Introduction It’s no secret that alcohol can significantly impact a person’s life, both physically and emotionally. When someone who has been consuming alcohol heavily or for an extended period decides to quit, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on various factors, these symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. This article will…
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can range from mild to severe and can occur at any stage of drug use, from initiation to long-term use. What Are Adverse Drug Reactions? ADRs are any harmful or unintended effects of medications that occur at doses used for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases. ADRs can occur due…
Clinical pharmacokinetics is a branch of pharmacology that studies the clinical aspects of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. In this article, we will explore key concepts in clinical pharmacokinetics, including plasma half-life, bioavailability, clearance, steady-state concentration, loading dose, maintenance dose, Elimination Kinetics and therapeutic index (TI). Plasma Half-Life The plasma half-life is defined…
Sympathomimetics, also known as adrenergic agonists, are a group of drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. They activate the adrenergic receptors in the body and cause physiological responses similar to those of the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathomimetics are used in the treatment of various medical conditions such as asthma, hypotension, and…
Introduction Parasympathomimetics, also known as cholinergic agonists, are a class of drugs that act on the parasympathetic nervous system. They are used to treat a variety of medical conditions by stimulating the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in many physiological processes. This article explores the classification of parasympathomimetics, their individual pharmacological actions, clinical uses, adverse effects, and contraindications. Classification of Parasympathomimetics Parasympathomimetics are…
Introduction Have you ever wondered about the drugs that counteract the effects of the sympathetic nervous system? Sympatholytics, also known as adrenergic antagonists, are one such class of drugs. This article will dive into the classification, pharmacological actions, clinical uses, adverse effects, and contraindications of different types of sympatholytic drugs. So, let’s get started! Sympatholytics…
Central nervous system (CNS) infections are medical conditions caused by various pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that affect the brain, spinal cord, or other tissues within the CNS. Below are some common CNS infections, their causes, treatment options, and references for further information. Bacterial meningitis [1]: Cause: Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae,…
Immunomodulators are drugs that can either suppress or enhance the activity of the immune system. These are two types: Immunosuppressants Immunostimulants Immunosuppressants Immunosuppressants are substances that suppress or inhibit the immune system’s activity. They are often used in medical treatments to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs or to treat autoimmune disorders where the immune…
Mood Stabilizers: Effective Treatment for Mania and Bipolar Disorder Mood stabilizers are a class of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterised by episodes of mania (elevated, irritable mood), depression, and sometimes psychosis. These medications work by balancing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine….
Understanding the action of drugs on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) can be simplified by drawing a comparison with the adrenaline/epinephrine-induced fight, flight, and fright response. This response, also known as the acute stress response, is the body’s physiological reaction to perceived harmful events, attacks, or threats to survival. To better comprehend the role of…