Introduction/Overview Vaccines and sera constitute a distinctive therapeutic class that exploits the adaptive immune system to provide protection against infectious agents or to neutralize circulating toxins. Unlike conventional small‑molecule drugs, the pharmacological effects of these biologics are mediated through complex immunologic pathways rather than direct receptor binding in the traditional sense. Consequently, the study of…
Introduction/Overview Heavy metals, specifically lead, mercury, and arsenic, have long been recognized as environmental contaminants with significant public health implications. Their pervasive presence in industrial processes, contaminated water supplies, and certain traditional practices continues to pose acute and chronic health risks. The clinical relevance of these metals is underscored by their capacity to interfere with…
Introduction/Overview Chelating agents are a diverse class of compounds capable of forming multiple bonds with a single metal ion, thereby neutralizing its biological activity and facilitating its removal from the body. Their therapeutic relevance spans the treatment of acute and chronic heavy‑metal intoxication, management of iron overload in transfusion‑dependent anemias, correction of copper accumulation in…
Introduction/Overview Immunostimulants constitute a heterogeneous group of agents designed to enhance host immune defenses. They are increasingly employed in oncology, infectious disease prophylaxis, and vaccine adjuvant design. The clinical relevance of immunostimulants stems from their capacity to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby improving pathogen clearance or augmenting anti‑tumor activity. This monograph aims to…
Introduction / Overview Immunosuppressants constitute a heterogeneous group of agents employed to attenuate the immune response in a variety of clinical settings. Their utilization has revolutionised transplant medicine, enabled the management of autoimmune disorders, and provided therapeutic options for refractory infectious diseases. The clinical relevance of these agents is underscored by the increasing prevalence of…
Introduction/Overview Targeted cancer therapies represent a paradigm shift in oncology, moving from non‑specific cytotoxic agents to drugs that interfere with defined molecular pathways essential for tumor growth and survival. The evolution of genomic profiling, proteomic analysis, and advanced imaging has facilitated the identification of actionable mutations, overexpressed receptors, and aberrant signaling cascades. Consequently, a growing…
Introduction/Overview Anticancer cytotoxic drugs constitute a cornerstone of modern oncology practice. These agents exert their therapeutic effects by targeting rapidly dividing malignant cells, thereby reducing tumor burden and improving clinical outcomes. Their use, however, is accompanied by significant toxicity, necessitating a thorough understanding of their pharmacology among clinicians and pharmacists. This monograph aims to provide…
Introduction / Overview The burden of helminthic infections remains significant worldwide, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income regions where sanitation and access to healthcare are limited. Anthelmintic agents constitute the primary therapeutic armamentarium against a spectrum of intestinal and tissue‑parasitic worms, including nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. Their clinical relevance is underscored by the high prevalence of…
Introduction and Overview Protozoal and amoebal infections represent a significant global health burden, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The spectrum of diseases includes amoebiasis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, among others. Antiamoebic and antiprotozoal drugs are essential therapeutic agents that target diverse stages of parasite biology. Understanding their pharmacological properties is…
Introduction/Overview Malaria remains a global public health challenge, with an estimated 247 million clinical cases and 619,000 deaths reported in 2021, predominantly in sub‑Saharan Africa. Effective antimalarial therapy is essential for reducing morbidity, preventing severe disease, and curbing transmission. The pharmacologic landscape of antimalarial agents is diverse, encompassing drugs with distinct chemical structures, mechanisms of…