Introduction Protease inhibitors are antiviral drugs primarily used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and, in some cases, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In HIV therapy, these drugs inhibit the viral protease enzyme required for maturation of infectious viral particles. Protease inhibitors are an important component of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) … Read more
Introduction Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid drug used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, especially Graves disease. It belongs to the thioamide class and works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis. PTU also decreases peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), making it particularly useful in thyroid storm. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A key … Read more
Introduction Propranolol is a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor blocker widely used in cardiovascular, neurologic, and endocrine disorders. It blocks both β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity. Propranolol is commonly prescribed in hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, essential tremor, migraine prophylaxis, and hyperthyroidism. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A key exam point is that propranolol is … Read more
Introduction Procainamide is a class IA antiarrhythmic drug used in the management of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. It works by blocking sodium channels in cardiac tissue, thereby slowing impulse conduction and prolonging repolarization. Procainamide is particularly useful in ventricular tachycardia and certain supraventricular arrhythmias, including arrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A … Read more
Introduction Probenecid is a uricosuric drug used primarily in the treatment of chronic gout and hyperuricemia. It lowers serum uric acid levels by increasing renal excretion of uric acid. Probenecid also affects renal tubular transport of various drugs, including penicillins, by inhibiting organic anion transporters in the kidney. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A key exam … Read more
Introduction Primidone is an antiepileptic drug used in the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, focal seizures, and essential tremor. It is structurally related to barbiturates and is metabolized into active metabolites including phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA). Primidone reduces neuronal excitability and suppresses abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A key exam … Read more
Introduction Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid widely used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is commonly prescribed in autoimmune diseases, allergic conditions, inflammatory disorders, and certain malignancies. Prednisone is converted in the liver to its active form, prednisolone, which acts on intracellular glucocorticoid receptors to regulate gene transcription and suppress inflammatory responses. Mechanism of … Read more
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Introduction Prasugrel is a thienopyridine antiplatelet drug used to prevent thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It inhibits platelet activation and aggregation by irreversibly blocking ADP receptors on platelets. Compared with clopidogrel, prasugrel produces more rapid and potent platelet inhibition. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A key exam … Read more
Introduction Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It directly stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain, helping compensate for dopamine deficiency in the nigrostriatal pathway. Compared to levodopa, pramipexole has a lower risk of motor fluctuations early in therapy but may produce behavioral adverse … Read more
