Introduction/Overview Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global health challenge, with antiretroviral therapy (ART) transforming a once uniformly fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the mid‑1990s revolutionised care, achieving sustained viral suppression, immune restoration, and significant reductions in morbidity and mortality. Current treatment guidelines…

Introduction/Overview Antiviral therapy has become an essential component of modern clinical practice, offering targeted approaches to a broad spectrum of viral infections. The development of antiviral agents has progressed from early nucleoside analogues to sophisticated molecular inhibitors that disrupt specific stages of the viral life cycle. This evolution has led to improved patient outcomes, reduced…

Introduction/Overview Fungal pathogens represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality across diverse patient populations, ranging from immunocompetent individuals with superficial infections to immunocompromised patients suffering from invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis. The expanding spectrum of antifungal therapy has been driven by the emergence of resistant organisms, advances in drug design, and a deeper understanding of…

Introduction / Overview Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, remains a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which preferentially infects peripheral nerves and skin. Successful pharmacologic management has dramatically reduced disease prevalence and morbidity. Antileprotic drugs are indispensable in the…

Introduction/Overview Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite advances in public health and diagnostic technologies. Effective pharmacologic therapy is central to disease control, with multidrug regimens designed to eradicate the bacillus, prevent resistance, and achieve cure. This monograph aims to provide a detailed, evidence-based review of antitubercular pharmacology, tailored for…

Introduction / Overview The tetracycline and chloramphenicol families represent two historically significant classes of antibacterial agents that continue to play roles in contemporary therapeutic regimens. These compounds are widely encountered in clinical practice, particularly in the management of multidrug‑resistant infections, dermatologic conditions, and certain intracellular pathogens. Their continued relevance is underscored by emerging resistance patterns,…

Introduction/Overview Aminoglycoside antibiotics constitute a pivotal class of bactericidal agents utilized primarily against aerobic Gram‑negative pathogens and certain Gram‑positive organisms. Their distinctive mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic profile confer both therapeutic efficacy and a spectrum of adverse effects that necessitate careful clinical management. The enduring relevance of these drugs is underscored by their role in…

Introduction/Overview Macrolide antibiotics have long been integral to the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram‑positive cocci and certain atypical organisms. Their broad spectrum of activity, favorable safety profile, and convenient dosing regimens have contributed to widespread clinical use. This monograph aims to provide a detailed examination of macrolide pharmacology, with emphasis on…

Introduction/Overview Quinolones and their structural analogues, the fluoroquinolones, constitute a class of synthetic antibacterial agents that have substantially expanded the therapeutic armamentarium against a wide array of gram‑negative and gram‑positive pathogens. Their utility is underscored by broad spectrum activity, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and the ability to achieve therapeutic concentrations at sites of infection that are…

Introduction / Overview Sulfonamides, commonly referred to as sulfa drugs, represent one of the earliest classes of synthetic antibacterial agents. Their discovery in the 1930s marked a pivotal advancement in antimicrobial therapy, providing a versatile scaffold for subsequent drug development. Cotrimoxazole, a fixed‑dose combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, exemplifies the synergistic potential of pairing two…