Introduction Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antimicrobial and keratolytic agent widely used in the management of acne vulgaris. It is considered a first-line therapy for comedonal, inflammatory, and mild-to-moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide is known for its powerful bactericidal activity, ability to reduce sebum, and its capacity to prevent antibiotic resistance when used with topical or … Read more
Introduction Benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive (cough suppressant) commonly prescribed for symptomatic relief of acute cough in respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and influenza. Structurally related to ester-type local anesthetics like tetracaine, benzonatate works by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract and reducing cough reflex sensitivity. Its unique mechanism provides cough relief without … Read more
Introduction Barbiturates are central nervous system (CNS) depressants historically used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Although their clinical use has decreased due to safer alternatives (benzodiazepines), they remain important in anesthesia and seizure management—particularly phenobarbital for epilepsy. Barbiturates exert profound CNS depression by enhancing inhibitory GABAergic transmission, blocking excitatory neurotransmission, and directly suppressing neuronal … Read more
Introduction Baclofen is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant primarily used for the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. It acts as a selective GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor agonist, exerting inhibitory effects on both spinal and supraspinal pathways. Mechanism of Action of Baclofen involves enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission through activation of … Read more
Introduction Azoles are a major class of antifungal drugs widely used for the treatment of systemic and superficial fungal infections. They include imidazoles (e.g., ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole) and triazoles (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole). Mechanism of Action of Azole Antifungal Drugs centers on the inhibition of fungal ergosterol synthesis, an essential component of the fungal … Read more
Introduction Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive and cytotoxic drug primarily used in organ transplantation, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mechanism of Action of Azathioprine involves suppression of DNA synthesis and lymphocyte proliferation by interfering with purine metabolism. It acts as a prodrug of … Read more
Introduction Atenolol is a selective β₁-adrenergic receptor blocker (β-blocker) primarily used in the management of hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, and post-myocardial infarction therapy. Its mechanism of action involves blocking β₁ receptors in the heart, which decreases heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output — leading to a reduction in blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. Unlike … Read more
Introduction Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid, ASA) is the most widely used antiplatelet agent in clinical medicine. Its antiplatelet mechanism of action is distinct because it causes irreversible inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), blocking the formation of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) — a potent inducer of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. Low-dose aspirin (typically 75–150 mg/day) preferentially inhibits platelet … Read more
Introduction ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitor) represents a major advancement in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The most widely used ARNI is the fixed-dose combination Sacubitril/Valsartan, marketed as Entresto. Mechanism of Action of ARNI involves dual inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and the neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase) pathway. This unique mechanism … Read more
Introduction Antiviral drugs are pharmacological agents that inhibit the replication of viruses within host cells. Unlike antibacterial drugs, which target cell wall or protein synthesis, antivirals act on specific stages of the viral life cycle, including attachment, entry, nucleic acid synthesis, protein processing, and viral release. Mechanism of Action of Antiviral Drugs is based on … Read more
