What type of kinetics applies for alcohol in the body? Also, explain the clinical significance of this.

Since alcohol is a lipophilic substance, it absorbs and distributes quickly. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system. In 30 minutes, a person who consumes alcohol while fasting reaches peak levels. Women hit peaks faster than men because they have fewer body fluids. Metabolism of alcohol occurs 90% in the liver and the rest in the lungs and urine. Adults metabolize 7 - 10 g/h

Give a brief summary of the metabolic pathways of ethanol metabolism.

Metabolism of ethanol takes place in 2 enzyme systems:

1. Alcohol dehydrogenase: low and moderate amount. Limited amount of NAD (coenzyme): zero-order kinetics (7 - 10 g / h)

2. MEOS = Microsomal ethanol oxidase system (mixed function oxidases) higher concentrations (> 100mg / dL). MEOS activity increases with chronic use, can be induced and is partly responsible for tolerance.

Which drugs can affect this metabolism and what are the effects thereof?

Disulfiram, Metronidazole, Cephalosporins and Hypoglycemic drugs. The medications inhibit the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, preventing acetaldehyde from being metabolized, resulting in nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Plants in their raw, unprocessed form have certainly been used for medicinal purposes since the first intelligent animals discovered that certain food plants influenced certain bodily functions. Traditional/herbal medicine refers to health practices or traditions that include the use of plant, animal, and mineral-based medications, as well as manual procedures and exercises, to treat, diagnose, and prevent diseases or preserve good health.

alternative medications for axiety:

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Lavender has an interaction with the neurotransmitter GABA to reduce the activity of the central nervous system which thus decreases the effects of anxiety and restlesness.

Valerian root

This has been discovered to naturally increase the amount of GABA in the brain, which aids in nerve cell regulation and anxiety reduction.

Alternative medication for insomnia:

Melatonin

Melatonin has been observed in the treatment of insomnia and delayed sleep-phase syndrome, among other sleep disorders. When given to healthy volunteers, it has been shown to enhance sleep onset, duration, and efficiency, implying a pharmacologic hypnotic effect.  Melatonin has also been shown to improve rapid eye movement sleep patterns.

Magnesium can help to calm the mind and body, making falling asleep easier.