Drug Chemistry Basics

Here is how to think about any drug:

• Agonists activate receptors by mimicking natural molecules; antagonists block them
• Enzyme inhibitors (like aspirin) shut down specific enzymes to stop reactions that cause symptoms
• Dose matters because enough molecules must occupy enough receptors to produce an effect
• Half-life is how long it takes the body to clear half the drug — it sets how often you take a dose
• Interactions happen when two drugs compete for the same enzyme or receptor, boosting or canceling each other