Metformin, a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is one of the most commonly prescribed oral antidiabetic agents worldwide. Originally discovered from a natural plant source known as Galega officinalis (French lilac or goatโs rue), metformin has a long history of clinical use. Its popularity is largely due to its robust efficacy … Read more
I. Introduction and Definition Diabetes mellitus defines a group of inherited and acquired metabolic disorders marked by hyperglycemia resulting from absolute (Type 1) or relative (Type 2) deficiencies in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to multisystem complications impacting eyes, kidneys, nerves, cardiovascular and immune systems.โ II. Types and Epidemiology A. Major Types … Read more
Introduction Discovered almost a century ago, insulin remains a cornerstone of therapy for diabetes mellitusโa global health challenge characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and/or insufficient insulin secretion. Beyond diabetes, insulin also plays pivotal roles in metabolic research and critical care (e.g., hyperkalemia management). Fundamentally, insulin drives glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissue, regulates hepatic glucose output, … Read more
Introduction to Anticancer Drugs: Anticancer drugs are medications that inhibit the development and spread of cancerous cells. They achieve this by interfering with the DNA and RNA that cause cell division. Since cancer cells divide more rapidly than normal cells, they are more susceptible to these drugs. Classification of Anticancer Drugs: 1. Alkylating Agents: 2. … Read more
Drug compendia refer to comprehensive collections of information on drugs presented in the form of monographs. These monographs typically contain detailed descriptions of drugs, including their indications, contraindications, dosage forms, adverse effects, and storage conditions. They are essential resources for various stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including physicians, pharmacists, drug manufacturers, and regulatory authorities. Introduction … Read more
Pharmacologic treatment of angina pectoris relies on antianginal agents that improve the myocardial oxygen supplyโdemand balance for symptom control and on adjunctive therapies tailored to mechanism (obstructive, vasospastic, microvascular), heart rate, blood pressure, and comorbidities under contemporary chronic coronary syndrome guidelines. Core antianginal classes include nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, late sodium current inhibition (ranolazine), … Read more
1. Definition & Epidemiology Ischemic heart disease (IHD)โalso called coronary artery disease (CAD)โis defined by impaired blood supply (ischemia) to the myocardium, usually due to narrowing or obstruction of the coronary arteries by atherosclerotic plaque. IHD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly affecting adults over age 40 and those with major cardiovascular … Read more
The treatment of ischemic heart disease aims to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.ย This can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical procedures. Drug Class Examples Pharmacokinetics Mechanism of Action/Pharmacological Actions Therapeutic Uses Adverse Effects Contraindications Drug Interactions Antiplatelet Drugs Aspirin, Clopidogrel Rapidly absorbed in the stomach … Read more
Discover the transformative role of mnemonics in pharmacology. Learn how these memory-enhancing tools can simplify complex drug information, making it easier to remember and apply in real-world scenarios. Introduction Pharmacology, the branch of medicine that deals with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs, is a vast and complex field. It’s a world … Read more
Introduction and scope Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease marked by excess adiposity that impairs health. It now affects more than one billion people worldwide, including over 650 million adults, with prevalence rising in nearly every region and across all socioeconomic strata. Obesity substantially increases risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, … Read more