Methanol Poisoning: Symptoms and Management
Methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol) is a simple aliphatic alcohol with significant toxicological importance. It is colorless, volatile, and commonly used as a solvent, antifreeze, fuel, and in industrial chemical…
Organophosphorus Compound Poisoning and Its Treatment
Introduction Organophosphorus (OP) compounds, a broad class of chemicals primarily used as pesticides (insecticides) and, less ethically, as chemical warfare agents (nerve gases), pose a significant challenge in both developed and developing nations (Katzung,…
Sympatholytics/Adrenergic antagonists
Introduction Have you ever wondered about the drugs that counteract the effects of the sympathetic nervous system? Sympatholytics, also known as adrenergic antagonists, are one such class of drugs. This…
Parasympatholytics/Cholinergic antagonists
Introduction Parasympatholytics, also known as anticholinergics, are a class of drugs that inhibit the actions of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on parasympathetic nerve endings. These drugs can be classified based on…
Atropine/Belladonna/Datura Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
1 · Overview Atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine are tropane alkaloids concentrated in plants of the Solanaceae family—most notably Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade) and Datura stramonium (jimson-weed). These compounds act as…
Parasympathomimetics/Cholinergic agonists
Introduction Parasympathomimetics — also referred to as cholinergic agonists or muscarinic agonists—are a class of medications that enhance or mimic the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS is one subdivision…
Sympathomimetics/Adrenergic agonists
1 · Introduction Sympathomimetic agents—or adrenergic agonists—comprise a pharmacological super-family that mimics or amplifies the actions of endogenous catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine) at α1, α2, β1, β2, β3 and…
Clinical Pharmacokinetics: From Principles to Individualized Dosing
Clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) is the science of quantifying how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in humans, and applying that knowledge to optimize therapy for individual patients. Its goals…
Adverse Drug Reactions – ABCDE classification
1 · Introduction Drugs are double-edged swords: while they alleviate symptoms, modify disease course and often save lives, they also generate harm. This harm can arise from adverse drug reactions…
Drug Interactions
Introduction Drug interactions are a central topic in clinical pharmacology, profoundly impacting therapeutic efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes. While drug interactions are often discussed in terms of adverse effects or…
