Pharmacology

Introduction/Overview Bromocriptine mesylate represents a seminal agent in the history of psychopharmacology and neuroendocrinology, being among the first clinically available dopamine receptor agonists. Its development marked a significant advancement in the management of disorders involving dopaminergic pathway dysregulation. As a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid derivative, bromocriptine exerts profound effects primarily through agonism at dopamine D2 receptors, … Read more

Introduction/Overview Carbidopa represents a cornerstone agent in the pharmacological management of Parkinson’s disease and related parkinsonian syndromes. As a peripheral aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, it lacks intrinsic therapeutic activity against motor symptoms but serves a critical pharmacokinetic role by enhancing the efficacy and tolerability of its therapeutic partner, levodopa. The introduction of carbidopa-levodopa combination … Read more

Introduction/Overview Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic drug (AED) with a distinct pharmacological profile, widely employed in the management of various seizure disorders. Its introduction represented a significant advancement in epilepsy therapeutics due to its novel mechanism of action, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and generally well-tolerated nature. As a cornerstone of modern epilepsy treatment, understanding its pharmacology … Read more

Introduction/Overview Topiramate is a structurally unique sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity. Initially developed as an antidiabetic agent, its potent anticonvulsant properties led to its development and approval for the treatment of epilepsy. Its clinical utility has since expanded significantly, most notably into the preventive treatment of migraine. The drug represents a … Read more

1. Introduction/Overview Lamotrigine is a phenyltriazine derivative that has established itself as a cornerstone agent in the management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Originally developed as an antifolate agent, its primary therapeutic action was subsequently identified as voltage-gated sodium channel modulation. The drug’s introduction represented a significant advancement in neuropharmacology, offering a favorable pharmacokinetic profile … Read more

Introduction/Overview Pregabalin is a centrally acting synthetic molecule with analgesic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Since its initial approval, it has become a cornerstone in the management of several neurological and psychiatric conditions, most notably neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorder. Its development followed that of gabapentin, with which it shares structural and mechanistic similarities, though … Read more

Introduction/Overview Gabapentin, a structural analogue of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), represents a cornerstone agent in the management of neuropathic pain and certain seizure disorders. Initially developed as an antiepileptic drug, its clinical utility has expanded significantly beyond its original indication, largely due to a favorable side effect profile relative to older agents. The … Read more

Introduction/Overview Zolpidem represents a cornerstone in the modern pharmacotherapy of insomnia, distinguished by its unique pharmacological profile within the broader category of sedative-hypnotic agents. As a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, it has been extensively prescribed since its introduction, offering an alternative with a potentially improved side effect profile compared to traditional benzodiazepines for the short-term management of … Read more

Introduction/Overview Midazolam is a benzodiazepine derivative with potent anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. Its clinical introduction represented a significant advancement in procedural sedation and anesthesia due to its unique pharmacokinetic profile, characterized by rapid onset and relatively short duration of action. As a cornerstone agent in premedication, intensive care, and various … Read more

Introduction/Overview Alprazolam represents a cornerstone agent within the benzodiazepine class, primarily employed for the management of anxiety and panic disorders. Its introduction in the late 20th century marked a significant development in psychopharmacology, offering a therapeutic option with a distinct pharmacokinetic profile compared to earlier benzodiazepines. The clinical relevance of alprazolam remains substantial due to … Read more