Introduction to Antiplatelet Drugs Antiplatelet drugs are a class of medications designed to inhibit the aggregation of platelets in the blood, thereby reducing the formation of blood clots. These drugs are particularly effective in the arterial system, where traditional anticoagulants like Vitamin K antagonists have limited efficacy. Antiplatelet medications are commonly used in the prevention…
Mechanism of Action: Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAIs) act primarily on the proximal convoluted tubule in the kidneys. They inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is essential for the reabsorption of bicarbonate ions. This leads to increased excretion of bicarbonate, sodium, and water, resulting in mild diuresis and acidification of the urine. Pharmacokinetics: Drug Examples: Clinical…
Mechanism of Action: Loop diuretics primarily act on the ascending limb of the Loop of Henle in the kidneys. They inhibit the sodium-potassium-chloride (Na-K-Cl) co-transporter, which leads to a decrease in the reabsorption of these ions. This action results in an increase in the osmolarity of the filtrate, causing more water to be drawn into…
Mechanism of Action: Thiazide diuretics act primarily on the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in the kidneys. They inhibit the sodium-chloride symporter, leading to a decrease in the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions. This results in increased excretion of water, sodium, and chloride, thereby reducing blood volume and blood pressure. Pharmacokinetics: Drug Examples: Clinical Use:…
Mechanism of Action: Potassium-sparing diuretics act on the collecting ducts in the kidneys. They inhibit sodium reabsorption while reducing potassium secretion, effectively sparing potassium levels in the body. There are two main types: Pharmacokinetics: Drug Examples: Clinical Use: Side Effects: Drug Interactions: Contraindications: Understanding the pharmacology of potassium-sparing diuretics is essential for healthcare providers to…
Mechanism of Action: Osmotic diuretics work by increasing the osmolarity of the filtrate in the renal tubules. They are filtered by the glomerulus but not reabsorbed, leading to an osmotic gradient that draws water into the nephron. This results in increased urine output and decreased intracranial and intraocular pressure. Pharmacokinetics: Drug Examples: Clinical Use: Side…
Extending the duration of a drug action can offer several advantages, such as enhanced patient compliance, reduced frequency of dosing, and minimized side effects. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all drugs are suitable for prolongation strategies. Here are some of the more detailed methods commonly employed to extend the action of a drug….
Understanding the kinetics of how a drug is removed from the body is foundational for creating and adjusting rational dosage plans tailored to individual patient needs. Three key pharmacokinetic parameters must be comprehended: bioavailability (F), volume of distribution (Vd), and clearance (CL). The first two have been previously discussed. Drug Elimination Drug elimination comprises both…
Introduction Welcome to this all-encompassing guide to Diuretics and Antidiuretics. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or someone simply interested in pharmacology, this article is designed to help you understand these fascinating drug classes in brief (this is not a detailed overview). Let’s dive right in! What Are Diuretics? Diuretics are a class of…
Metformin belongs to Biguanides, a class of oral antidiabetic drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most commonly used biguanide is metformin. Mechanism of action Pharmacokinetics Biguanides are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. They are not metabolized in the liver and are excreted unchanged in the…