Introduction H2 receptor antagonists, also known as H2 blockers, are a class of medications that are commonly used to reduce the production of stomach acid. They work by blocking histamine action on H2 receptors found in the gastric parietal cells, thereby inhibiting gastric acid secretion. Examples of H2 receptor antagonists include Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, and…
Introduction to Antimicrobial Resistance Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue that has been steadily gaining attention. But what exactly is it? In simple terms, antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. When the…
Introduction to Antibiotic Stewardship Antibiotic stewardship is a coordinated effort to improve the use of antibiotics by promoting the selection of the optimal antibiotic drug regimen, dose, duration of therapy, and route of administration. It aims to achieve the best clinical outcomes related to antibiotic use, minimize toxicity and other adverse events, reduce healthcare costs…
Introduction to Glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye and can lead to blindness if not treated early. But what exactly causes this pressure build-up? And how can we prevent it?…
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of drugs whose main action is a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of stomach acid production. They are among the most widely sold drugs in the world, and are generally considered safe. The following are examples of PPIs: Mechanism of Action PPIs work by irreversibly blocking the hydrogen/potassium pump…
Pharmacopoeias and formularies are two types of drug compendia that are commonly used in the healthcare sector. Pharmacopoeias are official compendia that are published by governments and hold legal status. They contain information on officially approved drugs in a country, including their chemical structure, molecular weight, physical and chemical characteristics, solubility, identification and assay methods,…
Drug compendia refer to comprehensive collections of information on drugs presented in the form of monographs. These monographs typically contain detailed descriptions of drugs, including their indications, contraindications, dosage forms, adverse effects, and storage conditions. They are essential resources for various stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including physicians, pharmacists, drug manufacturers, and regulatory authorities. Introduction…
Angina pectoris, a symptom of coronary artery disease, is typically managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical procedures. This section will focus on the pharmacological treatment of angina pectoris, providing a detailed overview of the classification of drugs used, their pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses, adverse…
Angina pectoris, commonly known as angina, is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This article provides a detailed exploration of angina pectoris, including its classification, types, pathophysiology, and treatment for individual types. We’ll also incorporate flowcharts to help illustrate these concepts. What is Angina Pectoris? Angina pectoris is…