova I., Oskretkova N., Zhilina N., Sergeeva E., Belikova V., Pchela A., Grishchenko K., Lasunova K., Ferapontova O., Sukhovey., Sergeeva M.
6	November 20-29	Preparation of the project – “Dynasties of pharmacists in our college”.	Creative team: Maksimenko A., Fedina Yu.
7.	November 20–23	Preparation of the project – “Wishes to the future pharmacist”.	Creative team: Fedina Yu., Anishchenko V., Pantyukhov S., Oskretkova N.
8.	November 23, November 27, November 29	Class hour rehearsals.	Class teacher and participants.

PROGRESS OF THE EVENT

1. OPENING SPEECH BY THE CLASS TEACHER.

In life, it is always very important to choose the right professional path. After all, profession is an integral part of our existence. This choice determines how successful we will be, whether we will be able to realize our capabilities and dreams. We spend most of our lives at work, and it is very important that this part is happy, so that we receive moral satisfaction, so that we can self-realize.

The main goal of our class hour “Pharmacist: a look at the profession” is: acquaintance with future profession, with the requirements for the pharmacist as a specialist, with the personal qualities that a pharmacist must have in order to achieve success in his professional activities.

2. CLASS SCRIPT “PHARMACIST: A LOOK AT THE PROFESSION”.

Students of group 2fm3 Elena Romankova and Yulia Fedina perform with the poem “Magicians of Medicine - Pharmacists”,

We are ready to help people
In their grief, small and great,
We're glad to see you again
Faces shining with happiness!

Sometimes clients have no time for us,
They were so overcome by illness,
That many people sometimes
We couldn't say thank you.

And we continue to work,
We don't take offense one bit,
We still respect everyone
After all, we are wise beyond our years.

It's hard for us to work these days,
But we are strong as a united family.
Adversity is on the heels
Pharmacists are indomitable!

We are for health, strength, beauty.
We give a particle of our souls to the recipe.
We always stand at our work post -
The wizards of medicine are pharmacists!

S.N. Our group, preparing for class, worked on several projects. One of these projects was the quiz “Interesting facts from the history of pharmacy.” This project is presented by a creative group consisting of Vladimir Anishchenko and Yulia Fedina.

Vladimir A. “Without the past there is no future” - these words can be chosen as the epigraph of our quiz. The history of pharmacy is rich in interesting events and facts. We will now get acquainted with some of them.

Quiz “Interesting facts from the history of pharmacy.”

Julia F. Question No. 1. American writer who lived in the 19th century. More than 10 of his stories have been made into films. His books were published in all European languages. Almost all of his works are dedicated to scammers. He himself, while imprisoned, was a prison pharmacist. Who is this? (O.Henry)

Vladimir A. Question No. 2. Queen of the English detective story, who lived at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. She worked as a pharmacist during the 1914 war. This lady in her works describes the use of many chemical compounds. Who is this? (Agatha Christie)

Julia F. Question No. 3. The Russian Tsar, whom the boyars considered a cruel tyrant, and the people considered a great ruler. In history books, he bears a harsh and rude nickname. It was during his reign that the first pharmacy appeared in Russia. (Ioann Vasilievich the Terrible)

Vladimir A. And now a question for intelligence - proton pump inhibitor – What is this? Let's ask the people present here what they associate this phrase with.

Here's what people interviewed on the street said: ( reads out the answers).

Inhibitor proton pump- these are medicinal substances that interfere with the normal production of hydrochloric acid at the cellular level. Used to treat peptic ulcers.

Julia F. Question No. 5. The Russian Tsar who was the first to begin construction navy in Russia. It was he who founded the city on the Neva, which would later be named in his honor. This tsar issued the first “Pharmaceutical Order” in Russia. (Peter I)

Vladimir A. Question No. 6. Great physicist of the 17th century. This English scientist, having moved to Oxford, headed a circle of enthusiastic chemists at the university. He was the first to invent litmus paper. In 1661, this scientist graduated from the College of Pharmacy. (Boyle becomes timid)

Julia F. Question No. 7. The first English king who created a pharmacy at the royal palace. This pharmacy took up 4 times more space than the royal hall. This knight became famous for his fighting ability. It was he who led the 3rd Crusade of European knights. (Richard the Lionheart")

Julia F. A pharmacist, truly devoted to her profession, is not only proud of the centuries-old history of pharmacy, inextricably linked with the history of medicine and science in general, but she also tries to write her pages into the historical chronicle.

