What Are Some Examples of Enantiomers in Medicine?
Several medications consist of enantiomers that exhibit different therapeutic and toxicological effects. For example, the drug ibuprofen is a racemic mixture, meaning it contains equal parts of both enantiomers. However, only the S-enantiomer is responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, the beta-blocker propranolol also exists as a racemic mixture, with the S-enantiomer having greater potency than the R-enantiomer in blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.
