Oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its diverse physiological and psychological effects. Often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” oxytocin plays a crucial role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and maternal behaviour. This article … Read more
I. Introduction Tocolytic agents are medications used to inhibit uterine contractions and suppress premature labor, thereby prolonging pregnancy long enough for vital fetal benefits—particularly the administration of antenatal corticosteroids and safe transfer to an appropriate facility. Modern practice focuses on maximizing neonatal outcomes while minimizing maternal and fetal risks, as no tocolytic is conclusively shown to … Read more
Physiology of Thyroid Hormones Thyroid Hormone Synthesis The thyroid secretes T4 and T3, the synthesis of which depends on dietary iodine or iodide supplements.– Iodide ion is actively taken up by the thyroid, where it is converted to elemental iodine by thyroidal peroxidase.– The protein thyroglobulin acts as a scaffold for thyroid hormone synthesis, with … Read more
Introduction Diphenhydramine is a prototypical first-generation antihistamine with a long history of clinical use for allergic reactions, insomnia, motion sickness, and a variety of off-label applications. Its popularity in both prescription and over-the-counter preparations is a testament to its versatility, but its significant sedative and anticholinergic properties necessitate a deep understanding for safe and effective use. … Read more
Introduction Levocetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine, serving as the pharmacologically active R-enantiomer of cetirizine. Commonly prescribed for chronic allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria, levocetirizine delivers high efficacy with a low risk of sedation, improving over first-generation antihistamines through minimisation of CNS side effects due to limited blood-brain barrier penetration. Chemical Structure & Classification Mechanism … Read more
Overview Histamine is a ubiquitous biogenic amine that influences vascular tone and permeability, sensory nerve activity (especially itch), airway smooth muscle, gastric acid secretion, and central nervous system arousal. Among its diverse receptor subtypes (H1–H4), the H1 receptor is the dominant mediator of the hallmark symptoms of immediate-type (type I) allergic reactions in the skin … Read more
Introduction Histamine stands as a fundamental mediator in allergic reactions, inflammatory processes, and various physiological functions such as gastric acid secretion and neurotransmission. Endogenously, it is produced and stored predominantly in mast cells and basophils, with additional roles in neurons. When released, histamine exerts significant effects on smooth muscles, vascular endothelium, and secretory tissues, orchestrating symptoms associated with … Read more
Introduction Autacoids (from the Greek “autos,” meaning self, and “acos,” meaning remedy) are locally acting biological factors that exert diverse physiological and pathophysiological effects. Unlike classical hormones, which are synthesized in specific endocrine organs and travel through the bloodstream to distant targets, autacoids are often produced by local tissues in response to stimuli and act at or … Read more
Adrenaline, also referred to by its international nonproprietary name epinephrine, is a naturally occurring catecholamine released primarily by the adrenal medulla. As one of the most crucial hormones in the human body’s “fight-or-flight” response, adrenaline orchestrates a range of physiological changes to prepare the body for stress or danger. In medicine, synthetic or pharmaceutical forms of … Read more
Succinylcholine, also known by its alternative name suxamethonium, is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that has been widely used in anesthesia practice for decades. Its rapid onset and short duration of action make it an ideal choice for rapid sequence intubation and other clinical settings where immediate paralysis is necessary. Despite being one of the oldest … Read more