Describe the initial steps a painkiller like ibuprofen takes after being swallowed, before it enters the bloodstream.

The tablet disintegrates in the stomach's acidic fluids, then travels to the small intestine where it is absorbed into blood vessels.

What role do liver enzymes play in the processing of medicines like ibuprofen?

Liver enzymes attempt to neutralize ibuprofen molecules, potentially reducing their effectiveness as painkillers.

Explain why the dosage instructions on medicine labels are considered averages and why individual responses can vary.

Dosage instructions are averages based on sample populations and don't account for individual factors like genetics, age, diet, and disease.

What happens to ibuprofen molecules after they detach from their target molecules in the body?

They are carried away by the bloodstream, back to the liver where more of the drug is transformed into metabolites, and then filtered out by the kidneys.

Why is it particularly challenging to determine the correct dosage of medicine for children?

Children's bodies and their ability to process medicine change rapidly, especially the levels of liver enzymes.

Medicines and Drugs: What's the Difference?

10th GradeHealth72 min

aligned to Analyze Internal And External Barriers To Quitting Alcohol, Tobacco, And Other Drug Use.

Learning Objective

I can analyze the differences between medicines and drugs.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

How does your body process medicine? - Céline Valéry

TED-Ed

Guided Notes

14 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
After being swallowed, medicine travels through the bloodstream to do its job before being neutralized by organs and molecules.
•
Ibuprofen disintegrates in the stomach, travels to the small intestine, then to the liver, where enzymes attempt to neutralize it.
•
Factors such as genetics, age, diet, and disease can influence how efficiently the body processes medicine.

Practice

22 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Describe the journey of an ibuprofen tablet from the moment you swallow it to when it starts reducing pain. Include the organs involved and what happens to the drug molecules along the way.”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

Medicines and Drugs: What's the Difference?

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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