Neuromuscular blocking agents are a class of drugs that are used to induce muscle relaxation, typically during surgical procedures, mechanical ventilation, or endotracheal intubation. These agents work by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, leading to paralysis. They do not have any sedative or analgesic effects, so they are usually administered in conjunction with anesthetics. Types…
Potassium-sparing diuretics are a class of diuretic medications that increase diuresis (urine production) while conserving potassium, contrasting with thiazide and loop diuretics that promote potassium loss. They are used primarily to counteract hypokalemia and as adjuncts in conditions involving excessive fluid retention or aldosterone excess. Classification and Key Agents ClassMain DrugsSite of ActionMechanismAldosterone antagonistsSpironolactone, eplerenoneCollecting ductCompetitive inhibition at mineralocorticoid (aldosterone)…
Antibiotic stewardship refers to coordinated interventions designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antibiotics by promoting the selection of the optimal antibiotic regimen including dosing, duration, and route of administration. The primary goals are to optimize clinical outcomes, minimize toxicity and adverse events, limit the development of resistance, and reduce unnecessary costs. Why Is Antibiotic Stewardship Important? Core…
I. Introduction and Definition Diabetes mellitus defines a group of inherited and acquired…
Introduction A cough is one of the most common clinical symptoms that prompts patients…
Steady state is a cornerstone concept in clinical pharmacokinetics. It connects dose,…
Flecainide is a Class 1C antiarrhythmic agent widely used for rhythm control in…
Introduction Heparin stands as one of the most essential and time-honored anticoagulants…
Understanding the action of drugs on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) can…
Malaria is a major infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans by…
Routes of drug administration are critical in determining a medication’s therapeutic effectiveness,…
Hematinics are agents that supply essential substrates for erythropoiesis—principally iron, vitamin B12,…

Main Takeaway: A P-drug is a prescriber’s personal choice of first-line medicine for a specific indication, selected through a systematic and evidence-based process. Developing and maintaining a personal formulary of P-drugs streamlines decision-making, promotes rational therapeutics, and enhances patient safety. 1. Definition and Purpose of P-Drugs A P-drug (“personal drug”) is not merely the generic name of a medicine but encompasses: P-drugs serve as a clinician’s priority choices for given indications, reducing repetitive searches in daily practice and ensuring familiarity with each drug’s effects and side effects. 2. Relation to Essential Medicines and Guidelines 3. The Six-Step Process for Rational Prescribing The WHO Guide to Good Prescribing outlines a six-step model, with P-drug selection comprising Step 3: 4. Criteria for Selecting P-Drugs (The STEP Framework) When comparing drug options, apply the STEP criteria: Example: Selecting a P-Drug for Acute Amoebic Dysentery Among nitroimidazoles, tinidazole may be preferred over metronidazole due to similar efficacy and cost but greater suitability (shorter course, once- or twice-daily dosing). 5. Benefits of a P-Drug Formulary By systematically selecting and regularly reviewing P-drugs according to these principles, prescribers establish a robust foundation for safe, effective, and cost-conscious patient care.
Albendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic that disrupts parasite microtubules and energy metabolism, leading to ovicidal, larvicidal, and vermicidal effects across key helminth infections. Clinically, it is FDA-approved for parenchymal…
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