Which modification contributes to Carbachol's longer half-life compared to acetylcholine?

Prepare for the Drug Action 2 Exam. Focus on multiple-choice questions, learn through interactive quizzes, and understand core drug mechanisms with explanations. Dive deep into pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Which modification contributes to Carbachol's longer half-life compared to acetylcholine?

Explanation:
Extending half-life here comes from making the molecule more resistant to enzymatic breakdown by acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine is rapidly hydrolyzed because it has a simple acetyl ester. By substituting an amine onto the acetyl group, the ester is converted into a carbamate, which is much less susceptible to AChE hydrolysis. That increased metabolic stability lets the molecule stay active longer in the synapse. The other potential modifications wouldn’t provide the same resistance to hydrolysis or would disrupt the molecule’s activity in different ways.

Extending half-life here comes from making the molecule more resistant to enzymatic breakdown by acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine is rapidly hydrolyzed because it has a simple acetyl ester. By substituting an amine onto the acetyl group, the ester is converted into a carbamate, which is much less susceptible to AChE hydrolysis. That increased metabolic stability lets the molecule stay active longer in the synapse. The other potential modifications wouldn’t provide the same resistance to hydrolysis or would disrupt the molecule’s activity in different ways.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy