Introduction Magnesium hydroxide (chemical formula Mg(OH)2) is a white, insoluble inorganic compound widely employed in clinical practice as an antacid and osmotic laxative. Since its first therapeutic use in the early 20th century, it has become a staple in over‑the‑counter preparations for the management of dyspepsia, gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and constipation. Its dualistic pharmacologic…
Introduction Loperamide is a synthetic, peripherally acting μ‑opioid receptor agonist widely employed as an antidiarrheal agent. Its therapeutic action is confined to the gastrointestinal tract, thereby minimizing central nervous system effects commonly associated with systemic opioid agonists. The drug was first synthesized in the early 1970s as part of a series of opioid analogues, and…
Introduction Metoclopramide is a synthetic, first‑generation dopamine D2 receptor antagonist that also exhibits serotonergic activity at 5‑HT3 receptors. It was first synthesized in the early 1970s and subsequently approved for clinical use in the United Kingdom and the United States during the late 1970s. Over the decades, it has become a cornerstone in the management…
Introduction/Overview Ondansetron, a selective 5‑hydroxytryptamine type‑3 (5‑HT3) receptor antagonist, has become a cornerstone in the prevention of chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative emesis. Its efficacy, tolerability, and ease of administration have made it a widely prescribed medication in oncology, surgery, and critical care settings. The drug’s profile also extends to the management of…
Introduction/Overview Ranitidine, an antihistamine H2 receptor antagonist, has historically played a pivotal role in the management of acid‑related gastrointestinal disorders. Its therapeutic profile, encompassing inhibition of gastric acid secretion and modulation of histamine‑mediated pathways, has rendered it a cornerstone in both outpatient and inpatient settings. The clinical relevance of ranitidine extends beyond its primary indications,…
Introduction / Overview Omeprazole is a widely utilized proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that exerts potent inhibition of gastric acid secretion. Its therapeutic utility extends across a spectrum of gastro‑oesophageal disorders, peptic ulcer disease, and Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens. The clinical relevance of omeprazole is underscored by its prevalence in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as…
Introduction Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone and neuromodulator that plays a vital role in parturition, lactation, and various central nervous system functions. The peptide consists of nine amino acids linked by peptide bonds, with a disulfide bridge between cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6, conferring structural stability. As a synthetic analogue of endogenous oxytocin,…
Introduction Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintenance of pregnancy, and modulation of reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. This monograph is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of progesterone, integrating its biochemical characteristics, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic applications. Consequently, students of medicine and pharmacy will…
Introduction Estrogen represents a diverse group of steroid hormones that play pivotal roles in female reproductive physiology, bone metabolism, cardiovascular regulation, and neuroprotection. Historically, the term “estrogen” derived from the Greek words hormone and secretion, reflecting its endocrine origin. Early isolation of estrone in the 19th century marked the beginning of systematic research into estrogenic…
Introduction Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid widely employed in diverse therapeutic contexts owing to its potent anti‑inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Its utility ranges from the management of allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders to the adjunctive treatment of certain cancers and the mitigation of chemotherapy‑induced nausea. The compound’s pharmacologic profile has been extensively characterized, providing a…