Appetite

Appetite

Definition of Appetite This is the desire or urge to eat and is regulated by a complex interaction of: Hormones (e.g., ghrelin, leptin, insulin) Neurotransmitters Psychological, medical, and environmental factors A healthy appetite supports nutrition and overall well-being, while an excessive or reduced appetite can lead to weight imbalance, malnutrition, or obesity. Factors Affecting Hormonal … Read more

Drugs for Diarrhoea

Drugs for Diarrhoea

Drugs for Diarrhoea include antidiarrheal agents that reduce intestinal motility and fluid loss to control symptoms. Drugs for Diarrhoea Diarrhoea = frequent, loose or watery stools due to increased intestinal motility or secretion. Classes of Antidiarrheal Agents Adsorbents Examples: Kaolin, Activated charcoal Mechanism: Adsorb toxins and water → bulk up stool Use: Mild diarrhoea Antimotility … Read more

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea

Definition of Diarrhoea Diarrhoea is the passage of loose or watery stools three or more times a day. It may be acute or chronic, depending on its duration and cause. Types of Diarrhoea Acute Lasts a few days Usually caused by infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic) Chronic Lasts more than two weeks Often related to … Read more

Drugs for Constipation

Drugs for Constipation

Drugs for Constipation include laxatives that increase bowel movement by softening stool or stimulating intestinal motility. Drugs for Constipation Constipation = infrequent or difficult passage of stool, often due to reduced bowel motility or dehydration. Types of Laxatives Bulk-forming Laxatives Examples: Psyllium husk (Isabgol), Methylcellulose Mechanism: Absorb water → increase bulk → stimulate peristalsis Use: … Read more

Constipation

Constipation

What is Constipation? Constipation is a condition where bowel movements become infrequent, difficult, or incomplete. It can be acute or chronic and is influenced by diet, activity level, medications, and health conditions. Common Symptoms Less than 3 bowel movements per week Hard, dry, or lumpy stool Straining during bowel movements Abdominal discomfort or bloating Sensation … Read more

Pharmacology of Antiulcer Agents

Pharmacology of Antiulcer Agents

Pharmacology of Antiulcer Agents explains drugs that reduce gastric acid, protect mucosa, and promote healing of ulcers. Pharmacology of Antiulcer Agents Antiulcer agents are drugs used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. These medications work by reducing stomach acid, protecting the stomach lining, or eliminating H. pylori Classes of Antiulcer Drugs … Read more

Ulcers

Ulcers

What Are Ulcers? These are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. The most common type is the peptic ulcer, which includes: Gastric ulcers (stomach) Duodenal ulcers (small intestine) Causes of Ulcers Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection Weakens the protective stomach lining Found in ~50 percent of people worldwide … Read more

Classification of Respiratory Stimulants

Classification of Respiratory Stimulants

Classification of Respiratory Stimulants explains grouping of drugs based on mechanism and site of action on respiration. Classification of Respiratory Stimulants Central Respiratory Stimulants These act directly on the brainstem respiratory centers or carotid body chemoreceptors. Doxapram Mechanism: Stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid bodies) and medullary respiratory center → ↑ respiratory rate and tidal volume Use: … Read more

Respiratory Stimulants

Respiratory Stimulants

Definition of Respiratory Stimulants These are drugs that increase the rate and depth of breathing, used to manage respiratory depression or hypoventilation in conditions such as: COPD Sleep apnea Respiratory failure Post-anesthesia recovery Mechanism of Action The exact mechanism depends on the drug class, but generally, respiratory stimulants: Enhance respiratory drive Stimulate respiratory centers in … Read more

Pharmacology of Drugs Used in the Management of COPD

Pharmacology of Drugs Used in the Management of COPD

Pharmacology of Drugs Used in the Management of COPD Pharmacology of Drugs Used in the Management of COPD explains mechanisms of bronchodilators, steroids, and other agents to improve airflow. Main Classes of Drugs in COPD Bronchodilators These are the cornerstone of COPD treatment. β2-Adrenergic Agonists Examples: Short-acting: Salbutamol Long-acting: Salmeterol, Indacaterol Mechanism: Stimulate β2 receptors … Read more