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

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Receptors: A Comprehensive Overview

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Receptors

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) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). These systems work in opposition to each other to maintain homeostasis. The effects of the ANS are mediated through … Read more

Cholinomimetic Drugs (Cholinergic Agonists / Parasympathomimetics)

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 or augmenting cholinergic signaling, cholinomimetic drugs can profoundly influence a wide range of physiological functions, including smooth muscle contraction, glandular secretion, heart rate, pupil size, and more (Goodman & … Read more

Cholinergic Antagonists: A Comprehensive Guide to Parasympatholytics and Antimuscarinic Agents

Cholinergic antagonists - Parasympatholytics

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 system. These medications have a wide range of therapeutic applications, including the treatment of overactive bladder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), irritable bowel syndrome, and … Read more

Pharmacology of Pilocarpine

pilocarpine

Introduction Pilocarpine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the leaves of plants belonging to the genus Pilocarpus. Widely recognized for its potent cholinergic properties, pilocarpine has been an essential therapeutic agent in ophthalmology for over a century. Furthermore, it plays a role in treating xerostomia (dry mouth) in conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome. Pharmacologically, … Read more

Pharmacology of Adrenaline

pharmacology of adrenaline

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

Pharmacolgy of Atropine: antimuscarinic agent

Atropine

Introduction Atropine is a naturally occurring anticholinergic agent extracted from various plants of the Solanaceae family, most notably Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade). Renowned for blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, atropine exerts a range of physiological effects on the autonomic nervous system, thereby influencing everything from digestion and secretion to heart rate and ocular function. Because it … Read more

Pharmacology of Pilocarpine: a muscarinic receptor agonist

Pilocarpine

Introduction Pilocarpine is a naturally occurring alkaloid primarily obtained from the leaves of the Pilocarpus genus, particularly Pilocarpus microphyllus and Pilocarpus jaborandi. Classified as a direct-acting cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine exerts its effects almost exclusively on muscarinic receptors (with minimal nicotinic activity). These receptors are integral components of the parasympathetic nervous system, mediating various “rest-and-digest” processes, … Read more