S.N. The next project that we would like to present to your attention is a survey of the population “Qualities that a pharmacist should have.” This project was prepared by a creative group consisting of Marina Sergeeva, Violetta Moiseenkova, Anna Komoz, Elena Romankova, Anastasia Chermoshentseva. The project is presented by Anna Komoza and Elena Romankova.

Anna K. According to modern statistical data, the opinion of others about this profession plays a large role in the choice of a profession by a teenager. And we know that this opinion is now being formed by the media. Therefore, we set ourselves the goal of finding out the opinion of various segments of the population about what qualities a pharmacist should have.

Elena R. We conducted a survey in various places: in college among teachers, in a dormitory among students, on the street among passers-by, in city pharmacies among visitors, via the Internet. In total, we interviewed 40 people.

Anna K. Most often among the mentioned qualities were:

professionalism
sociability
responsibility
patience
decency
communication skills
honesty
accuracy
goodwill
politeness
good manners

Elena R. Based on the survey results, we compiled a diagram.

We ranked professionalism in 1st place; 30 people named it. Sociability is in 2nd place - 23 people. 3rd place was shared by responsibility and communication skills - 18 people each. 4th place was also shared by two qualities - patience and decency - 15 people named them each.

Anna K. We can illustrate our survey with video footage. (film showing)

S.N. We would like to confirm the results of the survey conducted by students of the group among the population with a rating compiled by the pharmacists themselves. We present to you the project “10 advantages of pharmacists”.

Nadezhda Zhilina: A pharmacist must have professionalism.

Scene .

Visitor: Could you tell me in more detail about the composition of the vitamin preparation “Complivit”?

Pharmacist: Yes, of course. “Complivit” is a vitamin-mineral complex containing essential vitamins and vital minerals. These are vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, P, PP and others. Microelements iron, copper, calcium, cobalt, manganese, zinc, magnesium. From domestic vitamin complexes“Complivit contains the most a large number of vitamins and microelements.

Visitor: Thanks for the consultation.

Nadezhda Zhilina: What is most important for any employee does not require proof - professional competence. In this case it is a vital necessity in all senses. The lack of professionalism of the Pharmacist can lead to tragedy.

Kristina Grishchenko: A pharmacist must be polite.

Scene.

Visitor: Girl, give me hawthorn tincture.

Pharmacist: Please.

Visitor: No, I need 100 ml, not 25 ml. Change it.

Pharmacist: Please.

Visitor: Girl, the expiration date is hard to see here. Change it.

Pharmacist: Please.

Visitor: Girl, the bottle isn’t closed properly. Give me another one.

Pharmacist: Please.

Visitor: Girl, I got it mixed up. I don't need hawthorn tincture, but motherwort tincture. Change it.

Pharmacist: Please!

Kristina Grishchenko: No matter how many different customers he might have to serve in a day, the Pharmacist must always be polite to everyone. The saying “The customer is always right” should also apply in a pharmacy setting.

Belikova Valeria: A pharmacist must have dedication.

1st pharmacist: Who can stay after the shift? A lot of goods will arrive, we need to sort them out.

2nd pharmacist: I can!

1st pharmacist: Who will go help Lyudmila Ivanovna with free prescriptions? There is a line and people are nervous.

2nd pharmacist: I'll go!

1st pharmacist: I calculated the prices, we need to evaluate the goods and put them in their places. Who will do it?

2nd pharmacist: I'll do it!

Belikova Valeria: You can reach the top in any activity if you approach your work not formally, but with maximum dedication. The pharmacy business is no exception. Thanks to this quality you can make a career.

Bee Alina: A pharmacist must have the ability to listen.

Scene.

Visitor: Girl, you know, I have a headache, but not as much as usual. Usually I have a pounding in my temples, but today the back of my head is aching and my ears are blocked. What will you advice me?

Pharmacist:

Apparently your blood pressure has risen. You definitely need to go to the doctor, but now take Andipal or Raunatin and take one tablet.

Bee Alina: Visitors to pharmacies quite often have no idea what drug they need, but they know how to explain: “I need something for my headache. You see, there’s a pounding and pressure in my temples here.” By characteristic symptoms The pharmacist can easily select the right medicine.

