PharmD Study Notes - Pharmacy Freak

Mechanism of Action of Tofacitinib (Xeljanz)

April 10, 2026July 3, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, primarily targeting JAK1 and JAK3. It blocks intracellular signaling of multiple inflammatory cytokines and is approved for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ulcerative colitis (UC), and other immune-mediated diseases. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Oral Bioavailability ~74% Time to Peak (Tmax) … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide

April 10, 2026July 3, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) used for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management and chronic weight management. It mimics endogenous GLP‑1 to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss through central appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Subcutaneous weekly injection Bioavailability … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Tolvaptan

April 10, 2026July 3, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Tolvaptan is an oral vasopressin V₂ receptor antagonist, approved for treating hyponatremia due to SIADH, heart failure, or cirrhosis, and for slowing disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It increases free water excretion (aquaretic effect) without significant electrolyte loss. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Oral Bioavailability ~40% … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Jardiance (Empagliflozin)

April 10, 2026July 3, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It lowers blood glucose by increasing renal glucose loss and offers cardiovascular and renal benefits. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Oral (tablet), once … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Vericiguat (Verquvo)

April 10, 2026July 2, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Vericiguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator used in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) following hospitalization or intravenous diuretics. It enhances the nitric oxide (NO)–sGC–cGMP pathway to support cardiovascular function. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Clinical Uses Adverse Effects Comparative Analysis Feature Vericiguat (sGC Stimulator) Nitrates PDE5 … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Anakinra

April 10, 2026July 2, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Anakinra is a recombinant human interleukin‑1 receptor antagonist (IL‑1Ra) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), and other autoinflammatory conditions. It competitively inhibits IL‑1α and IL‑1β binding to IL‑1 receptors, effectively reducing inflammation. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Subcutaneous injection (daily) Bioavailability ~95% Time to Peak (Tmax) … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Farxiga (Dapagliflozin)

April 10, 2026July 1, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Dapagliflozin (trade name Farxiga) is a sodium–glucose co‑transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It lowers blood glucose by promoting renal excretion of glucose and also provides cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glycemic control. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Oral … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

April 10, 2026July 1, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes; Wegovy for obesity) is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes mellitus management and chronic weight loss. It mimics the incretin hormone glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1), leading to improved glycemic control, reduced appetite, delayed gastric emptying, and favorable effects on cardiovascular risk. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Bupropion

April 10, 2026July 1, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and as an aid for smoking cessation. Unlike SSRIs, bupropion exerts its effects via modulation of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission, offering a unique mechanism without significant serotonergic side effects. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Parameter Value Route Oral … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Lokelma (Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate)

July 4, 2025July 1, 2025 Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Lokelma is an oral, non-absorbed potassium binder used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by selectively trapping potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby lowering serum potassium levels and promoting potassium excretion via feces. Step-by-Step Mechanism of Action Pharmacokinetic Parameters Clinical Uses Adverse Effects Comparative Analysis Lokelma offers higher selectivity and fewer systemic effects than … Read more