Drug Classes and Mechanisms of Action

Glucocorticoids like Prednisolone bind to CGR in the cytoplasm, then dimerise and translocate to the nucleus. Here they bind to GRE and alter transcription.

Corticosteroids can cause immunosuppression, peptic ulcers, hyperglycemia, and hepatic damage.

When stopping corticosteroids, the dosage must be gradually reduced to avoid adrenal insufficiency.

Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid, meaning it primarily affects mineral balance, such as sodium and potassium.

Carbimazole and Propylthiouracil inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormone by interfering with the oxidation of iodide in the thyroid colloid space.

Propylthiouracil also blocks the conversion of T4 to T3. T3 is the more active form of thyroid hormone.

Sulfonylureas are a class of drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by inhibiting the SUR-1 subunit of the K/ATP channel in pancreatic beta cells. This action causes the channel to close, leading to membrane depolarization and an increase in insulin secretion.

Glimepiride and Gliclazide are two commonly prescribed drugs that belong to the sulfonylurea class.

Sulfonylureas can cause weight gain as a side effect. This is because they increase insulin levels, which can lead to increased appetite and food cravings.

SGLT 2 inhibitors are a newer class of drugs used for type 2 diabetes. These drugs work by blocking the SGLT 2 transporter which is responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this transporter, glucose is instead excreted in the urine, leading to lower blood sugar levels.

Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin are commonly used drugs belonging to the SGLT 2 inhibitor class.

One of the side effects of SGLT 2 inhibitors is an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because the inhibitors may interfere with the body's ability to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

SGLT 2 inhibitors can lead to dehydration as they promote glucose excretion in the urine. This can result in increased urination and loss of fluids.

Another positive side effect of SGLT 2 inhibitors is weight loss. This is because these drugs lower blood sugar levels, which can also lead to a decrease in appetite and food cravings.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators, such as fingolimod, ozanimod, and siponimod, prevent lymphocytes from leaving lymph nodes, decreasing lymphocyte infiltration of the central nervous system (CNS).

Teriflunomide inhibits pyrimidine synthesis in T and B cells, decreasing the numbers of activated T and B cells in the CNS.

Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and acts as dopamine.

Orlistat is a weight-loss drug that prevents fat from being absorbed by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats.

Phentermine is a weight-loss drug that acts as an indirect stimulant for the central nervous system (CNS), increasing norepinephrine levels and suppressing appetite.

Antacids like alginate form a complex with gastric acid, reducing its acidity and providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.

Antacids, like alginate, are salts that can affect the absorption of other drugs, potential interactions must be considered by healthcare professionals.

Orlistat can cause various side effects, primarily related to altered fat digestion, such as cramps, flatulence, and even fecal incontinence.

Phentermine can have side effects like increased blood pressure (BP), overstimulation of the central nervous system (CNS), and potential serotonin toxicity.

Orlistat's mechanism of action involves binding to pancreatic lipase, preventing the breakdown of fat molecules.

Phentermine acts as a sympathomimetic, indirectly increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain, influencing appetite regulation.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer, especially with longer use. It increases metabolism via CYP3A4.

ERT can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, especially when combined with progesterone.

Bazedoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that acts as an estrogen agonist on bone and an antagonist on breast tissue. It helps reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

Tibolone is a Selective Tissue Estrogen Receptor Modulator (STEAR), where its metabolites act as estrogen on bone. It can cause acne and increased risk of breast cancer.

Progesterone can decrease the risk of endometrial cancer when combined with estrogen replacement therapy.

Certain types of estrogen therapy are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, which is more pronounced with longer use.

Bazedoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), meaning it acts as estrogen on some tissues and blocks estrogen on others.

Tibolone is a STEAR: Selective Tissue Estrogen Receptor Modulator. This means it has different effects on different tissues.

A group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination, caused by damage to the brain during development.

Anticholinergics like Benzatropine block the action of acetylcholine by competing for binding sites on muscarinic receptors.

Botulinum toxin A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle contraction.

Dantrolene reduces muscle contraction by interfering with the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which stops the interaction of myosin and actin.

A disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often affecting children.

Amphetamines like Dexamphetamine increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin by blocking their reuptake transporters.

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that is converted to dextroamphetamine in the body, providing a longer duration of action compared to dexamphetamine.

Amphetamines can cause side effects like insomnia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and an appetite suppressant effect.