Volosatova Irina: A pharmacist should always strive to improve his professional level.

Scene.

Visitor: Girl, the doctor prescribed me the drug “Concor” and warned me that it had just appeared in pharmacies. Have you heard anything about him?

Pharmacist: Of course! This drug is the latest development of the pharmaceutical company Nycomed. It differs from other drugs in this group in its duration of action - 24 hours, it can be taken once a day, it does not have side effects such as bradycardia and bronchospasm.

Volosatova Irina: The pharmaceutical market is dynamic. New drugs are constantly appearing and the Pharmacist must be aware of new products and be able to competently recommend them to customers.

Oskretkova Natalya: A pharmacist must have integrity. Everyone who works with goods and money is tempted. Shortages in a pharmacy are usually compensated by deductions from the salaries of its employees. As they say, “Somewhere it will increase, somewhere it will decrease.”

Olga Ferapontova: A pharmacist must always be neat (show models). A pharmacist must be neat and tidy from his hair to his shoes, and his uniform robe must always be clean and impeccable.

Sergeeva Ekaterina: A pharmacist must be attentive. If a confectioner confuses salt with sugar, the worst thing that will happen is salty pie. But if the Pharmacist makes a mistake, the consequences can be very sad. The pharmacist must carefully read the prescription and instructions for use of medications.

Shashova Inna: A pharmacist must have professional memory.

Scene.

1st pharmacist: Analgin.

2nd Pharmacist: The third drawer is in the right cabinet on the left.

1st pharmacist: Validol.

2nd pharmacist: Top drawer in the 2nd cabinet from the refrigerator.

1st pharmacist: Valerian tincture.

2nd pharmacist: Refrigerator No. 1, for internal dosage forms, bottom shelf on the right.

Shashova Inna: The pharmacy’s assortment averages from 2 thousand to 10 thousand items. The pharmacist must remember where everything is, find it easily and quickly, and also remember about inventory balances. Well, of course, remember the international nonproprietary names of all drugs.

Lasunova Kristina: A pharmacist must have the ability to persuade.

Scene.

Visitor: Girl, the doctor prescribed me the antibiotic Amoxicillin. How to take it?

Pharmacist: You should take it 4 times a day, 1 tablet before meals. But antibiotics are always taken with antiallergic drugs. Take Claritin - it long acting and does not cause drowsiness. When taking antibiotics, you should definitely take a multivitamin. I recommend that you take “Alphabet”, for example. In addition, antibiotics affect the intestinal microflora. Therefore, after treatment with amoxicillin, take Linex. It helps restore microflora. Will you take it all?

Visitor: Yes, yes, of course!

Lasunova Kristina: It happens that a person takes the same medicine for stomach pain for several years. It, of course, relieves pain, but does not heal. It depends on the Pharmacist whether he will be able to convince a person to start taking another, even more expensive product. At the same time, the Pharmacist first of all pursues a humane goal, and only then a commercial one.

S.N. Thus, comparing the survey data and the opinion of experts, we can draw the following conclusions:

1. Regarding the qualities that characterize a pharmacist as a specialist, the opinions of the population and the pharmacists themselves coincide. Both put professionalism first.

2. But the population, along with professionalism, puts in first place the qualities that characterize the pharmacist as a person. That is, they want to see in a pharmacist, first of all, a person with whom they can talk, to whom they can turn for help.

S.N. Over the few years that the specialty “Pharmacy” has existed, children of pharmacists and pharmacists, among others, have studied within these walls. For teachers, it's like an advance of trust. We believe that we have justified this trust from our colleagues. We present to your attention the project “Dynasties of Pharmacists of Our College”. The floor is given to Anastasia Maksimenko.

Maksimenko Anastasia: Dictionary gives the following definition dynasties- this is a series of professions that replace each other by the right of kinship and inheritance.

Dynasties in the profession arise in those families where children see how their parents treat their work. But this attitude is characterized by complete dedication and devotion to one’s work.

The specialty “Pharmacy” in our college is relatively young. But over the 7 years of our existence, we have already created, albeit small, dynasties of pharmacists.

Slide: “Peresypaylo Dynasty”

Natalya Peresypailo did not immediately follow in her mother’s footsteps. She first received a law degree. But the dynamic development of the pharmaceutical market led her to pharmacy. Now she is successfully engaged in the pharmaceutical business, using knowledge of both pharmacy and law.

