Significance of stereoisomerism in determining drug action and toxicity

3 Significance of stereoisomerism in determining drug action and toxicity 

Most often only one form shows correct physiological and pharmacological action. For example, only one enantiomer of morphine is active as an analgesic, only one enantiomer of glucose is metabolized in our body to give energy and only one enantiomeric form of adrenaline is a neurotransmitter. 

Ibuprofen is a popular analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. There are two stereoisomeric forms of ibuprofen. This drug can exist as (S)- and (/ )-stereoisomers (enantiomers). Only the (5)-form is active. The (/ )-form is completely inactive, although it is slowly converted in the body to the active (5)-form. The drug marketed under the trade names, commercially known as Advil , Anadin , Arthrofen , Brufen , Nurofen , Nuprin , Motrin etc., is a racemic mixture of (/ )- and (5)-ibuprofen. 

Limonene is a monoterpene that occurs in citrus fruits. Two enantiomers of limonene produce two distinct flavours (—)-limonene is responsible for the flavour of lemons and (+)-limonene for orange. Similarly, one enantiomeric form of carvone is the cause of caraway flavour, while the other enantiomer has the essence of spearmint. 

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