Importance of stereochemistry from "summary" of Chemistry for Pharmacy Students by Lutfun Nahar,Professor Satyajit D. Sarker
Stereochemistry plays a crucial role in the field of pharmacy as it deals with the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules. The spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule can significantly impact its biological activity, pharmacological properties, and toxicological effects. Even a slight change in the stereochemistry of a molecule can lead to significant differences in its behavior within the human body. For example, enantiomers are molecules that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed on one another. These enantiomers can exhibit different pharmacological activities due to their interactions with chiral biological receptors. One enantiomer of a drug may be therapeutically effective while the other may be inactive or even exhibit adverse effects. This phenomenon is known as enantiomeric selectivity and highlights the importance of stereochemistry in drug design and development. Furthermore, the chirality of molecules can also affect their pharmacokinetic properties, such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body. Enantiomers may have different rates of metabolism or clearance, leading to variations in their therapeutic effects or toxicity. Understanding the stereochemistry of drug molecules is therefore essential for optimizing their pharmacokinetic profiles and ensuring their safety and efficacy in patients. In addition to drug design, stereochemistry is also crucial in the synthesis and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Controlling the stereochemistry of drug molecules during synthesis is essential to ensure the production of a pure and effective pharmaceutical product. Impurities or unwanted stereochemical forms could lead to variations in the drug's potency, stability, or safety, impacting patient health.- The importance of stereochemistry in pharmacy cannot be overstated. It underpins the design, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, influencing their biological activity, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists must have a deep understanding of stereochemistry to ensure the quality, efficacy, and safety of the drugs they dispense to patients.
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