“The hidden role of crude oil in the modern medicine” (Umesh Kyapchhaki Department of Science)

  “The hidden role of crude oil in the modern medicine”

 

 

 

 

✍️ Umesh Kyapchhaki

Department of Science

Nepal Police School Sanga, Kavre

Article prepared for NPS Chautari

                                                  

Simply, we think crude oil means a fossil fuel which is used to run vehicles and industries. Crude oil isn't associated with fuel only but it serves as the foundational “building block” for the pharmaceutical industries. In fact without the complex hydrocarbons derived from oil and gas, modern medicine would look drastically different. Approximately 99% of pharmaceutical feedstocks are derived from petrochemicals.

 

Here is a look into how "black gold" becomes life-saving medicine.

 

1. The Raw Material (Feedstocks):

The journey begins with petrochemical feedstocks; chemical compounds derived from petroleum or natural gas, through the processes called cracking, fractional distillation and refining. Crude oil is broken down into simpler molecules like benzene, toluene, and xylene.

 

These aren't just industrial chemicals; they are the "Lego bricks" of organic chemistry. Scientists use these building blocks to synthesize the complex molecular structures found in modern drugs.

 

2. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs):

The most direct use of petroleum is in the creation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. A classic example is Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which is synthesized using phenol, a derivative of petroleum.

 

Other common medications that rely on petrochemical precursors include:

 

Analgesics: They are used to relief pain Examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and brufen.

 

Antibiotics:  They are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for them to grow and multiply.

Like: penicillin, azithromycin and levofloxacin.

 

Antihistamines: Used to treat allergies. Like: Diphenhydramine and Loratadine.

 

3. Solvents and Processing

Creating a drug isn't just about the final molecule; it’s about the process. Petroleum-based solvents are essential for:

 

Extraction: Separating a specific compound from a mixture.

Purification: Ensuring the drug is safe and free of contaminants.

Crystallization: Helping the drug take the correct solid form for absorption.

Common solvents like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone are frequently derived from petroleum sources.

 

4. Beyond the Pill: Packaging and Delivery

Petroleum’s influence extends to how we store and administer medicine.

 

Plastics: Syringes, IV bags, tubing, and pill bottles are made from petroleum-derived polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene.

 

Capsules: While some capsules use gelatin, many "vegan" or specialty coatings use synthetic polymers to control how fast a drug dissolves in the stomach.

 

Ointments: Mineral oil and petrolatum (Vaseline) serve as the base for countless topical creams and salves.

Summary of Key Petrochemicals in Pharmaceuticals:

Benzene: Synthesis of Aspirin and various antibiotics.

Phenol: Used in oral anesthetics and as a precursor for many APIs.

Ethylene: The base for polyethylene used in IV bags and surgical tools.

Propylene: Used to make isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and pill casings.

Fun Fact: Even the "waxy" coating on many pills that makes them easier to swallow is often a petroleum-derived food-grade wax.

 

Conclusion:

Crude oil plays a surprisingly foundational role in modern medicine, extending far beyond its conventional use as a fuel. Many pharmaceutical products, from life-saving drugs to everyday medical supplies, rely on petrochemical derivatives for their production. Modern medicine is, in many ways, a "refined" form of crude oil. While the industry is moving toward sustainable alternatives, the global healthcare system remains structurally dependent on petroleum for everything from the life-saving pill in your hand to the sterile glove on a surgeon's fingers.