7 Questions About Medicine

WHATS THE STRONGEST PAINKILLER?
Sufentanil, a morphine-like drug, is a seriously powerful painkiller. Its effect is 50 to 100 times stronger than that of morphine. It’s used as an anaesthetic and in intensive care; it binds to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thereby inhibiting pain signals.

CAN IBUPROFEN ATTACK THE STOMACH?
Ibuprofen inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which encourages the production of pro-infl ammatory messenger substances called prostaglandins. The drug also affects the prostaglandins in the stomach, which protect the gastric mucosal lining from stomach acid. Taken over a long period, ibuprofen makes this lining more sensitive. Possible consequence: gastric bleeding.

CAN YOU SPRAY AWAY TRAUMA?
 US researchers are currently testing a nasal spray that could protect accident victims from post-traumatic stress disorder. The spray pumps neuropeptide Y up the nose and into the brain. Once there, it dulls stress reactions in the centre for emotional memories, thereby preventing a trauma forming.

 DOES HONEY PREVENT DRUG RESISTANCE?
 It’s well known that honey kills off bacteria, but scientists are now reporting that it can also lower resistance to antibiotics. Unlike antibiotics, honey attacks microbes using so many strategies that they’re unable to build up a resistance to it.

 WHY DO MEDICINES NOT LIKE GRAPEFRUIT?
 Grapefruits trigger side-effects in one in three medicines, due to compounds in the fruit called furanocoumarins. These inhibit stomach enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of many drugs, thus boosting their potency and increasing the risk of side-effects.

 CAN AN ELECTRIC SHOCK REPLACE MEDICINES?
 It’s certainly possible, for headaches and migraines at least. In the US, a device that administers a gentle electric shock to the vagus nerve in the neck is currently being tested. When used on patients who suffered from cluster headaches, the device reduced their pain by a remarkable 50% on average.

 CAN YOU DOPE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE?
During high-stress competitions, some athletes resort to misusing beta-blockers – drugs designed to help heart patients regulate their high blood-pressure. During archery events, for example, beta-blockers ensure that an athlete’s heart-rate stays low, thereby giving them greater control over their aim. For this reason, beta-blockers are viewed as an illegal doping agent in shooting events.