Pharmacokinetics, derived from the Greek words ‘pharmakon’ meaning drug, and ‘kinesis’ meaning movement, is the science that elucidates what the body does to a drug following administration. Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs move through the body. It includes processes like absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), which determine how much of the drug…
Pharmacodynamics is a branch of pharmacology that focuses on the study of how drugs interact with the body at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels to produce their effects. It involves understanding the mechanisms of drug action (MOA), including drug-receptor interactions, signal transduction pathways, and the pharmacological effects of drugs. “What drug does to the…
Introduction Drugs can interact in various ways, leading to changes in the way they work and potential side effects. Understanding these interactions is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. In this page, we’ll explore pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, additive, synergistic, and antagonistic effects, as well as drug-food and drug-disease interactions. Pharmacokinetic…
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….
Summary Points on Antipsychotic Drugs: Classification of Antipsychotics: Typical (D2 blockers) and Atypical (acting via other mechanisms) Actions of Typical Antipsychotics: Actions of Atypical Antipsychotics: Individual Drugs: Adverse Effects: Other Uses: Key Points: Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional…
Antianxiety Drugs: The Relationship Between GABAergic and Serotonergic Activity and Anxiety A reduction in GABAergic activity or an increase in serotonergic activity can lead to anxiety due to mild CNS stimulation. Drugs commonly used to treat anxiety include CNS depressants like benzodiazepines or those that decrease serotonin levels, like buspirone. Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Benzodiazepines are…
Brief Summary Drugs can increase monoaminergic transmission by inhibiting the metabolism or reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA). MAO Inhibitors MAO-A and MAO-B are enzymes involved in the metabolism of monoamines. Non-selective MAO inhibitors (Tranylcypromine, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine) irreversibly inhibit both MAO-A and MAO-B. These drugs exhibit many drug and food interactions,…
This page is a short summary of antimanic drugs. For detailed notes, click here Summary Points Anti-manic drugs are a class of medications used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Proposed antimanic mechanism of Lithium Alternatives to Lithium Carbamazepine and valproate are useful in manic depressive psychosis (bipolar disorder) and can be used…