Question

18. Research medicines that include a buffer. Why are buffers added to medication? Present your answer as though you were a chemist working for a pharmaceutical company and you must convince company investors/officials of the benefits of adding a buffer to a new medication under development. In your response include the definition for a buffer and at least 3 convincing arguments. [4 marks; 1 mark per section; a mark for a valid concept] Definition Support 1 Support 2 Support 3

Answer 1

Definition : A Buffer is a solution of combination of weak acid and its salt or weak base and its salt.

Eg: acetic acid+ sodium acetate

Ammonium hydroxide + NH4Cl

1) buffer helps in maintaining biological pH(7.36-7.40) of the blood which is very necessary during action of the drug.

PH of the blood is drop to 6.8 in Diabetic coma patients.

2. Solutions to be applied to tissues cause great irritation especially if their pH is away from biological pH. so addition of buffer is necessary.

3. The stability of emulsion is again pH dependent.