Question

Explain the following with one one example
A) Antiseptic
B) Antacid
C) Sulpha drug
D) Antifertility
E) Antipyretic

Answer 1

Antiseptics and sulpha drugs are antimicrobials. Antacids help relieve acidity. Antifertility drugs help in avoiding pregnancy. Antipyretic drugs reduce fever.

Complete answer:
(i) Antiseptics are the chemical substances used to prevent the growth of microorganisms or kill these microorganisms. Antiseptics do not cause harm to tissues of human beings. Antiseptics are used on cuts and wounds. Dettol, Tinchar, Sevlon and Iodine etc are some of the commonly used antiseptics.
(ii) Antacids neutralize the excess acid present in the stomach. Due to this the pH level is restored to normal level. Usually some weak bases are used as antacids. Sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide etc are some examples of antacids.
(iii) Sulpha drugs kill microorganisms. Sulpha drugs are synthesized in the laboratory. Sulphadizine is an example of sulfa drug.
(iv) Antifertility drugs help in avoiding pregnancy. Antifertility drugs are also called birth control drugs. Chemical relative to female sex harmones and steroids can be used as antifertility drugs. Norethindrone is an example of an antifertility drug.
(v) Antipyretic drugs decrease the body temperature. These drugs are used when someone is having fever. Aspirin and Paracetamol are some examples of antipyretic drugs.

Note: Both antiseptics and disinfectants are used on microorganisms but they are different. Antiseptics are applied on the living tissue whereas disinfectants are applied on non living objects.