Question

$$ \begin{aligned} &\text { Match the following }\\\ &\begin{array}{ll} \hline \text { Column-I } & \text { Column-II } \\ \hline \text { (a) Aspirin } & \text { (p) Antipyretic } \\ \text { (b) Paracetamol } & \text { (q) Analgesics } \\ \text { (c) } 0.2 \% \text { Phenol } & \text { (r) Antiseptic } \\ \text { (d) } 1 \% \text { Phenol } & \text { (s) Disinfectant } \\ & \text { (t) Antibiotic } \\ \hline \end{array} \end{aligned} $$

Short answer

(a) Aspirin - (q, p), (b) Paracetamol - (q, p), (c) 0.2% Phenol - (r), (d) 1% Phenol - (s)

Step-by-step solution

Review the purpose and uses of Aspirin

Aspirin is primarily used as a pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic). It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Match Aspirin to its category

From the information in Step 1, we can determine that aspirin matches with analgesic (q) and antipyretic (p).

Review the purpose and uses of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is commonly used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. It functions as an analgesic and antipyretic.

Match Paracetamol to its category

From the information in Step 3, paracetamol matches with analgesic (q) and antipyretic (p).

Understand the use of 0.2% Phenol

A 0.2% concentration of phenol is typically used as an antiseptic. Antiseptics prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms on living tissue.

Match 0.2% Phenol to its category

From Step 5, 0.2% phenol matches with antiseptic (r).

Understand the use of 1% Phenol

A 1% concentration of phenol is stronger and generally used as a disinfectant to destroy microbes on non-living objects.

Match 1% Phenol to its category

From Step 7, 1% phenol matches with disinfectant (s).

Key concepts

Aspirin uses

Aspirin is a widely used medication known for its ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever, making it both an analgesic and an antipyretic. Aspirin's mechanism of action primarily involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which play a critical role in producing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compound that contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever. By inhibiting these enzymes, aspirin effectively blunts these symptoms. Additionally, aspirin is sometimes used in low doses to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is because it can prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation—platelets are small blood cells that clump together to form clots. Key points about aspirin uses:

• Pain relief (analgesic)
• Fever reduction (antipyretic)
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Preventive measure for cardiovascular events

Paracetamol properties

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is another medication commonly used for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. Unlike aspirin, paracetamol has minimal anti-inflammatory effects and is less irritating to the stomach, which makes it a good option for those who cannot tolerate aspirin. Paracetamol works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain, which helps lower fever and lessen pain. It's an ideal choice for managing mild to moderate pain and is available in various forms including tablets, liquid suspensions, and even suppositories. Important characteristics of paracetamol:

• Effective pain relief
• Reduces fever
• Minimal anti-inflammatory action
• Gentle on the stomach

Phenol concentration effects

Phenol concentrations have significant effects on their usage as either antiseptics or disinfectants. At a low concentration such as 0.2%, phenol acts as an antiseptic, suitable for preventing the growth of microorganisms on living tissues. This makes it useful for cleaning wounds or as a surgical scrub. When the concentration is elevated to 1%, phenol becomes a disinfectant. This stronger concentration is used to reduce the risk of infection from non-living surfaces or equipment, ensuring that harmful bacteria and viruses are eliminated. Effects of phenol based on concentration:

• 0.2% concentration: Antiseptic, safe for living tissues
• 1% concentration: Disinfectant, suitable for surfaces and equipment

Analgesic and Antipyretic

Analgesics and antipyretics are classes of medications that are used to relieve pain and reduce fever, respectively. Both aspirin and paracetamol fall into these categories, showcasing dual functionalities that make them versatile in treating a variety of ailments. An analgesic works by interfering with pain signaling pathways in the body, often blocking the production of certain chemicals that signal the brain to perceive pain. On the other hand, antipyretics act on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, effectively lowering a fever. Summary of analgesic and antipyretic properties:

• Analgesic relieves pain
• Antipyretic reduces fever
• Often one medication can have both properties, like aspirin and paracetamol

Antiseptic vs Disinfectant

Antiseptics and disinfectants are both used to control or eliminate harmful microorganisms, but they differ in application and strength. Antiseptics are mild chemical agents applied to living tissues, such as skin or mucous membranes, to prevent infection. They are crucial in wound care and pre-operative skin preparation. Disinfectants, on the other hand, are used on non-living objects and surfaces to destroy microorganisms. They are generally stronger than antiseptics and are not suitable for application on living tissues due to their potential harshness. Comparison of antiseptic and disinfectant:

• Antiseptic: Safe for living tissues, prevents infection on skin
• Disinfectant: Used on objects and surfaces, kills microorganisms
• Different concentrations of chemicals like phenol determine their use as either