Introduction Definition and Overview Chloroquine is a synthetic 4-aminoquinoline derivative originally developed in the 1930s for the treatment of malaria. Its chemical structure comprises a quinoline ring fused with a side chain containing a tertiary amine. The drug is administered orally or intravenously and is widely recognized for its antimalarial, anti‑inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Over…
Introduction Zidovudine, also known by the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) AZT, represents the first nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) approved for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The drug functions as a prodrug that undergoes intracellular phosphorylation to the active triphosphate form, which competitively inhibits reverse transcriptase and incorporates into viral DNA, resulting…
Introduction Acyclovir is a guanosine analogue that has been employed as a cornerstone antiviral agent for the treatment and prevention of herpesviridae infections since its approval in the early 1980s. The drug’s mechanism of action, safety profile, and broad clinical utility have rendered it a staple in both outpatient and inpatient therapeutic regimens. Consequently, a…
Introduction / Overview Fluconazole, a triazole antifungal agent, has become a cornerstone in the treatment of a broad spectrum of fungal infections. Its favorable safety profile, oral bioavailability, and capacity to reach therapeutic concentrations in diverse body compartments contribute to its widespread clinical adoption. A thorough understanding of fluconazole’s pharmacologic properties is essential for optimizing…
Introduction Definition and Overview of the Concept Amphotericin B is a polyene macrolide antibiotic with potent broad‑spectrum antifungal activity. It is defined by its unique chemical structure, comprising a large lactone ring with conjugated double bonds, and its high affinity for ergosterol, the principal sterol component of fungal cell membranes. The drug’s activity is mediated…
Introduction Dapsone is a synthetic sulfhydryl sulfone that functions primarily as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. It exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of bacterial folate synthesis and modulation of neutrophilic activity. Historically, dapsone was first synthesized in the 1940s and subsequently introduced into clinical practice as an antileprotic drug. Over the…
Introduction Ethambutol is a bacteriostatic agent belonging to the class of first‑line anti‑tuberculosis (TB) medications. It functions by inhibiting the synthesis of arabinogalactan, a key component of the mycobacterial cell wall, thereby impairing cell wall elongation and leading to bacterial death. The drug has been integral to multi‑drug regimens for tuberculosis since its introduction in…
Introduction Definition and Overview Pyrazinamide is a synthetic pyrazine derivative classified as an antitubercular agent. It is typically incorporated into combination regimens for the treatment of active tuberculosis (TB), particularly due to its unique activity against dormant bacilli. The drug functions as a prodrug, undergoing conversion by mycobacterial enzymes to its active form, pyrazinoic acid,…
Introduction Isoniazid, a first‑line antitubercular agent, has maintained a pivotal role in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) for several decades. As a hydrazide derivative of nicotinamide, it exerts its therapeutic effect by inhibiting mycolic acid synthesis, thereby compromising the integrity of the mycobacterial cell wall. The historical evolution of isoniazid, from its discovery in the…
Introduction Definition and Overview Rifampicin is an antibiotic belonging to the rifamycin class, widely employed for its potent bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and various other pathogens. It functions primarily by inhibiting bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, thereby suppressing transcription and subsequent protein synthesis. The drug’s broad spectrum, high potency, and capacity to reduce treatment duration…