1 · Introduction Pharmacovigilance (PV) is the “science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem” (WHO). In an era of precision medicine, globalised supply chains and accelerated approvals, PV has become indispensable for safeguarding patients throughout the therapeutic life-cycle—from first-in-human dosing to decades of post-marketing … Read more
Oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its diverse physiological and psychological effects. Often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” oxytocin plays a crucial role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and maternal behaviour. This article … Read more
I. Introduction Tocolytic agents are medications used to inhibit uterine contractions and suppress premature labor, thereby prolonging pregnancy long enough for vital fetal benefits—particularly the administration of antenatal corticosteroids and safe transfer to an appropriate facility. Modern practice focuses on maximizing neonatal outcomes while minimizing maternal and fetal risks, as no tocolytic is conclusively shown to … Read more
Physiology of Thyroid Hormones Thyroid Hormone Synthesis The thyroid secretes T4 and T3, the synthesis of which depends on dietary iodine or iodide supplements.– Iodide ion is actively taken up by the thyroid, where it is converted to elemental iodine by thyroidal peroxidase.– The protein thyroglobulin acts as a scaffold for thyroid hormone synthesis, with … Read more
Introduction Diphenhydramine is a prototypical first-generation antihistamine with a long history of clinical use for allergic reactions, insomnia, motion sickness, and a variety of off-label applications. Its popularity in both prescription and over-the-counter preparations is a testament to its versatility, but its significant sedative and anticholinergic properties necessitate a deep understanding for safe and effective use. … Read more
Succinylcholine, also known by its alternative name suxamethonium, is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that has been widely used in anesthesia practice for decades. Its rapid onset and short duration of action make it an ideal choice for rapid sequence intubation and other clinical settings where immediate paralysis is necessary. Despite being one of the oldest … Read more
Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent utilized for muscle relaxation during surgical procedures or as an adjunct in general anesthesia. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its pharmacology: Classification Mechanism of Action: Pharmacokinetics Indications Adverse Effects Drug Interactions Special Populations This thorough analysis of Vecuronium’s pharmacology underscores its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical uses, and … Read more
Introduction Lidocaine is one of the most commonly used local anesthetics and antiarrhythmic agents in clinical medicine. Since its first introduction in the 1940s, lidocaine has revolutionized minor surgical procedures, regional anesthesia, and the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly those of ventricular origin (Katzung, 2020). With both amide-based local anesthetic properties and significant sodium channel blocking capabilities, lidocaine’s versatility renders it a mainstay in … Read more
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
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