Stereochemistry in therapeutics--knowing what the left hand is doing.
Many drugs have asymmetrical molecules and, therefore, can exist as enantiomeric forms. Although it is relatively difficult to distinguish these enantiomers from each other, enantiomers of the same drug can possess very different pharmacological attributes. Failure to consider the stereochemical properties of these drugs may lead to erroneous conclusions about drug effects. The clinical use of pure enantiomers may be associated with improvement in efficacy and lower toxicity of the drug. However, this may be a costly exercise. It is nevertheless, important for the clinician to be aware of these issues so that there may be optimal use of these drugs.
Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore.
E J
EJ
Lee
D004358:Drug Therapy; D006801:Humans; D010600:Pharmacology; D013237:Stereoisomerism