The development of various drugs in the past century greatly improved medical treatment and helped scientists fight previously incurable diseases. These advancements fulfilled the optimistic expectations of individuals at the beginning of the century, who believed that technology and industry would enhance their well-being.
The importance of drug development is immense, but its drawbacks should not be underestimated. Among the various classes of drugs developed in the twentieth century, antibiotics are particularly significant. These drugs have been instrumental in treating antimicrobial or anti-infective therapy and have played a crucial role in fighting infectious diseases that had previously caused devastation to humanity.
The groundbreaking work of Alexander Fleming and Howard Florey made it possible to discover penicillin, the first antibiotic drug. Starting with sulfacetamide in 1939, new types of antibiotics were continuously introduced into the pharmaceutical market al
...most every year. The emergence of antibiotic drugs empowered mankind to overcome ailments such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, smallpox, and plague.
Before the advent of antibiotics, patients with infectious diseases were isolated and provided with a nutritious diet, including chicken soup, which effectively reduced the impact of once devastating illnesses.
However, the use and misuse of antibiotics can have adverse effects as they can persist in the body for extended periods and result in bacterial resistance. In agriculture, small amounts of antibiotics were previously used to promote animal growth but this practice is now being reconsidered due to concerns about its potential contribution to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria that pose a threat to humans.
Furthermore, insulin was developed as a pharmaceutical product in the 20th century.
The introduction of insulin brought about a revolutionary change in the treatment of diabetes. It provided a crucia
solution for patients who were previously untreated, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and potentially extend their lifespan. However, this also means that they now depend on a continuous supply of insulin. Unfortunately, low-income countries without sufficient medical insurance coverage face significant financial difficulties in regularly purchasing insulin. On another note, the emergence of anti-depressant drugs triggers diverse perspectives within society.
Although anti-depressants can be beneficial for individuals suffering from depression, a condition that can lead to mental disorder or suicide, there are concerns regarding the promotion of these medications by pharmaceutical companies. These companies often advertise anti-depressants as a solution for addressing the brain's 'biochemical imbalance' to an uninformed public. However, if patients become overly reliant on these drugs and discontinue their use, they may experience "antidepressant discontinuation syndrome," which then leads to the new issue of relapse into depression.
The side effects commonly associated with anti-depressants include insomnia, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and muscle contractions caused specifically by Prozac (Groenendijk, 2004). Unfortunately, these side effects can persist for extended periods of time and have a negative impact on overall health rather than improving it. In recent years, media coverage has connected the use of anti-depressant medications to cases involving shooters or killers in various settings such as homes, schools, and workplaces. This indicates that these drugs could potentially contribute to antisocial behavior and negatively affect those surrounding the users.
Similarly, although anti-psychotic medication gained popularity during the 1960s due to its positive effects, it is also recognized for producing adverse reactions within the body.
While these medications are important for treating schizophrenia, their long-term use can lead to tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder similar to Parkinson's disease that
causes involuntary movements (Grohol, 2005). Therefore, despite the overall positive progress brought about by new drugs, it is crucial to carefully assess the potential side effects associated with them. Thus, extensive research and careful development of novel pharmaceuticals are necessary.
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