Slide: “Shugaev Dynasty”

Anatoly Shugaev’s mother raised her son to be a hardworking, kind, sympathetic person. Teachers still remember his “golden hands.” His hard work is also appreciated at the pharmaceutical company where he works.

Slide: “Tereshchenko Dynasty”

Svetlana’s studies were not easy, but she and her mother, a pharmacist with many years of experience, do not regret the efforts spent. Svetlana successfully works in a pharmacy.

Slide: “Maslennikov Dynasty”

In this family, everyone devoted themselves to pharmacy: mother, father, Olesya, her cousin Olga. Currently, Olesya’s younger brother is studying at a pharmaceutical college.

Slide: “Continuers of the parents’ work”

These girls grew up practically within the walls of a pharmacy. And when the question arose about choosing a profession, they chose pharmacy without hesitation. Their mothers, who have dedicated their entire lives to the pharmacy, are proud of their choice.

Slide: “Pharmacist dynasties today”

Natalya Nikolaevna Kagan became the best pharmacist of the year according to the results of the all-Russian competition. Her dedication to her work could not but be reflected in Julia’s choice. Currently, Yulia is a student of group 4 fm 3.

Olga was the first to enter pharmacy; her enthusiastic stories about pharmacy pushed Ksenia to choose the same profession. Ksenia not only studies well, but also actively participates in the sports life of the college.

Since childhood, Olga Artyukhova has felt the incomparable smells of a pharmacy emanating from her mother’s white coat. Currently, she is not only a student, but also a conscientious head of group 3 fm 3 and simply a good person.

These charming girls were brought into pharmacy by their love of chemistry. Dina Mikhailovna’s mother, Anna Yakovlevna, taught chemistry at our college all her life; Dina Mikhailovna herself, after graduating from the Pharmaceutical Institute, came here to teach pharmacology. Yana's choice was predetermined.

S.N. The result of the work we did was the project “Wishes to the Future Pharmacist”, where we tried to take into account our experience and the experience of all previous generations of students studying in the specialty “Pharmacy”.

Students of group 2fm3 perform: Vladimir Anishchenko, Yulia Fedina, Natalya Oskretkova, Sergey Pantyukhov.

Julia F. A future pharmacist, when you first cross the threshold of the Bryansk Basic Medical College, remember that:

Vladimir A. You have chosen one of the most difficult professions. But don't be so quick to be disappointed. Ahead of you awaits a fascinating journey into the land of six chemistries, a brave battle with Latin, the exotic world of medicinal plants, incredible transformations medicines, the mysterious magic of preparing medicine.

Natalya O. Your main task in the future is to restore health to a sick person. But for this you must learn

Sergey P. Be merciful, attentive to people, responsive, sociable.

Julia F. Learn to study, do not forget that a pharmacist studies all his life, because not only your success in your career, but also the health of the person who turns to you for qualified help depends on knowledge of modern developments in pharmacy.

Vladimir A. Keep gratitude and respect for your teachers, who gave you knowledge, taught you to work and live.

3. FINAL WORD OF THE CLASS TEACHER.

S.N. How important work is for a person - everyone answers in their own way. For some, work is the meaning of their whole life, for others it is simply a means of existence, for others it is a habit, for others it is a sad necessity. What it will be for you is up to you to decide.

You have received a more or less correct idea of the content of your chosen profession. Now you are faced with a more difficult task: to understand yourself, to understand your own aspirations, interests, abilities and the most difficult thing is to try on yourself for the profession, to see and feel like a pharmacist

When planning this class hour, I wanted not only to introduce you to your future profession, but also to arouse interest in your future work. Love for the chosen profession begins to form within the walls educational institution where you are studying this profession. I would like for you to come here in 5 years with words of gratitude for the fact that we taught you not only a specialty, but also mercy, dedication, helped you assert yourself in life, and find your way. I hope that after this class hour it will be so.

Antibiotics were invented due to the laziness of their creator, Alexander Fleming. He did not want to wash the laboratory glassware that contained bacterial staphylococcal cultures, so the test tubes and Petri dishes stood dirty for several days. A colony grew there molds, which began to kill bacteria. Surprised by this effect, Fleming decided to isolate the active substance that inhibits bacteria. This is how the first antibiotic, penicillin, appeared.

