Question

Which of the following is not correctly matched with the type of drug mentioned in brackets?

• A. Heroin (Narcotic analgesic)
• B. Terfenadine (Antacid)
• C. Valium (Tranquilizer)
• D. Soframicine (Antiseptic)

Hint:

Remember these important drug classifications: \[ \begin{aligned} &\text{Heroin} \rightarrow \text{Narcotic Analgesic} &\text{Valium} \rightarrow \text{Tranquilizer} &\text{Terfenadine} \rightarrow \text{Antihistamine} &\text{Soframicine} \rightarrow \text{Antiseptic} \end{aligned} \] A common exam trick is to interchange the terms antihistamine and antacid. Terfenadine is an antihistamine, not an antacid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Drugs are chemical substances used for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Based on their physiological effects, drugs are classified into different categories such as analgesics, tranquilizers, antihistamines, antiseptics, antacids, antibiotics, etc. To identify the incorrect match, we must examine the actual medicinal use of each drug listed.

Step 1: Examine Heroin.
Heroin (diacetyl morphine) is derived from morphine and acts on the central nervous system. It is classified as a narcotic analgesic because it relieves pain and induces sleep and sedation. Therefore, \[ \text{Heroin} \longrightarrow \text{Narcotic Analgesic} \] is a correct match.

Step 2: Examine Terfenadine.
Terfenadine is a drug used to treat allergic reactions such as hay fever, skin allergies and other hypersensitivity disorders. It belongs to the class of \[ \text{Antihistamines} \] because it blocks the action of histamine released during allergic reactions. Antacids, on the other hand, are substances such as \[ Mg(OH)_2,\; Al(OH)_3,\; NaHCO_3 \] which neutralize excess hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. Since Terfenadine does not neutralize stomach acid, it is not an antacid. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Terfenadine (Antacid)}} \] is an incorrect match.

Step 3: Examine Valium.
Valium (Diazepam) is used to reduce anxiety, emotional stress and mental tension. It acts as a \[ \text{Tranquilizer} \] Therefore, \[ \text{Valium} \longrightarrow \text{Tranquilizer} \] is correctly matched.

Step 4: Examine Soframicine.
Soframicine contains framycetin and is commonly applied on wounds and cuts to prevent microbial infection. It acts as an antiseptic/antibacterial preparation. Hence, \[ \text{Soframicine} \longrightarrow \text{Antiseptic} \] is also correctly matched.

Step 5: Draw the conclusion.
Among all the given options, only Terfenadine has been matched with the wrong category. Actually, \[ \text{Terfenadine} = \text{Antihistamine} \] and not an antacid. Therefore, the incorrect match is \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Terfenadine (Antacid)}} \]