Pharmacology of Androgens and Anabolic Steroids

Introduction/Overview Androgens and anabolic steroids constitute a diverse group of compounds that influence a broad spectrum of physiological processes, including sexual development, muscle growth, erythropoiesis, and bone remodeling. Their therapeutic utility spans endocrinology, oncology, and rehabilitation medicine, while their misuse within athletic and aesthetic contexts remains a substantial public health concern. A comprehensive understanding of…

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Pharmacology of Antiemetics

Introduction / Overview The control of nausea and vomiting remains a cornerstone of supportive care across numerous clinical settings, ranging from chemotherapy and postoperative recovery to vestibular disorders and pregnancy. Antiemetic agents are routinely employed to mitigate these distressing symptoms, thereby improving patient comfort, adherence to therapy, and overall outcomes. The pharmacological landscape of antiemetics…

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Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals and Vitamins

Introduction/Overview Nutraceuticals and vitamins represent a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds that are derived from natural sources and are routinely consumed as dietary supplements. Their roles in human health have been widely investigated, ranging from disease prevention to adjunctive therapy in established conditions. Because of their increasing popularity, it is essential that future clinicians…

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Pharmacology of Gene Therapy

Introduction/Overview Gene therapy represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of inherited and acquired diseases by introducing, removing, or correcting genetic material within a patient’s cells. The therapeutic intent is to modulate disease pathways at the genomic level, thereby achieving durable or permanent clinical benefits that are unattainable with conventional pharmacologic agents. Over the past…

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Pharmacology of Ophthalmic Agents

Introduction/Overview Ophthalmic medications constitute a pivotal component of contemporary eye care, addressing a spectrum of conditions ranging from acute infections and inflammation to chronic disorders such as glaucoma and age‑related macular degeneration. The unique pharmacologic challenges posed by the ocular surface, blood‑aqueous barrier, and limited systemic exposure necessitate a specialized understanding of drug behavior within…

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Pharmacology of Dermatological Agents

Introduction / Overview Dermatological pharmacotherapy represents a distinct subset of drug therapy, defined by the necessity to achieve therapeutic concentrations in cutaneous tissues while balancing systemic exposure. The skin’s unique barrier properties, vascular architecture, and immune milieu impose specific pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic constraints that differ markedly from other organ systems. Consequently, dermatological agents encompass a…

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Pharmacology of Vaccines and Sera

Introduction/Overview Vaccines and sera constitute a distinctive therapeutic class that exploits the adaptive immune system to provide protection against infectious agents or to neutralize circulating toxins. Unlike conventional small‑molecule drugs, the pharmacological effects of these biologics are mediated through complex immunologic pathways rather than direct receptor binding in the traditional sense. Consequently, the study of…

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Pharmacology of Heavy Metals: Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic

Introduction/Overview Heavy metals, specifically lead, mercury, and arsenic, have long been recognized as environmental contaminants with significant public health implications. Their pervasive presence in industrial processes, contaminated water supplies, and certain traditional practices continues to pose acute and chronic health risks. The clinical relevance of these metals is underscored by their capacity to interfere with…

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Pharmacology of Chelating Agents

Introduction/Overview Chelating agents are a diverse class of compounds capable of forming multiple bonds with a single metal ion, thereby neutralizing its biological activity and facilitating its removal from the body. Their therapeutic relevance spans the treatment of acute and chronic heavy‑metal intoxication, management of iron overload in transfusion‑dependent anemias, correction of copper accumulation in…

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Pharmacology of Immunostimulants

Introduction/Overview Immunostimulants constitute a heterogeneous group of agents designed to enhance host immune defenses. They are increasingly employed in oncology, infectious disease prophylaxis, and vaccine adjuvant design. The clinical relevance of immunostimulants stems from their capacity to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby improving pathogen clearance or augmenting anti‑tumor activity. This monograph aims to…

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