Archives: Drug Cards

Diazepam Mechanism of Action Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that potentiates the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma‑aminobutyric acid (GABA). It binds to a specific allosteric site on the GABA_A receptor complex, increasing chloride ion influx. Resulting hyperpolarization diminishes neuronal excitability, producing anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, skeletal‑muscle relaxant, and hypnotic effects. Pharmacokinetics Absorption: Rapid oral bioavailability (~70 %), peak plasma concentration in … Read more

Diastat Mechanism of Action Diastat is a dual‑acting α1‑adrenergic antagonist that also inhibits the Rho‑kinase pathway, producing potent vasodilation. α1‑Adrenergic blockade → decreases vascular smooth‑muscle contraction, lowering peripheral resistance. Rho‑kinase inhibition → prevents calcium sensitization of myosin, enhancing endothelial function and reducing vascular remodeling. Combined effect → sustained reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure … Read more

Diacomit Diacomit (granisetron dihydrochloride) is a potent, orally and parenterally administered 5‑HT₃ receptor antagonist used primarily for the prevention of chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV). Mechanism of Action Selective antagonism of 5‑HT₃ receptors in the central nervous system (nucleus tractus solitarius, dorsal vagal complex) and in the gastrointestinal tract. Blocks serotonin‑mediated … Read more

Dextrose Mechanism of Action Dextrose (glucose‑6‑phosphate) is the primary energy substrate for all mammalian cells. Rapid uptake by GLUT‑4 transporters on muscle and adipose cells and by GLUT‑1 on the blood‑brain barrier. Metabolism to ATP via glycolysis → Krebs cycle → oxidative phosphorylation. In the bloodstream, it clocks glucose sensors (glucose‑dependent insulinotropic peptide, glucagon, insulin) … Read more

Dextromethorphan Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a widely used over‑the‑counter cough suppressant. It is a chiral β‑amino alcohol that acts as a non‑competitive antagonist of the N‑methyl‑D‑aspartate (NMDA) receptor and an agonist at sigma‑1 receptors, which underlie its antitussive and psychoactive effects. Mechanism of Action NMDA Receptor Inhibition Blocks excitatory glutamate signaling in the brainstem cough center … Read more

Dextroamphetamine Mechanism of Action Neurotransmitter Release Agonist – ↑ synaptic dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) by reversing the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET), leading to increased synaptic monoamine concentrations. Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) – weak inhibition of MAO‑A and MAO‑B, prolonging dopamine/NE action. Stimulation of α1‑adrenergic & β‑adrenergic Receptors – contributes to … Read more

Dexlansoprazole Mechanism of Action The dual‑delayed‑release formulation delivers two distinct pharmacokinetic profiles, ensuring both early and sustained plasma levels. Dexlansoprazole irreversibly inhibits the gastric H⁺/K⁺ ATPase (proton pump) on parietal‑cell membranes, blocking acid secretion from the moment the pump is activated. Inhibition lasts for the life of the proton pump, permitting once‑daily dosing for gastric … Read more

Dexilant Mechanism of Action Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that irreversibly binds to the hydrogen‑potassium ATPase (H⁺/K⁺‑ATPase) on the parietal cell membrane. This blockage prevents the final step of acid secretion, leading to sustained gastric pH elevation. Unlike conventional PPIs, dexlansoprazole is formulated in a dual‑release capsule: an enteric‑coated core that releases … Read more

Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid with anti‑inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and metabolic effects. It is widely used in clinical practice for a spectrum of conditions, from endocrine disorders to oncologic indications. Mechanism of Action Corticosteroid Receptor Binding • Diffuses into cells → binds cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) (α and β subtypes). • Induces conformational change … Read more

Deutetrabenazine A deuterated analog of tetrabenazine approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and Huntington disease chorea. It offers improved metabolic stability while maintaining the same mechanism of action as its predecessor. Mechanism of Action Selective, reversible inhibition of the vesicular monoamine transporter‑2 (VMAT2) • ↓ dopamine uptake into synaptic vesicles → reduced vesicular dopamine … Read more