Question

After reviewing class material about the natural sources of drugs, the students demonstrate understanding of the material when they identify which as an example of a drug that is derived from inorganic compounds?

Answer 1

- penicillin

- aluminum hydroxide

- insulin

- codeine

Answer:

- aluminum hydroxide

Explanation:

Aluminium hydroxide is an antacid gotten by synthesizing and separating the precipitate formed from the reaction between AlCl3 solution with NaOH solution. Aluminium hydroxide is a drug used in treating heartburn and acid indigestiion.

Penicillin, insulin and codeine are gotten from natural organic sources. Insulin is derived from an animal source. Codeine also is derived from organic compounds from plants.  Penicillin is a metabolite of some species of Penicillium, which are micro-organisms.