Category: Pharmacology

Introduction/Overview The thyroid gland regulates metabolic rate, growth, and development through secretion of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Disruptions in thyroid hormone production or action give rise to a spectrum of endocrine disorders, most notably hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Accurate pharmacologic intervention is essential for restoring euthyroidism and preventing both acute and chronic complications. This chapter…

Introduction / Overview The anterior pituitary gland functions as a master regulator of endocrine activity, releasing hormones that influence growth, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. Anterior pituitary hormone analogues and somatostatin modulators constitute a significant portion of clinical endocrine therapeutics. Their application spans a range of disorders including growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly, pituitary adenomas, and neuroendocrine…

Introduction / Overview Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents the most common form of dementia and imposes a significant burden on patients, caregivers, and health systems worldwide. The progressive decline in cognition, memory, and functional capacity necessitates a therapeutic approach that addresses both symptomatic relief and potential disease modification. Current pharmacotherapy focuses on cholinergic enhancement, glutamatergic modulation,…

Introduction/Overview Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor manifestations such as bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. The prevalence of PD increases markedly with age, affecting approximately 1–2% of individuals over 60 years of age, and…

Introduction/Overview Opioid analgesics constitute a pivotal class of medications in the management of acute and chronic pain. Their profound efficacy in attenuating nociceptive signals within the central nervous system (CNS) has rendered them indispensable in diverse clinical contexts, ranging from postoperative recovery to oncologic palliation. Concurrently, opioid antagonists have emerged as critical agents for mitigating…

Introduction/Overview Central nervous system (CNS) pharmacology encompasses a broad array of agents that modulate neurotransmission, neuronal excitability, and neurochemical pathways implicated in mood regulation. Among these, antidepressants and lithium represent cornerstone therapies for major depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorders, respectively. Their widespread clinical application, complex pharmacodynamics, and significant safety profiles underscore the necessity for…

Introduction/Overview Antipsychotic agents constitute a cornerstone of treatment for a spectrum of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and certain mood disorders with psychotic features. Their utilization remains pivotal in reducing symptom burden, preventing relapse, and improving functional outcomes. As both first‑generation (typical) and second‑generation (atypical) agents are employed across diverse patient populations, a nuanced…

Introduction/Overview Epilepsy remains one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, affecting approximately 50 million individuals across all ages. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) constitute the cornerstone of therapeutic intervention, providing seizure control and improving quality of life for patients. The pharmacologic landscape of AEDs has expanded considerably over the past few decades, encompassing a broad spectrum…

1. Introduction / Overview The central nervous system (CNS) is a critical target for agents that produce sedation, hypnosis, and anesthesia. These drugs are indispensable in clinical practice, ranging from preoperative preparation to management of acute agitation and seizure disorders. Understanding their pharmacological properties enables clinicians to optimize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse outcomes. Learning…

Introduction/Overview Local anesthetics constitute a pivotal class of agents in clinical medicine, providing reversible blockade of nociceptive transmission without systemic sedation. Their role in neurosurgical procedures, spinal anesthesia, and peripheral nerve blocks underscores their centrality to modern anesthesia practice. The pharmacologic principles governing their action, coupled with considerations of safety and efficacy, remain essential knowledge…