Medicines and Cosmetics: An Overview

Medicines (Drugs)

Definition

1. Medicines are chemical substances used to treat, cure, alleviate, or prevent diseases.
2. They interact with the body’s biological systems to produce therapeutic effects.

Types of Medicines

Traditional Medicines

Definition

• Derived from natural sources such as plants and animals.
• Generally not chemically processed.

Examples

• Herbal remedies: Aloe vera, ginseng, turmeric (kunyit), ginger (halia), garlic (bawang putih), lemon.
• Animal-derived remedies: Some traditional remedies may involve parts or extracts from animals.

Usage

• Often used to treat common ailments.
• Based on traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

Modern Medicines

Definition

• Synthesised in laboratories using chemical processes.
• Designed to target specific biological mechanisms in the body.

Examples

• A wide range of drugs designed for specific treatments.

Categories of Modern Medicines

Analgesics

• Used to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
• Examples: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Codeine, Morphine.

Antimicrobials

• Used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
• Types: Antibiotics, Antifungals, Antivirals, Antiparasitics.

Psychotropics

• Used to manage mental illnesses.
• Examples: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood stabilisers.

Antiallergics

• Used to manage allergic reactions.
• Examples: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Epinephrine.

Corticosteroids

• Used to reduce inflammation.
• Examples: Betamethasone, Cortisone, Prednisone.

Cosmetics

Definition

• Substances used to enhance appearance, cleanse, protect the body, or alter its odour.

Basic Components of Cosmetics

• Air: Used as a solvent, vehicle, and cleansing agent.
• Emulsifiers: Help mix oil and water-based ingredients.
• Preservatives: Prevent microbial growth.
• Thickeners: Provide desired consistency.
• Moisturisers: Hydrate and soften skin.
• Colorants (Pigments): Impart colour.
• Fragrances: Provide a pleasant scent.

Examples of Cosmetic Ingredients

• Parabens: Used as preservatives.
• Alcohol: Used as a solvent.
• Mineral Oils: Used as moisturisers.

Potential Side Effects of Cosmetics

• Allergic reactions: Itching, redness, swelling.
• Skin irritation: Dryness, breakouts.
• Hormone disruption: Some ingredients linked to hormone disruption.
• Other possible effects: Eye irritation, Changes to skin pigmentation, Hair loss.

General Considerations

• Medicines and cosmetics are designed for specific purposes but may cause unwanted side effects.
• It is important to use these products responsibly, according to instructions provided.
• Consumers should be aware of possible side effects before using medicines or cosmetics.