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Introduction Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic widely employed in the treatment of a variety of malignancies, including breast cancer, lymphoma, and sarcoma. Its cytotoxic activity is primarily mediated through intercalation into DNA strands, inhibition of topoisomerase II, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Historically, the discovery of doxorubicin in the 1960s marked a significant advance…
Introduction Definition and Overview Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid derived from the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus). It functions as a microtubule inhibitor, disrupting mitotic spindle formation during cell division and thereby inducing apoptosis in rapidly proliferating cells. The drug is widely employed in oncology protocols, particularly for hematologic malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)…
Introduction Cisplatin is a platinum‑based chemotherapeutic agent that has been a cornerstone of antitumor therapy since its introduction in the early 1970s. The compound is characterized by a square planar geometry, with two ammine ligands and two chloride ligands, which confer both structural stability and reactivity. Over the past five decades, cisplatin has maintained a…
Introduction Cyclophosphamide is a nitrogen mustard derivative that functions as a prodrug, requiring hepatic bioactivation to exert cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects. It has been employed for more than six decades in the treatment of malignancies such as Hodgkin lymphoma, ovarian cancer, and multiple myeloma, as well as in non‑malignant conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)…
Introduction / Overview Albendazole, a benzimidazole carbamate, represents a cornerstone in the treatment of a broad spectrum of helminthic infections. Its global use in public health programs and clinical practice underscores its clinical relevance. The pharmacological properties of albendazole have been extensively investigated, providing insight into its efficacy, safety, and optimal use. This chapter aims…
Introduction/Overview Metronidazole, a nitroimidazole class antimicrobial agent, has long been utilized for the treatment of anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. Its importance in clinical practice is underscored by its broad spectrum of activity against organisms such as Clostridium difficile, *Bacteroides fragilis*, and protozoa including *Giardia lamblia* and *Trichomonas vaginalis*. The present chapter aims to provide…
Introduction Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide originally isolated from the plant Artemisia annua. The compound has become a cornerstone of antimalarial therapy and is increasingly explored for antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory indications. Its discovery in the 1970s, subsequent patent protection, and global distribution have shaped contemporary pharmacotherapy for malaria, especially in high‑burden regions of…
Introduction Definition and Overview Chloroquine is a synthetic 4-aminoquinoline derivative originally developed in the 1930s for the treatment of malaria. Its chemical structure comprises a quinoline ring fused with a side chain containing a tertiary amine. The drug is administered orally or intravenously and is widely recognized for its antimalarial, anti‑inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Over…
Introduction Zidovudine, also known by the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) AZT, represents the first nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) approved for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The drug functions as a prodrug that undergoes intracellular phosphorylation to the active triphosphate form, which competitively inhibits reverse transcriptase and incorporates into viral DNA, resulting…