Pharmacokinetics (ADME): an overview
Introduction Pharmacokinetics is the branch of pharmacology devoted to understanding what the body does to a drug once it has been administered. This entails a detailed look at four main processes collectively…
Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) in Drug Design
Introduction to Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) explore the connection between a compound's chemical structure and its biological activity. By analyzing how different molecular structures influence biological effects, researchers…
Pharmacology of Androgens: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction Androgens—the primary being testosterone and its potent intracellular metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—drive the development and maintenance of male phenotype, regulate protein anabolism, affect behavior, and exert complex feed-back control over the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG)…
Pharmacology of Anti-Androgens
I. Introduction to Anti-Androgens A. What are Anti-Androgens? Anti-androgens are a class of drugs that block the effects of androgens, which are male sex hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone…
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Receptors: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions in the human body. It consists of two main divisions: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)…
Pharmacology of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Introduction Skeletal muscle relaxants are a diverse group of medications that act on the central nervous system (CNS) or directly on skeletal muscles to reduce muscle tone and alleviate symptoms…
Pharmacology of Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) Blockers
Introduction The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse where a motor neuron communicates with a skeletal muscle fiber to initiate muscle contraction. This communication relies on the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the presynaptic terminal of the…
Pharmacotherapy of Angina Pectoris
Introduction Angina pectoris, often referred to simply as angina, is chest pain or discomfort that arises when the myocardial oxygen supply is insufficient to meet the heart’s metabolic demands. As…
Cholinomimetic Drugs (Cholinergic Agonists / Parasympathomimetics)
Introduction Cholinomimetic drugs (also referred to as parasympathomimetics) are agents that mimic or enhance the actions of acetylcholine (ACh), the primary neurotransmitter found at parasympathetic postganglionic nerve endings, neuromuscular junctions, and certain synapses within the central nervous system (CNS). By activating…
Cholinergic Antagonists: A Comprehensive Guide to Parasympatholytics and Antimuscarinic Agents
Introduction Cholinergic antagonists, also known as parasympatholytics or antimuscarinic agents, are a class of drugs that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous…
