Chemistry in Everyday Life: Drugs and Medicines for Board Exams 2026
- Swarangi Nawge
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Introduction
In the realm of Class 12 Chemistry, Chemistry in Everyday Life is a high-yield chapter that bridges the gap between laboratory science and human health. As we move into 2026, the medical application of chemicals—ranging from simple antacids to complex neurological drugs—is more relevant than ever.
This guide covers the essential concepts of drugs and medicines required for Board exams and competitive entrance tests like NEET and CUET.
Classification of Drugs
Understanding drug classification is a favorite topic of board examiners. In Chemistry in Everyday Life, drugs are classified into four main types:
1. Pharmacological Effect
Useful for doctors, drugs are grouped by their effect on the body.Examples:
Analgesics – relieve pain
Antiseptics – prevent infections
2. Drug Action
Based on the biochemical process targeted.Example:
Antihistamines block the action of histamines responsible for inflammation.
3. Chemical Structure
Drugs with similar chemical structures often show similar activity.Example:
Sulphonamides
4. Molecular Targets
Crucial for medicinal chemists. Focuses on interaction with biomolecules such as:
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Drug–Enzyme Interaction: Mechanism of Action
Drugs generally interact with enzymes, which act as biological catalysts. This interaction occurs in two main ways:
Competitive Inhibition
Drug competes with the natural substrate for the active site of the enzyme.
Allosteric Inhibition
Drug binds to an allosteric site (different from active site).
This changes the shape of the enzyme, preventing substrate binding.
Therapeutic Action of Drugs (Major Classes)
Drug Class | Function | Examples |
Antacids | Neutralize excess stomach acid | Aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)₃], Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)₂], Ranitidine |
Tranquillizers | Treat stress and mental illness | Equanil, Veronal, Valium |
Analgesics | Relieve pain | Aspirin (non-narcotic), Morphine (narcotic) |
Antimicrobials | Kill or inhibit microbial growth | Penicillin, Chloramphenicol |
Antifertility Drugs | Birth control chemicals | Norethindrone, Novestrol |
Important Formulas & Chemical Constants
For the 2026 Board Exams, ensure you can recognize or draw the following:
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid):Molecular formula → C₉H₈O₄
Paracetamol (4-Acetamidophenol):Molecular formula → C₈H₉NO₂
Bicarbonate Neutralization Reaction:Sodium bicarbonate + Hydrochloric acid → Sodium chloride + Water + Carbon dioxide
NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂
Board Exam Analysis: Important & Repeated Questions
Based on analysis of last 10 years of official board papers and NCERT/SWAYAM resources:
Question: Why is Aspirin used to prevent heart attacks?
Answer: Aspirin has anti-platelet (anti-blood clotting) properties.
Question: What is a Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic?
Answer: An antibiotic effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Chloramphenicol.
Question: Mention the components of Dettol.
Answer: Chloroxylenol and Terpineol.
FAQ: Chemistry in Everyday Life
Q1. What is the focus of Chemistry in Everyday Life regarding medicines?
Answer:The focus is to explain how low molecular mass chemicals (drugs) interact with macromolecular targets to produce a therapeutic biological response.
Q2. Can a chemical act as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant?
Answer:Yes.
0.2% Phenol acts as an antiseptic
1% Phenol acts as a disinfectant
Conclusion
Chemistry in Everyday Life highlights the vital role of chemicals in healthcare. Mastery of drug classification, therapeutic action, and drug–enzyme interaction is essential for securing high marks in the 2026 Board Exams.
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