Introduction Definition and Overview Aspirin, chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid, constitutes one of the oldest and most widely used pharmacologic agents. It is classified as a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic, antipyretic, and antiplatelet properties. The therapeutic profile of aspirin arises from its capacity to modulate cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby influencing prostaglandin synthesis and…
Introduction Clinical pharmacology encompasses the systematic study of drugs in human subjects, bridging basic pharmacology and therapeutic practice. It focuses on the evaluation of pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), efficacy, and safety of investigational agents, culminating in evidence that informs regulatory approval and clinical use. Historically, the modern framework of drug evaluation emerged in the mid‑twentieth…
Introduction Definition and Overview Heavy metal poisoning refers to the accumulation of metal ions within biological systems to concentrations that elicit adverse physiological effects. The metals most frequently implicated include lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and thallium. Their toxicity is mediated through a variety of biochemical pathways, often involving disruption of enzymatic functions, oxidative stress, and…
Introduction Antidotes represent a cornerstone of modern toxicological practice, providing targeted reversal of poisoning by neutralising toxins, inhibiting absorption, or facilitating elimination. The concept of an antidote arises from the fundamental pharmacodynamic principle that a chemical insult can be countered by a pharmacologic agent acting at the same or a related target. Historically, evidence of…
Introduction Definition and Overview Poisoning is defined as the ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of a substance that produces a harmful effect on a living organism. The focus of this chapter is the systematic approach to the recognition, assessment, and treatment of acute toxic exposures, with an emphasis on principles that are broadly applicable across diverse…
Introduction and Overview Targeted therapies have transformed the therapeutic landscape of oncology by enabling precise modulation of molecular pathways that drive malignant transformation and progression. Unlike conventional cytotoxic agents, which indiscriminately affect rapidly dividing cells, targeted drugs are designed to interfere with specific oncogenic proteins, signaling cascades, or tumor microenvironment components. This selectivity has led…
Introduction / Overview Brief Introduction to the Topic In the field of antineoplastic therapy, two broad classes of agents remain central to the management of solid and hematologic malignancies: microtubule inhibitors and cytotoxic antibiotics. These agents exploit fundamental differences between rapidly dividing cancer cells and normal tissues, thereby inducing cell death through distinct mechanisms of…
Introduction/Overview Antimetabolites constitute a pivotal class of cytotoxic agents in oncology, functioning principally by interfering with nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication. Their therapeutic utility spans a broad spectrum of malignancies, including hematologic cancers, solid tumors, and metastatic disease. Understanding the pharmacological nuances of these agents is essential for optimizing treatment regimens, anticipating toxicities, and tailoring…
1. Introduction/Overview Alkylating agents constitute a foundational class of cytotoxic drugs employed in the management of a wide spectrum of malignant neoplasms. Their capacity to disrupt DNA integrity renders them effective against rapidly proliferating cells; however, the lack of absolute tumor selectivity necessitates careful therapeutic monitoring. The clinical relevance of these agents remains pronounced, particularly…
Introduction / Overview Brief Introduction Parasitic infections represent a significant global health burden, affecting millions of individuals across diverse geographic regions. Anti‑amoebic drugs target protozoan pathogens such as Entamoeba histolytica and Naegleria fowleri, whereas anthelmintics are employed against helminthic parasites including nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. The therapeutic success of these agents depends on a comprehensive…