Although the first antibiotics began to be actively used in medicine only in the last century, even the ancient Egyptians treated some infectious diseases flatbread with mold. So we can say that antibiotics appeared in ancient Egypt.

Chemist Robert Chesterburg, the creator of Vaseline, originally recommended his invention as a stain remover for furniture. He then came to the conclusion that Vaseline - excellent medicine, and advised everyone to eat a teaspoon of the drug daily. It is not known whether Vaseline improved the health of other people, but Chesterburg himself lived to the age of 96.

In 1992, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer conducted clinical trials of a new heart medicine– sildenafil citrate. The trials ended in failure: the drug had almost no therapeutic effect on the heart. However, many men from the control group flatly refused to return the pills, because felt like real sex giants after taking them. This is how an unplanned side effect allowed the famous Viagra to be born.

A funny side effect has also been observed with the antidepressant clomipramine: 5% of patients taking it can experience an orgasm simply by yawning!

The famous German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG launched on the market in 1898 children's medicine for a cough that was... heroin! It was only in 1913 that it was no longer prescribed to children, although this “medicine” could be freely purchased in German pharmacies back in 1971.

In the second half of the 19th century, cocaine was used as a pain reliever. Sigmund Freud experienced the effects of cocaine himself and, as a result, prescribed it to his patients as a cure for depression, sexual dysfunction, alcoholism and syphilis. For some reason, Freud was sure that cocaine was not addictive, but, as it turned out, he was seriously mistaken.

Until 1913, American doctors prescribed Coca-Cola to their patients as a remedy for headaches and stomach pain. This is not surprising: at that time the drink contained cocaine.

In the 30s of the 19th century in the United States, ketchup was sold as a cure for baldness and eczema on the legs.

Diet pills popular in the USA and Western Europe in the 40-50s of the last century, they contained worm eggs.

American doctors often prescribe to junior high school students who complain of mild ailments during classes, special medicine Obecalp, the active substance of which is regular sugar. About him therapeutic effect It's easy to guess by reading this title in reverse order.

It is a little secret that in the 19th century, including in the territory of the current CIS, they were widely used narcotic drugs as medications (opiates were used to treat everything from colds to migraines and fractures). Also, few people will be surprised by the story that sildenafil (Viagra) was initially tested by pharmacologists as a means to treat the heart - only a person very far from medicine does not know this story.

However, there are plenty of lesser-known, but no less curious cases in the history of medicines - we have collected for you the most Interesting Facts about medications.

Would you like a packet of prescription ketchup?

In the second half of the 19th century, ketchup was sold in pharmacies and prescribed as a treatment skin diseases and baldness. Of course, this is hard to believe, because an appetizing portion of ketchup looks much better on a plate than on someone’s head, but experts of that time considered lycopene (a red pigment, in significant amount contained in ketchup) is quite effective and was confidently recommended for external use.

Liquid metal from all troubles

Mercury is the only metal that has a liquid state at room temperature. “Why not drink it, if technically it is quite possible,” apparently, this is exactly what a doctor who lived in America in the 19th century decided and recommended this miracle remedy for all ills. There was even a recommendation to take a glass of mercury for “volvulus” (acute intestinal obstruction) – we assume that the underlying disease after such a dose of toxic metal no longer bothered the patient. However, there was also logic - since the Middle Ages, syphilis and a number of other diseases have been successfully treated with mercury. They died, of course, but they didn’t think that mercury was to blame. Today it is known that mercury is a very toxic metal, and its use in medicine has been reduced to filling thermometers ( mercury thermometers contain about 2 g of mercury and do not pose a threat, unless, of course, you break the glass tube in which the mercury is located - mercury vapor is also quite toxic).

If you want to lose weight, get worms

It sounds absurd, of course, but this did not stop the sale of diet pills with worm eggs in the 40s and 50s. XX century. Let's assume that such pills had a certain effect, but is it possible to find a safer method?

Petroleum products? Help yourself

In the middle of the 19th century, an American scientist created Vaseline (which, as is known, is obtained from petroleum fractions; however, it was originally called “petroleum jelly”). It was sold as a cleaning product for furniture upholstery and wooden elements. But what kind of researcher is he if he doesn’t taste his invention - and Chesterburg tried it, and then recommended everyone to take a teaspoon of it daily (we don’t know how he did it, but the scientist himself, following his advice (or contrary to it) ?), lived to be 96 years old).

