Introduction to Pharmacovigilance Pharmacovigilance, a key public health function, involves the process and science of monitoring the safety of medicines and taking action to reduce risks while increasing their benefits. This field is crucial in ensuring the well-being of patients and the general public by identifying, evaluating, and preventing adverse effects or any other drug-related…
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare digestive disorder characterized by the development of one or more tumors, known as gastrinomas, in the pancreas and/or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). These gastrinomas produce excessive amounts of the hormone gastrin, leading to an overproduction of stomach acid. This excess acid can result in peptic…
Introduction Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is a common cause of peptic ulcers. It affects approximately half of the world’s population and is particularly prevalent in developing countries. While many individuals with H. pylori infection remain asymptomatic, the bacterium can cause significant gastrointestinal issues, including gastritis, peptic…
Introduction Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by sores or lesions in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It is a significant health concern worldwide, affecting a broad demographic. Pathophysiology Peptic ulcers result from an imbalance between mucosal defensive factors (like mucus and bicarbonate secretion) and aggressive factors (such as gastric…
Introduction Levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that is used to treat symptoms associated with chronic allergic rhinitis and uncomplicated cases of chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is the R enantiomer of cetirizine and has a greater affinity for the histamine H1 receptor than cetirizine. Levocetirizine was granted FDA approval in 19951. Mechanism of Action Levocetirizine is an…
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine widely used for its efficacy in treating various allergic reactions, insomnia, and motion sickness. Mechanism of Action Diphenhydramine primarily functions by antagonizing the H1 (histamine 1) receptor, though it exhibits other mechanisms of action as well. The H1 receptor is found in numerous body tissues, including respiratory smooth muscles, vascular…
Introduction Prostaglandin analogues are a class of drugs that bind to a prostaglandin receptor1. They have revolutionized the management of glaucoma, with their intraocular pressure (IOP) reducing efficacy combined with few systemic side effects and once a day dosing2. Mechanism of Action In Glaucoma Treatment: Prostaglandin analogues work by enhancing uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour. They may…
The pharmacology of thyroid drugs encompasses a range of medications used to treat disorders of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland secretes two types of hormones: iodine-containing amino acids (thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]) and a peptide (calcitonin). T4 and T3 have broad effects on growth, development, and metabolism, while calcitonin is involved in calcium…
Tocolytic agents are medications used to suppress premature labor by inhibiting uterine contractions. Their primary goal is to delay delivery long enough to allow for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity and to transfer the mother to a facility equipped for premature births. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the…
Succinylcholine, also known as suxamethonium, is a short-acting depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent employed chiefly to facilitate rapid endotracheal intubation and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgical procedures or mechanical ventilation1, 2, 3. Here’s a detailed overview of its pharmacology: Classification Succinylcholine is classified as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA), listed on the World…