Introduction/Overview Antimicrobial chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of modern medicine, providing essential interventions for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The rapid emergence of resistance, coupled with the diversity of pathogens and host factors, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the principles guiding antimicrobial selection and use. This chapter…

Introduction/Overview The gastrointestinal tract is a complex system responsible for nutrient absorption, fluid balance, and waste elimination. Dysregulation of bowel habits manifests as constipation or diarrhea, both of which can compromise patient quality of life and may indicate underlying pathology. Pharmacological approaches to these conditions are diverse, ranging from osmotic agents to secretagogues, each with…

Introduction / Overview Gastrointestinal motility disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions ranging from functional constipation to acute and chronic diarrhoea. Management of these disorders frequently relies on pharmacologic agents that either stimulate bowel activity or reduce intestinal secretion. The therapeutic efficacy of these agents is critical in preventing complications such as megacolon, electrolyte imbalance, and…

Introduction/Overview Antiemetic agents constitute a pivotal therapeutic class within gastrointestinal pharmacology, targeting the complex neurochemical pathways that mediate nausea and vomiting. These agents are routinely employed in a variety of clinical settings, ranging from postoperative care and chemotherapy-induced emesis to motion sickness and vestibular disorders. The clinical relevance of antiemetics is underscored by the significant…

1. Introduction/Overview Antiemetic agents constitute a pivotal component of therapeutic strategies for the management of nausea and vomiting across a broad spectrum of clinical settings. The gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in the emetic reflex, and pharmacologic modulation of its neurochemical pathways offers significant benefits in patient comfort, adherence to treatment, and overall outcomes….

Introduction / Overview Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting millions worldwide. The pathogenesis of PUD is multifactorial, involving an imbalance between aggressive factors such as gastric acid secretion, pepsin activity, and mucosal defensive mechanisms. Pharmacologic intervention targets this imbalance, aiming to reduce acid production, protect the mucosa, or eradicate Helicobacter pylori…

Introduction / Overview Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant gastrointestinal disorder worldwide, manifesting as mucosal erosions in the stomach or duodenum that result in pain, bleeding, or perforation. The prevalence of ulcerative lesions continues to pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in populations with increasing use of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton‑pump inhibitor…

Introduction/Overview Calcium homeostasis represents a critical physiological process regulated by a complex endocrine network. Within this network, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D metabolites, calcitonin, and sex steroid hormones collaboratively maintain serum calcium concentrations and influence bone remodeling dynamics. Disruption of these regulatory pathways frequently manifests as osteoporotic bone loss, contributing to increased fracture risk across…

Introduction/Overview Calcium homeostasis represents a cornerstone of endocrine regulation, with systemic concentrations tightly controlled to sustain skeletal integrity, neuromuscular function, and cellular signaling. Perturbations in calcium balance are implicated in a spectrum of clinical disorders, most notably osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. The therapeutic armamentarium targeting calcium metabolism encompasses vitamin D analogs, calcium supplements, calcimimetics,…

Introduction / Overview Uterine contractility is a critical physiological process that underlies a range of obstetric and gynecologic conditions, from normal parturition to pathological states such as preterm labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and uterine atony. Pharmacologic manipulation of uterine tone is, therefore, a cornerstone of maternal-fetal medicine and obstetric anesthesia. The agents employed to either stimulate…