Introduction Methylxanthines are a class of drugs that include theophylline, aminophylline, and caffeine. They are primarily used as bronchodilators in respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition to respiratory effects, they also have central nervous system stimulant and cardiovascular effects. Their mechanism of action involves multiple pathways, including phosphodiesterase … Read more
Introduction Methocarbamol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant used in the management of acute musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms. It is commonly prescribed in conditions such as back pain, muscle strain, and injury-related spasms. Unlike neuromuscular blockers, methocarbamol does not act directly on skeletal muscle or the neuromuscular junction. Instead, it exerts its effect within … Read more
Introduction Methimazole is an antithyroid drug used primarily in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, especially in conditions such as Graves’ disease. It belongs to the thionamide class and works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. It is preferred over propylthiouracil in most cases due to its longer duration of action and … Read more
Introduction Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid used in the management of chronic pain and opioid dependence. It is particularly important in opioid substitution therapy due to its ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone has unique pharmacological properties compared to other opioids, including additional effects on NMDA receptors, which contribute to its analgesic … Read more
Introduction Mesalazine (also known as mesalamine or 5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) is an anti-inflammatory drug used primarily in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and mild Crohn disease. It acts locally within the intestinal mucosa to reduce inflammation and promote mucosal healing. Its targeted action in the gut makes it effective with … Read more
Introduction Mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) is an anti-inflammatory drug primarily used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and, in some cases, Crohn disease. It acts locally on the intestinal mucosa to reduce inflammation. Unlike systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, mesalamine exerts its effect mainly within the gastrointestinal tract with minimal systemic absorption. … Read more
Introduction Meropenem is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic belonging to the carbapenem class. It is highly effective against a wide range of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, including many resistant organisms. Meropenem is commonly used in severe infections such as sepsis, meningitis, intra-abdominal infections, and hospital-acquired infections. Its bactericidal activity is due to inhibition of bacterial … Read more
Introduction Meglitinides are a class of oral antidiabetic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Common agents include repaglinide and nateglinide. They are insulin secretagogues that stimulate rapid, short-acting insulin release from pancreatic β-cells. Meglitinides are particularly effective in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia due to their quick onset and short duration of action. … Read more
Introduction Meclizine is a first-generation antihistamine primarily used for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness and vertigo associated with vestibular disorders. It exerts antiemetic and antivertigo effects by acting on central pathways involved in balance and nausea. In addition to antihistaminic activity, meclizine also has anticholinergic properties that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Mechanism … Read more
Introduction Mebeverine is an antispasmodic drug commonly used in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. It acts directly on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract to relieve spasms without significantly affecting normal gut motility. Unlike anticholinergic agents, mebeverine does not produce significant systemic anticholinergic side effects, making it … Read more
