Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry

Provides an introduction to the chemistry of therapeutically active compounds. This title reviews the structures and nomenclature of the more common classes of naturally occurring compounds found in biological organisms. An overview of medicinal chemistry is followed by chapters covering the discovery and design of drugs. Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry is a concise introduction to the chemistry of therapeutically active compounds, written in a readable and accessible style. Starting with a review of the structures and nomenclature of the more common classes of naturally occurring compounds found in biological organisms, the text then covers the discovery and design of drugs, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism. The book concludes with a chapter on organic synthesis, followed by a brief look at drug development from the research stage through to marketing of the final product. The text assumes little in the way of prior biological knowledge and only a basic chemical knowledge. Relevant biology is included through biological topics, examples and in the Appendices. A concise introduction to the essentials of medicinal chemistry Assumes little prior knowledge of biology. Incorporates summary sections, examples, applications and problems, along with their solutions. Invaluable for undergraduates studying within the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences.

Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field of study combining aspects of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, biochemistry, as well as computational chemistry. Medicinal chemistry is concerned with the discovery, design, synthesis, and interactions of a pharmaceutical agent (drug) with the body.Medicinal chemistry is mainly concerned with small organic molecules both natural and synthetic. Compounds in clinical use are primarily small organic compounds. Organometallic compounds, biopharmaceuticals, and inorganic compounds are also used in medicine as therapeutics.It deals with the design and synthesis of drugs or medicines based on an understanding of how these work in our body. Chemical substances of natural or synthetic origin which are used for curing diseases and reducing sufferings from pain are called medicines or drugs.