Introduction/Overview Mood stabilizers constitute a cornerstone of management for affective disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. Their therapeutic repertoire extends to episodes of mania, depression, and certain psychotic states. The clinical relevance of mood stabilizers is underscored by their ability to mitigate relapse rates, reduce suicidality, and improve overall functional outcomes. A systematic understanding of their pharmacology…
Introduction/Overview Depression represents a leading cause of disability worldwide, imposing significant individual and societal burdens. Antidepressants constitute a foundational therapeutic strategy, yet their selection and management require nuanced understanding of pharmacological principles. This monograph aims to provide a detailed synthesis of antidepressant pharmacology tailored to medical and pharmacy trainees, offering a framework that integrates mechanistic…
Introduction / Overview Antipsychotic medications represent a pivotal component in the management of psychiatric disorders characterized by psychosis, mania, and, in some cases, behavioral disturbances. Their therapeutic relevance is underscored by the prevalence of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other neuropsychiatric conditions worldwide. Understanding the pharmacological principles governing these agents is essential for optimizing efficacy, minimizing…
Introduction / Overview Epilepsy represents a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The management of epilepsy relies heavily on pharmacotherapy, with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) constituting the cornerstone of treatment. The clinical relevance of AED pharmacology is underscored by the need to achieve seizure freedom while minimizing adverse effects, drug interactions, and…
Introduction and Overview Barbiturates constitute a class of central nervous system depressants that have historically played a pivotal role in anaesthesiology, seizure management, and sedation protocols. Their discovery in the early twentieth century marked a significant advancement in the development of hypnotic and anticonvulsant agents, and they remain a subject of continued interest due to…
Introduction / Overview Benzodiazepines constitute one of the most frequently prescribed classes of central nervous system (CNS) depressants worldwide. Their discovery in the early 1960s revolutionised the management of anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders, and they continue to occupy a central role in contemporary clinical practice. This monograph is intended to provide medical and pharmacy…
Introduction and Overview Sleep disorders and anxiety conditions remain prevalent across all age groups, necessitating the use of pharmacologic agents that produce sedation or hypnotic effects. Sedative‑hypnotics, an umbrella term encompassing a diverse array of compounds, are employed to manage conditions such as insomnia, acute anxiety, procedural sedation, and certain seizure disorders. Their clinical relevance…
Introduction Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness resulting from impaired neuromuscular transmission. The pathophysiology typically involves autoantibodies directed against components of the postsynaptic membrane, most commonly the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The clinical impact of MG ranges from ocular manifestations to generalized muscle weakness, potentially leading to respiratory…
Introduction/Overview Glaucoma represents a heterogeneous group of optic neuropathies characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell loss and visual field deterioration. The most common subtype is primary open‑angle glaucoma, but pigmentary, normal‑tension, and angle‑closure variants also contribute significantly to global visual impairment. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the principal modifiable risk factor, and pharmacologic reduction of…
Introduction / Overview Ganglionic blockers constitute a distinct class of autonomic antagonists that act centrally within autonomic ganglia to inhibit transmission between pre‑ and post‑ganglionic fibers. Their clinical relevance arises primarily from historical use in the management of hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias, and from their role as investigative tools in neuropharmacology. The pharmacologic principles…