Nootropic agents- Classification, Mechanisms

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Nootropic agents, often called “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers,” purportedly enhance cognitive functions, including memory, creativity, motivation, and overall mental performance. These substances are used to improve cognitive abilities and promote mental well-being. Classification of Nootropic Agents 1. Racetams: Examples: Piracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam. Mechanism: Believed to enhance memory and cognitive function. 2. Cholinergic: Examples: Choline, … Read more

Antipsychotics/ Neuroleptics- Classification, Mechanism

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Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics, are a class of medications primarily used to manage symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition characterised by a disconnection from reality, which can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, disrupted thought patterns, and impaired insight. Antipsychotic drugs work by modulating neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine, in the brain to alleviate … Read more

Antidepressant drugs- Classification, Mechanism, Indications and contraindications

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Antidepressant drugs alleviate symptoms of depression, a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. These drugs regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain, primarily targeting chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The goal of antidepressant therapy is to improve mood, enhance emotional … Read more

Anti-anxiety drugs/ Anxiolytics

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Anti-anxiety drugs, also known as anxiolytics, are a class of medications designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and provide relief from excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. These drugs act on the central nervous system to modulate neurotransmitter activity, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neuronal excitability. By enhancing the inhibitory effects … Read more

Anti-convulsant drugs/ anti-epileptic drugs

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Anti-convulsant drugs, also known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), are a class of medications designed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of seizures, a hallmark symptom of epilepsy. These drugs act on the central nervous system to stabilise the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures. Anti-convulsant drugs are crucial for managing epilepsy … Read more

Hypnotics – Classification, Mechanisms, Indications and Contraindications

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Hypnotics are a class of drugs that induce and sustain sleep, often used to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders. These medications act on the central nervous system, primarily targeting the brain, to promote relaxation, reduce arousal, and facilitate the onset and maintenance of sleep. Hypnotics are commonly prescribed to help individuals fall asleep, stay … Read more

Sedatives- Classification, Mechanism, Dose, Indications and contraindications

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Sedatives are a class of drugs that exert a calming or tranquillising effect on the central nervous system, resulting in a reduction of excitement, agitation, or anxiety. These medications are used to induce a state of relaxation and calmness, making them valuable in various medical contexts. Sedatives can act on different neurotransmitter systems in the … Read more

General anaesthetics: Definition, Classification, Pharmacological actions, Dose, Indications and Contraindications

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General anaesthetics are a class of drugs that induce a reversible loss of consciousness, sensation, and memory, allowing for the performance of medical procedures or surgery to be pain-free and controlled. These agents act on the central nervous system, producing a state of unconsciousness and muscle relaxation, allowing surgical interventions without causing pain or discomfort … Read more

Type of incompatibility—physical, chemical, and therapeutic—with examples

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Incompatibility refers to an undesirable reaction that occurs when two or more substances—such as drugs, excipients, or solvents—are mixed, resulting in unintended changes in their physical, chemical, or therapeutic properties. These changes can significantly impact the safety, efficacy, and stability of pharmaceutical formulations, leading to potential therapeutic failure or harmful effects. Incompatibility can arise at … Read more

Pharmaceutical incompatibilities- Definition, Classification

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Pharmaceutical incompatibilities refer to undesirable reactions or interactions between pharmaceutical ingredients, such as drugs, excipients, or formulation components. These interactions can result in physical, chemical, or therapeutic changes that may compromise the pharmaceutical product’s stability, efficacy, or safety. Incompatibilities can occur during the formulation, manufacturing, storage, or administration of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical incompatibilities can be classified … Read more