Introduction: Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that explores the chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of drugs.

It involves:

- Synthesis, isolation, and identification of compounds

- Structural elucidation and modification

- Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) studies

- Examination of chemical characteristics and biochemical changes after drug administration

- Analysis of pharmacological effects

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of all elements and their compounds except carbon and its derivatives.

- It focuses on substances derived from matter and minerals found on Earth, excluding organic compounds.

- Organic Chemistry deals with molecules containing carbon, while Inorganic Chemistry covers compounds lacking carbon atoms.

Historical Note:

- The 19th‑century chemist Berzelius described inorganic compounds as inanimate.

- The first major synthetic inorganic compound was Ammonium Nitrate, widely used in soil fertilisation.

Inorganic compounds are synthesised for diverse uses:

- Drugs: Cisplatin, Magnesium Hydroxide

- Catalysts: Vanadium Oxide, Titanium Chloride

- Reagents in Organic Chemistry: Lithium Aluminium Hydride

This branch deals with:

- Essential and non‑essential elements

- Preparation and standards of purity

- Identification tests and limit tests for quality control

- Formulations, storage conditions, and therapeutic uses

Importance of Inorganic Pharmaceuticals

1. Therapeutic Purposes: Astringents, Antimicrobials

2. Pharmaceutical Aids: Bentonite, Talc

3. Body Fluid Regulation: Acidifiers, Alkalizers, Antacids, Mineral acids

4. Replenishment of Body Fluids: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Phosphate

5. Reaction Reagents: Catalysts (Platinum, Nickel), Oxidising/Reducing agents (Lithium Aluminium Hydride)

6. Pharmaceutical Analysis: Titrants such as Potassium Permanganate and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

Pharmacopoeia

- Definition: Official books containing standards for drugs and related substances.

- Origin: Derived from Greek, 'pharmaco' (drug/medicine) + 'poeia' (to make).

- Contents: Lists of medicinal substances, crude drugs, formulae for preparations, standard tests, actions, uses, doses, and storage conditions.

- Authority: Prepared under the supervision of respective governments.

Monographs

A monograph is a detailed description of a pharmaceutical preparation.

It includes:

- Chemical formulae, atomic/molecular weight

- Definition and category

- Dose and usual strength

- Physical description and solubility

- Identification tests, assays, impurity limits

- Quantities and storage conditions