Introduction / Overview Immunosuppressants constitute a heterogeneous group of agents employed to attenuate the immune response in a variety of clinical settings. Their utilization has revolutionised transplant medicine, enabled the management of autoimmune disorders, and provided therapeutic options for refractory infectious diseases. The clinical relevance of these agents is underscored by the increasing prevalence of…
Introduction/Overview Targeted cancer therapies represent a paradigm shift in oncology, moving from non‑specific cytotoxic agents to drugs that interfere with defined molecular pathways essential for tumor growth and survival. The evolution of genomic profiling, proteomic analysis, and advanced imaging has facilitated the identification of actionable mutations, overexpressed receptors, and aberrant signaling cascades. Consequently, a growing…
Introduction/Overview Anticancer cytotoxic drugs constitute a cornerstone of modern oncology practice. These agents exert their therapeutic effects by targeting rapidly dividing malignant cells, thereby reducing tumor burden and improving clinical outcomes. Their use, however, is accompanied by significant toxicity, necessitating a thorough understanding of their pharmacology among clinicians and pharmacists. This monograph aims to provide…
Introduction / Overview The burden of helminthic infections remains significant worldwide, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income regions where sanitation and access to healthcare are limited. Anthelmintic agents constitute the primary therapeutic armamentarium against a spectrum of intestinal and tissue‑parasitic worms, including nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. Their clinical relevance is underscored by the high prevalence of…
Introduction and Overview Protozoal and amoebal infections represent a significant global health burden, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The spectrum of diseases includes amoebiasis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, among others. Antiamoebic and antiprotozoal drugs are essential therapeutic agents that target diverse stages of parasite biology. Understanding their pharmacological properties is…
Introduction/Overview Malaria remains a global public health challenge, with an estimated 247 million clinical cases and 619,000 deaths reported in 2021, predominantly in sub‑Saharan Africa. Effective antimalarial therapy is essential for reducing morbidity, preventing severe disease, and curbing transmission. The pharmacologic landscape of antimalarial agents is diverse, encompassing drugs with distinct chemical structures, mechanisms of…
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…