Pharmacology

Introduction/Overview Atorvastatin represents a cornerstone agent in the pharmacological management of dyslipidemia and the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. As a synthetic, potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, it belongs to the statin class of medications, which have demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits in large-scale clinical trials. The introduction of atorvastatin in the … Read more

Introduction/Overview Heparin represents a cornerstone of anticoagulant therapy, belonging to the broader class of glycosaminoglycans. As one of the oldest and most widely used parenteral anticoagulants, its discovery and clinical implementation marked a pivotal advancement in the management of thromboembolic disorders. The agent’s primary clinical relevance stems from its rapid onset of action, making it … Read more

Introduction/Overview Amiodarone represents a cornerstone agent in the management of complex cardiac arrhythmias, distinguished by its unique pharmacologic profile and broad spectrum of antiarrhythmic activity. Initially developed in the 1960s as an antianginal agent, its potent antiarrhythmic properties were subsequently recognized, leading to its widespread adoption for treating both ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. The clinical … Read more

Introduction/Overview Lidocaine, a prototypical amide local anesthetic and class Ib antiarrhythmic agent, represents a cornerstone in both regional anesthesia and cardiac therapeutics. First synthesized in 1943 by Nils Löfgren, its introduction marked a significant advancement over ester-type anesthetics due to its reduced allergenic potential and more favorable pharmacokinetic profile. The clinical importance of lidocaine is … Read more

1. Introduction/Overview Glyceryl trinitrate, more commonly referred to as nitroglycerin, represents the prototypical agent within the organic nitrate class of vasodilators. Its discovery in 1847 by Ascanio Sobrero and subsequent introduction into clinical medicine by William Murrell in 1879 marked a pivotal advancement in cardiovascular therapeutics. The drug’s profound efficacy in relieving the pain of … Read more

1. Introduction/Overview Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside derived from the leaves of the Digitalis lanata plant, represents one of the oldest and most extensively studied agents in cardiovascular therapeutics. Its clinical use spans centuries, yet it maintains a defined, albeit narrowed, role in contemporary medicine. The drug’s principal value lies in its ability to exert positive … Read more

Introduction/Overview Diltiazem hydrochloride is a benzothiazepine derivative that functions as a calcium channel blocker, representing a cornerstone in the therapeutic management of cardiovascular disorders. Its introduction expanded the pharmacological arsenal against hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain arrhythmias, offering a distinct profile compared to other calcium channel antagonists. The clinical relevance of diltiazem stems from its … Read more

Introduction/Overview Verapamil represents a cornerstone agent in cardiovascular therapeutics, belonging to the prototypical class of calcium channel blockers. Its introduction in the 1960s marked a significant advancement in the management of various cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and angina pectoris. As a phenylalkylamine derivative, verapamil exhibits distinct pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that differentiate it from other calcium … Read more

Introduction/Overview Amlodipine is a prototypical and widely prescribed dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, representing a cornerstone in the management of cardiovascular disorders. Its development marked a significant advancement in antihypertensive and antianginal therapy, offering a pharmacokinetic profile characterized by a slow onset and exceptionally long duration of action. This profile distinguishes it from earlier calcium channel … Read more

1. Introduction/Overview Losartan potassium represents a cornerstone in the modern pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular and renal diseases. As the first orally active, non-peptide angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) introduced into clinical practice, it marked a significant advancement in the modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Its development provided a targeted alternative to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, … Read more