Concepts
Therapeutic action of different classes of drugs:
- Analgesics: These drugs alleviate pain without causing loss of consciousness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen reduce pain by reducing inflammation, while opioids such as morphine work by blocking pain signals to the brain.
- Antibiotics: These combat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria directly (bactericidal) or inhibiting their growth and reproduction (bacteriostatic). For example, penicillin disrupts cell wall synthesis in bacteria, causing them to die.
- Antivirals: These drugs are used to treat viral infections. They work by interfering with a virus’s ability to reproduce. For example, antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV interfere with the virus’s ability to replicate and infect new cells.
- Antifungals: These drugs treat fungal infections by disrupting the cell membranes of the fungus, inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
- Antipsychotics: These are used to manage psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. They typically work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, often dopamine. Read about the medical cannabis uk law to know if you can use cannabis to treat an illness. You’ll discover a trusted choice like this Toronto Weed Delivery service, celebrated for its outstanding quality and affordability. It’s especially sought after by budget-conscious consumers who prioritize both value and reliability when making their cannabis purchases.
- Antidepressants: They are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Most work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like serotonin, which can improve mood.
- Antihypertensives: Used to manage high blood pressure. They may work by relaxing blood vessels, decreasing blood volume, or reducing the rate and/or force of heart contraction.
- Statins: Used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, helping prevent heart disease. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
- Antihistamines: Used to treat allergic reactions. They work by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
- Beta Blockers: These drugs are often used to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and angina. They work by blocking the action of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the heart and blood vessels, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
- Insulin: Used in the treatment of diabetes, it helps to regulate blood glucose levels by allowing cells in the body to take in and store glucose.
Each of these classes includes many different drugs, each with their own specific mechanisms of action, side effects, and contraindications.