Antibiotics: Fleming or the Ancient Egyptians?

It is known that the first antibiotic penicillin was obtained by Alexander Fleming at the beginning of the 20th century - well, you know this story with a forgotten Petri dish, where mold appeared and the bacterial culture suddenly died. Everything would be fine, but the ancient Egyptians infectious diseases They recommended eating moldy bread, and this is almost the same penicillin from almost the same mold. Hmm, and for almost two millennia people have been dying from nonsense (by the standards modern medicine with antibiotics) infections. Maybe the ancient Egyptians had something else interesting?

Radical remedy for toothache

The most radical remedy for toothache - sugar. “It’s logical,” thought Elizabeth Petrovna’s courtiers. “No teeth, no toothache.” No matter how strange it may sound, this is exactly how they dealt with trouble during the reign of Elizabeth in Russian Empire. It should be noted that not everyone had money for sugar and only aristocrats could afford such “treatment”. However, the barbers were ready not only to give a haircut, but also to remove a couple of teeth (including healthy ones) to an ordinary person for quite a small fee.

Autograph in exchange for medicine

There is a story that Anton Pavlovich Chekhov once fell ill and sent a messenger to the pharmacy for castor oil capsules (it’s not surprising that the great writer wanted capsules - it’s still a pleasure to eat castor oil with spoons), but the cunning pharmacist simply gave incredible size a drug. Then Chekhov, writing “I am not a horse” on the piece of paper, sent the messenger back. In the end, almost everyone was satisfied: Anton Pavlovich received normal size the drug, the pharmacist’s autograph, and only the messenger had to walk a considerable distance once again.

Placebo for suspiciousness

Not only in the 19th century did ladies like to pretend to be ill with or without cause; today both adults and children engage in similar fun. But welcome real medicines may cause harm - side effects no one canceled. How to treat capricious people? An American pharmaceutical company released special drug from “nothing”. Certainly, Excipients for the formation of tablets there is, but instead of the active one there is a great and powerful “nothing”. The tablets are released in completely “medical” packaging, on which “Obecalp” is written in Latin - read in the opposite direction and get “Placebo”.

Oral contraceptives – monthly dose per day

The first contraceptives contained in one tablet a dose of hormones similar to what is now contained in a whole pack, designed for a month of use. It is not surprising that such a dose led to negative consequences and the pills didn’t make women very happy.

What set of numbers equals one in the UK in the legal sense?

In the UK, in the legal sense, all numbers greater than 0.5 and less than 1.5 are considered to be one. The reason for this decision was trial between two pharmaceutical companies. One of them holds a patent for a wound healing agent containing silver ions from 1 to 25% of the drug’s weight, while the other has released a similar product that contains 0.77% of such ions. Previously, in similar cases, numbers greater than 0.95 were taken as a unit, but when considering the case, the court discovered an asymmetry in the definition, decided to consider everything in the range from 0.5 to 1.5 as a unit, and thereby satisfied the claim for patent infringement.

In which animals is it detected? positive effect from taking a placebo?

Not only people, but also animals are susceptible to the placebo effect. In a control group of epileptic dogs given pacifiers, the number of seizures decreased in 79% of participants. Scientists suggest that the improvement in condition is explained either by the expectation of the dogs themselves, who have become accustomed to the medications after many years of illness, or by the expectation of their owners, who convey to the animals confidence in the benefits of treatment. We also cannot exclude a more prosaic explanation related to the cyclical nature of epilepsy: since taking a placebo may occur during an exacerbation phase, after some time there are fewer seizures due to natural reasons.

How does the effectiveness of placebo tablets depend on their quantity, color and cost?

The effectiveness of a placebo depends on many characteristics of the dummy pills themselves. For example, taking two tablets instead of one has a greater effect on the patient. Tablets are suitable for different diseases different color: Depression is best treated with yellow placebos, and stomach ulcers with white placebos. The cost of the tablets is also significant - in many cases, the more expensive ones give a greater effect than the cheaper ones that are identical to them.

Where and when did Bayer knowingly sell drugs that could be contaminated with HIV?

