Thiazide and Thiazide-like Diuretics

Thiazide diuretics inhibit sodium reabsorption at the distal convoluted tubule by blocking the NaCl symporter. Category Category Examples Thiazide-like diuretics Indapamide, bendroflumethiazide (bendrofluazide), and chlorthalidone Thiazides Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and metozalone

Cholinergic Pharmacology

Overview Acetylcholine (Ach)is the main neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. It mainly works on muscarinic receptors (M1-5) in parasympathetic organs and nicotinic receptors (Nm and Nn) on autonomic ganglia and the neuromuscular junction. Drugs targets in cholinergic transmission Step Drug Target Examples Synthesis…

Adrenergic Drugs

Adrenergic drugs are medications that act on adrenergic (adreno-) receptors. Adrenoreceptors are normally stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline. Adrenoreceptors and their effects Receptor Main organ Main Effect Mechanism α1 Blood vessels Smooth muscle contraction, vasoconstriction, and mydriasis Gq → ↑IP3/DAG →…

Pharmacodynamics

Overview Pharmacodynamics is the study of what a drug does to the body. It examines molecular, biochemical, physiological, and clinical effects. All drugs act by interacting with biological targets: receptors, enzymes, ion channels, transporters, DNA/RNA, and signalling proteins. It is derived from…

Pharmacokinetics

Overview Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the study of what the body does to a drug over time. Four major processes. Letter Process Definition A Absorption Entry of drug into bloodstream D Distribution Spread of the drug through the body compartments M Metabolism…

Caustic Ingestion

Caustic ingestion causes chemical injury to the upper gastrointestinal tract. It most commonly affects the oesophagus (alkali) and stomach (acid). 80% occur in children. It has a high morbidity and mortality. The severity of corrosive burns to the oesophagus depends on:…

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy is defined as a lymph node that is greater than 1 cm in diameter. Most cases of lymphadenopathy are related to infections: these resolve independently or after antibiotic treatment. Lymph node sites Lymph node site Area drained Cervical Head and…

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as the silent reflux (no belching or vomiting), is the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, or laryngopharynx. The effect of gastric acid on the larynx and pharynx causes an inflammatory response, which…