Functional Group is a group of atoms in a molecule
which gives the characteristic property and reaction. It is also the
basis of naming a certain molecule or entity of chemicals. In
pharmacy, functional group is not just only to use in naming a drug,
but it is the important part of the drug that exhibits a biological
action into the human body or against another molecule. Important
functional groups in pharmacy are hydroxyl group, carbonyl group
which is divided into ketone or aldehyde, carboxyl group, sulfhydryl
group, halongen group and etc.
In pharmacy, the functional group is the part of a
molecule that imparts the activity and action of the drug. It is the
group that considers to have affinity and ability to bind to a
receptor. It is the main part of a drug that acts on the
microorganisms to either destroy or prevent them such as Fluoro and
Chloro in Flucloxacillin and Cloxacillin, respectively. It is also
the reason why drug interaction happens.
Thus, the significance of functional groups in the
pharmacy is more than just naming or reaction of a chemical to
another chemical, but it is the main group that provides action and
importance of a certain drug. It will be the basis to distinct and
identify a drug and its mode of action, or the site of action,
classification and drug category from another drug.
