Introduction/Overview Uterine stimulants, commonly referred to as oxytocics, constitute a pivotal class of drugs in obstetric and gynecologic practice. Their capacity to induce or augment uterine contractions underlies routine management of labor, prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, and treatment of retained placenta. The clinical relevance of these agents is underscored by their frequent use in obstetric…
Introduction/Overview Hormonal contraceptives constitute a cornerstone of modern reproductive health. These agents are widely prescribed to prevent unintended pregnancy, manage menstrual disorders, and treat various endocrine conditions. The ability to modulate reproductive physiology through exogenous hormones has transformed clinical practice and public health. An understanding of the pharmacological principles underlying hormonal contraceptives is essential for…
Introduction / Overview Hormonal contraceptives provide a cornerstone of reproductive healthcare, enabling effective, reversible prevention of pregnancy and offering ancillary therapeutic benefits. Their widespread use necessitates a thorough understanding of pharmacological principles that govern efficacy, safety, and patient counseling. This monograph aims to equip medical and pharmacy trainees with an integrated perspective on the pharmacodynamics,…
Introduction/Overview Estrogens and progestins constitute a major class of endocrine agents that play pivotal roles in reproductive physiology, breast development, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular regulation. Their therapeutic utility spans hormone replacement therapy (HRT), combined oral contraceptives (COC), management of menstrual disorders, and treatment of hormone-sensitive malignancies. As such, a thorough understanding of their pharmacological properties…
Introduction / Overview Corticosteroids constitute a pivotal class of therapeutic agents in contemporary medicine, exerting broad anti‑inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and metabolic effects. Their clinical utility spans a diverse spectrum of disorders, including autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, respiratory conditions, dermatologic conditions, and organ transplantation. The advent of synthetic derivatives has further expanded their therapeutic range and optimized…
Introduction / Overview Oral hypoglycemic agents constitute the cornerstone of pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a disease characterized by progressive insulin resistance and β‑cell dysfunction. The therapeutic goal is to achieve sustained glycemic control while minimizing adverse effects and preserving quality of life. In clinical practice, the selection of a particular oral agent is…
Introduction/Overview Insulin and glucagon are pivotal pancreatic hormones that orchestrate glucose homeostasis. Their therapeutic relevance is underscored by the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion or action. Glucagon, conversely, serves as a counterregulatory agent, mitigating hypoglycemia and maintaining euglycemia during fasting states. The interplay between these hormones informs…
Introduction/Overview Thyroid hormones are pivotal regulators of metabolic homeostasis, influencing cellular respiration, protein synthesis, and thermogenesis. Dysregulation of thyroid function leads to significant morbidity, necessitating precise pharmacologic intervention. This monograph is intended to provide a detailed, evidence-based synthesis of the pharmacology of endogenous thyroid hormones and the principal antithyroid agents employed in clinical practice. The…
Introduction and Overview The neuroendocrine axis comprising the hypothalamus and pituitary gland orchestrates regulation of numerous physiological processes through secretion of a variety of hormones. These hormones, including corticotropin‑releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin‑releasing hormone (TRH), gonadotropin‑releasing hormone (GnRH), growth hormone‑releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin, vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), oxytocin, and others, modulate downstream endocrine organs via complex feedback…
Introduction / Overview Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low‑resource settings where dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can rapidly become life‑threatening. In many clinical scenarios, rapid symptomatic relief is essential to improve patient comfort, reduce the risk of complications, and facilitate recovery, especially when the underlying aetiology is not immediately…