Predicting Pollutant Toxicity of over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Killers (Analgesic) Pharmaceutical Drug

Doli Situmeang; Marvel Reuben Suwitono

doi:10.35974/isc.v11i6.3711

Authors

Doli Situmeang
Marvel Reuben Suwitono

https://doi.org/10.35974/isc.v11i6.3711

Keywords:

analgesic, ECOSAR, predicted toxicity, risk quotient

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers, while essential for managing discomfort, can pose significant environmental risks if improperly disposed of. This study aimed to evaluate the potential pollutant toxicity of commonly used analgesic drugs. EcoSAR, a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model, was employed to predict the aquatic toxicity of these compounds based on their chemical structures. A diverse set of analgesic drugs was analyzed, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and other (in total 19 class of drugs). The results in the form of LC₅₀ revealed varying levels of toxicity among the studied compounds, with some demonstrating significant potential to harm aquatic organisms. The findings underscore the importance of responsible drug disposal and highlight the need for further research to develop effective strategies for mitigating the environmental impact of OTC pain killers.

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