Trusted by 50K+ Pharmacy StudentsHigh Quality Notes, MCQs, Mock Tests & Study ResourcesGo Premium (Ads Free)
Pharmacy Freak

Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO Inhibitors)

MOA of MAO Inhibitors

Introduction Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant drugs used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, atypical depression, and certain anxiety disorders. They act by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By preventing degradation of these monoamines, MAO … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Mannitol

Mechanism of action of Mannitol

Introduction Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic widely used in clinical practice to reduce intracranial pressure, intraocular pressure, and to promote diuresis in certain renal conditions. It is a pharmacologically inert sugar alcohol that is freely filtered at the glomerulus but not reabsorbed in the renal tubules. Its primary mechanism involves increasing osmotic pressure in the … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Magnesium Sulphate

Mechanism of action of Magnesium Sulphate

Introduction Magnesium sulphate is an essential inorganic compound used in multiple clinical settings, including eclampsia, preeclampsia, arrhythmias (especially torsades de pointes), asthma exacerbations, and as a laxative. Its pharmacological effects are diverse because magnesium acts as a physiological calcium antagonist and modulates neuromuscular and cardiac excitability. The drug primarily reduces neuronal and muscular excitability, producing … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Mechanism of Action of Enoxaparin

Introduction Lovenox (enoxaparin) is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) widely used as an anticoagulant for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. It is derived from unfractionated heparin but has more predictable pharmacokinetics and a more selective mechanism of action. Enoxaparin primarily enhances the activity of antithrombin III, leading to inhibition of key clotting … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Losartan

Mechanism of action of Losartan

Introduction Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) widely used in the management of hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. Unlike ACE inhibitors, losartan directly blocks the effects of angiotensin II at its receptor rather than inhibiting its formation. This results in vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion, and decreased blood pressure without significantly affecting bradykinin … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Lorazepam

Mechanism of Action of Lorazepam

Introduction Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine widely used for its anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. It is commonly prescribed in anxiety disorders, status epilepticus, and as a pre-anesthetic medication. Lorazepam acts by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, leading to decreased neuronal excitability. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Loratadine

Loratadine pharmacology

Introduction Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine widely used in the treatment of allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It selectively antagonizes peripheral histamine H1 receptors, thereby reducing allergic symptoms without causing significant sedation. Compared to first-generation antihistamines, loratadine has minimal penetration into the central nervous system, making it a preferred choice for daytime … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Loperamide

Mechanism of action of Loperamide

Introduction Loperamide is a peripherally acting opioid agonist widely used as an antidiarrheal agent. It effectively reduces intestinal motility and secretion without producing significant central nervous system effects at therapeutic doses. Unlike other opioids, loperamide has minimal abuse potential because it does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier due to active efflux mechanisms. It is … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Loop Diuretics

Mechanism of action of Loop Diuretics

Introduction Loop diuretics are potent diuretics primarily used in conditions requiring rapid and effective removal of excess fluid, such as heart failure, pulmonary edema, and edema associated with renal or hepatic disease. The most commonly used loop diuretic is furosemide. These drugs act on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and are … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Local Anesthetics

Flowchart of mechanism of action of Local Anesthetics

Introduction Local anesthetics are drugs that reversibly block nerve conduction, producing loss of sensation in a specific area without affecting consciousness. They are widely used in minor surgical procedures, dental practice, regional anesthesia, and pain management. The fundamental mechanism involves inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the initiation and propagation of action … Read more

PRO
Ad-Free Access
$3.99 / month
  • ✓ No Interruptions
  • ✓ Faster Page Loads
  • ✓ Support Content Creators
Subscribe Now