For example, an iron supplement is a common mineral-based drug that is
given to patients who suffer iron deficiency, a condition which can lead to
fatigue. Iron is a natural metal that is an integral part of body proteins such as
hemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout the body. Minerals are obtained from
animal and plant sources.
SYNTHETIC/CHEMICAL DERIVATIVES
Great strides in molecular biology and biochemistry enable scientists to create
manmade drugs referred to as synthetic drugs. A synthetic drug is produced
using chemical synthesis, which rearranges chemical derivatives to form a
new compound.
Sulfonamides are a common group of synthesized drugs that are used to treat
many infections including bronchitis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Sulfonamides
are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria.
HERBALS
Herbals are non-woody plants. Some have medicinal qualities classified as a
dietary supplement—not a drug. Unlike drugs that are governed by the Food and
Drug Administration, dietary supplements are not tested or regulated and can be
sold over-the-counter without a prescription. This lack of monitoring means
there are no standards for purity and strength for herbals. Two packages of the
same herbal distributed by the same company might have different purity and
strength that makes the effect of the herb unreliable. There is no control over the
manufacturing process and that can lead to contamination. The law prohibits dis-
tributors of herbals from claiming that an herbal can cure a disease. They can
only state the effect of the herbal on the body. For example, the manufacturer
can say that an herbal increases blood flow to the heart, but cannot say that the
herb prevents heart disease.
Herbals can lead to unwanted side effects and undesirable interactions with
prescription drugs. For example, ginkgo inhibits platelet aggregation (grouping to
form clots) if taken with coumadin, an anticoagulant. The result can be increased
bleeding and stroke. Garlic interacts with protease inhibitors used to treat HIV
and decreases the effectiveness of the prescribed medication. The interaction of
herbals with other drugs can be unpredictable and even dangerous. Healthcare pro-
viders should encourage patients to reveal any herbal preparations they are taking.
CHAPTER 1 An Inside Look at Pharmacology^5