In the early 1980s in the United States, after evidence of the existence of AIDS appeared, the disease began to be registered not only in the most at risk people from among homosexuals and drug addicts, but also in patients with hemophilia. It turned out that the virus was transmitted through drugs to improve blood clotting, which contained plasma from infected donors. After the scandal broke, Bayer and other presenters pharmaceutical companies began producing a safe, heat-treated version of the drug, but its supply began only within the country. And in Asian and Latin American countries, sales of old drugs continued for several more years, since corporations were not eager to destroy their stocks, produced in large quantities.

What is the choice between Western and Indian medicine did Gandhi do for himself and his wife?

In 1944, at the age of 74, Mahatma Gandhi's wife Kasturba fell ill. bronchial pneumonia, having previously suffered several heart attacks. One of Kasturba's sons offered to treat her with penicillin, but Gandhi refused, allowing only traditional Indian methods to be used - for example, rubbing with water from the Ganges. At the same time, Gandhi stated that the fate of his wife was in the hands of God, who was testing his faith, but a few days later she died. A month and a half later, Gandhi himself fell ill with malaria, and after three weeks unsuccessful traditional treatment agreed to take quinine and recovered. It is worth noting that quinine was known as remedy for several centuries, and penicillin began to be used in 1942, and its mass production in the West was only in the project.

What wounds are not recommended to be treated with hydrogen peroxide?

For the treatment of small superficial wounds The use of hydrogen peroxide is not advisable, since it damages the cells adjacent to the wound and, thus, increases the healing time. This tool it is justified to use only to clean complex wounds from dirt, blood clots and pus before introducing an antiseptic solution.

It is not recommended to drink grapefruit juice while taking medications. It contains furanocoumarins, which contribute to a multiple increase in concentration active substances medications in the blood, which can lead to an overdose. To the group increased risk includes antiarrhythmic, antihistamine, lipid-lowering and antitussive drugs, and in total unwanted effects from mixing with grapefruit juice identified in at least 40 drugs, including drugs for erectile dysfunction.

Why don’t they treat wounds with brilliant green in the USA and Europe?

A solution of brilliant green dye, popularly known as “zelenka,” is used as an antiseptic only in Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space. In the USA and European countries, green stuff is allowed, but no one uses it. Russian doctors suggest several reasons for this: from the unaesthetic appearance of the patient after treatment with brilliant green to uncertainty regarding its possible carcinogenic properties, since no one has conducted relevant studies.

How does the Coca-Cola manufacturer acquire coca leaf extract?

Coca-Cola contains coca leaf extract, although in much smaller quantities than in the first years of its sales. This extract The Coca Cola Company buys from only one supplier - Stepan Company, the only company in the United States, which is allowed to import coca. Moreover, leaves are supplied to Coca-Cola after all the cocaine has been obtained from them, which, in turn, is supplied pharmaceutical plant Mallinckrodt. This is the only plant in the United States that has government approval to produce cocaine-containing medicinal products.

Can hormone injections mimic physical exercise to combat obesity?

In humans and other mammals, there are two types of fat cells - white and brown. Exactly white fat cells associated with obesity and overweight, while brown ones are much more active in helping the body replenish energy deficiency by burning calories. Scientists recently discovered that exercise triggers the release of a previously unknown hormone, irisin, which causes white fat to turn brown and also increases the body's sensitivity to glucose. Experiments on mice showed that simple injections of irisin without physical activity help reduce weight. It is assumed that drugs based on this hormone will radically increase the effectiveness of treating obesity and diabetes.

How long after the expiration date can medications remain effective? therapeutic effect?

According to research by the American Quality Assurance Administration food products and medicines, approximately 85% of medicines retain their therapeutic effect for a long time after the expiration date - some up to 15 years. At the same time, their effectiveness may decrease slightly over time, but most of the original potential remains. Exceptions to this rule include nitroglycerin, insulin, and some liquid antibiotics.

Where can you try a drink made from a live frog?

There are many cafes in Peru where you can try a special drink made from frogs. One recipe for its preparation involves mixing a live frog with bean soup, honey, aloe juice and poppy plant root in a blender. It is believed that this drink helps against various diseases such as asthma or bronchitis, and also increases potency.

What events led to Venezuela becoming 3rd in the world in terms of Viagra sales?

During the general strike in Venezuela from December 2, 2002 to February 2, 2003, Viagra consumption increased sharply. In terms of sales of these tablets, Venezuela then took 3rd place in the world, although it ranks only 45th in terms of population.