The Comprehensive Guide to the Pharmacology of Androgens and Their Modulators

pharmacology of androgens and antiandrogens

1. Introduction: Beyond the “Male Hormone” Androgens are a class of steroid hormones often simplified as “male hormones,” but their physiological reach extends far beyond that label, playing crucial roles in the development and health of both sexes. These substances are responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and have profound effects on … Read more

Pharmacology of Antiplatelet Drugs

Antiplatelet Drugs

Introduction Platelets play a pivotal role in hemostasis, forming plugs that stem bleeding after vascular injury. However, when platelet activity becomes dysregulated or excessive, it can precipitate arterial thrombosis, leading to pathologies such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Antiplatelet drugs target specific steps in platelet activation and aggregation, reducing the risk of these life-threatening … Read more

Pharmacotherapy of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized predominantly by motor symptoms including bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. These cardinal clinical features trace back to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced dopamine levels within the striatum of the basal ganglia. Along with the hallmark motor findings, patients often experience a variety of non-motor symptoms such as cognitive impairment, psychiatric manifestations, sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction, and sensory changes. … Read more

Pharmacotherapy of Glaucoma

pharmacotherapy of glaucoma

Introduction Glaucoma is a group of progressive ocular disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Over time, this damage can lead to irreversible vision loss. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. As our global population ages, the … Read more

Pharmacology of Sympathomimetics: Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety

sympathomimetics

Introduction to Sympathomimetics Sympathomimetic medications—also known as adrenergic agonists—are a diverse group of pharmacological agents that mimic the physiological actions of endogenous catecholamines (e.g., norepinephrine and epinephrine) and other neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). These compounds are widely used in critical care, anesthesiology, cardiology, and various other medical fields for their potent cardiovascular, … Read more

History of Pharmacology

history of pharmacology

Pharmacology is the science that examines how drugs interact with living systems, encompassing the discovery, composition, properties, therapeutic uses, and toxicology of medications. Its history spans thousands of years, weaving through the earliest attempts to harness the healing powers of plants, to the modern-day quest for targeted therapies based on molecular insights. This historical narrative … Read more

Pharmacology of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

OC pills

INTRODUCTION Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) rank among the most widely used forms of reversible birth control worldwide. First introduced in the 1960s, OCPs have profoundly impacted reproductive healthcare, offering numerous benefits, from reliable contraception to cycle regulation and management of various gynecological conditions. Modern-day formulations differ markedly from early high-dose estrogen products, reflecting decades of … Read more

Pharmacology of antiretroviral drugs

antiretroviral drugs

INTRODUCTION The advent of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) represents one of the most significant milestones in contemporary medicine, radically transforming human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from a near-fatal illness into a chronic, manageable condition for many individuals. Since the initial isolation of HIV in the early 1980s, extensive research efforts have elucidated the viral life … Read more

Pharmacology of Aspirin: A Comprehensive Overview

Aspirin

Introduction Aspirin—chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid—is among the most widely used medications across the globe. Renowned for its analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and, at low doses, antithrombotic actions, aspirin’s versatility has made it a mainstay in clinical practice for well over a century. Discovered in the late 19th century, aspirin’s enduring role owes to its capacity to provide effective pain relief, reduce … Read more

Pharmacology of NSAIDs: Comprehensive Overview, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Considerations

NSAIDs

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used medications worldwide, offering relief from pain, inflammation, and fever for a myriad of conditions. Their popularity stems from their effectiveness, accessibility (many are available over the counter), and wide safety margin when used appropriately. From mild headaches to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, … Read more