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Respiratory Pharmacology: Corticosteroids and Leukotriene Antagonists in Asthma

Introduction/Overview Asthma remains a prevalent chronic respiratory disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. The therapeutic armamentarium for asthma includes inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), both of which target distinct inflammatory pathways. The clinical relevance of these agents is underscored by their role in reducing exacerbations, improving lung function, and…

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Respiratory Pharmacology: Methylxanthines and Anticholinergics for Respiratory Conditions

Introduction/Overview Respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis frequently necessitate pharmacologic bronchodilation. Methylxanthines and anticholinergic agents represent two principal classes of bronchodilators that have been employed for decades. Both drug families exert distinct pharmacodynamic actions and possess unique pharmacokinetic profiles, which influence their clinical efficacy and safety. A thorough comprehension…

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Respiratory Pharmacology: Bronchodilators

Introduction/Overview Bronchodilators constitute a fundamental class of drugs employed to alleviate bronchoconstriction in a variety of respiratory disorders, most notably asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their clinical relevance stems from the ability to rapidly restore airway patency, thereby improving ventilation, reducing dyspnea, and preventing exacerbations. The pharmacologic modulation of airway smooth muscle tone…

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Inflammation: Drugs for Gout

Introduction/Overview Gout is a metabolic disease characterized by episodic acute arthritis precipitated by monosodium urate crystal deposition within joints. The inflammatory cascade triggered by crystal phagocytosis leads to intense pain, swelling, and functional limitation. Pharmacologic intervention targets both the acute inflammatory response and the underlying hyperuricemia, thereby reducing flare frequency and chronic joint damage. Understanding…

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Inflammation: Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction/Overview Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovial inflammation, progressive cartilage destruction, and bone erosions. The therapeutic landscape has expanded dramatically over the past decades, now encompassing non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, conventional synthetic disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs), and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs). These agents differ markedly…

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Inflammation: Pharmacology of Paracetamol and Toxicity Management

1. Introduction/Overview Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, remains one of the most frequently administered analgesic and antipyretic agents worldwide. Its unique profile of efficacy, tolerability, and safety has positioned it as a first‑line treatment in a broad spectrum of clinical scenarios, ranging from mild to moderate pain and fever. Nonetheless, the therapeutic window of paracetamol…

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Inflammation: Selective COX‑2 Inhibitors

Introduction / Overview Selective cyclo‑oxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) inhibitors represent a distinct class of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They were developed to retain pain‑relieving and anti‑inflammatory efficacy while reducing gastrointestinal toxicity associated with non‑selective NSAIDs. The clinical relevance of these agents lies in their role in managing arthritic conditions, acute musculoskeletal pain, and chronic inflammatory diseases, often…

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Inflammation: Non‑selective NSAIDs

Introduction/Overview Non‑selective non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constitute a foundational therapeutic class in the management of pain, fever, and inflammatory conditions. Their broad utilization spans acute musculoskeletal disorders, rheumatic diseases, postoperative analgesia, and various inflammatory gastrointestinal and dermatologic conditions. The ubiquity of these agents in clinical practice underscores the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of their…

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Inflammation: Pharmacology of Aspirin

1. Introduction/Overview Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is among the most widely utilized medications worldwide, serving roles that span from symptom relief in mild inflammatory conditions to secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The importance of aspirin in contemporary practice is underscored by its inclusion in standard treatment algorithms for acute coronary syndrome, stroke prevention, rheumatoid arthritis, and…

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Inflammation: Eicosanoids Pathway

Introduction Inflammation is a complex, multi‑cellular response to harmful stimuli, orchestrated through a myriad of signaling molecules. Among these, eicosanoids—bioactive lipids derived from 20‑carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids—play a pivotal role in modulating vascular tone, leukocyte recruitment, and pain perception. The eicosanoid pathway has become a cornerstone of pharmacologic intervention in a spectrum of inflammatory disorders,…

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