Definition of Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants inhibit various components of the coagulation cascade to prevent thrombus formation, used in conditions at risk for thrombosis. Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs) Examples: Enoxaparin Mechanism: Heparin activates antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and factor Xa; LMWHs have more selective inhibition of factor Xa. Use: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), … Read more
Definition of Coagulants: Coagulants are agents that promote clotting, used in conditions where there is a deficiency or dysfunction in the clotting cascade. Vitamin K: Mechanism: Essential for γ-carboxylation of certain glutamate residues in clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as proteins C and S. Use: Vitamin K deficiency, warfarin reversal, hemorrhagic … Read more
Definition of Blood Clotting (Coagulation): Blood clotting, or coagulation, is a complex physiological process that prevents excessive bleeding (hemostasis) when a blood vessel is injured. It involves platelets, clotting factors, and the coagulation cascade to form a stable fibrin clot. Phases of Blood Clotting Vascular Spasm (Vasoconstriction): Immediate narrowing of the blood vessel to reduce … Read more
Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma by decreasing aqueous humor production. Structure of Methazolamide It is a thiazide-like carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with a central sulfonamide group attached to a benzene ring and a thiazole moiety. Chemical Formula: C₅H₇N₃O₃S₂ Mode of Action Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition: Similar to acetazolamide, methazolamide … Read more
Diuretics are a class of medications that promote the excretion of water and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) through the kidneys. They are primarily used to manage conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, kidney disorders, and certain cases of edema (fluid retention). By increasing urine output, diuretics help reduce blood volume, thereby … Read more
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to prevent brain damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage by improving cerebral blood flow. Structure of Nimodipine Nimodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with a substituted phenyl ring and a methoxyethyl side chain attached to the dihydropyridine core. Chemical Formula: C₂₄H₃₀N₂O₆ Mode of Action Calcium Channel Blocking: Selectively inhibits … Read more
Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used to manage angina and hypertension by easing blood vessel tension and improving flow. Structure of Nicardipine Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with a substituted phenyl ring and a methoxyethyl group attached to the dihydropyridine core. Chemical Formula: C₂₂H₂₆N₂O₆ Mode of Action Calcium Channel Blocking: Inhibits L-type … Read more
Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretic used for glaucoma, altitude sickness, and some seizure and edema conditions. Structure of Acetazolamide Acetazolamide is a sulfonamide derivative with a central sulfonamide group attached to a benzene ring and a dithiocarbamate moiety. Chemical Formula: C₄H₆N₂O₃S₂ Mode of Action Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition: Acetazolamide inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, … Read more
Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker that treats high blood pressure and angina by relaxing blood vessels and lowering heart workload. Structure of Felodipine Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with a substituted phenyl ring and a methoxyethyl side chain attached to the dihydropyridine core. Chemical Formula: C₂₂H₂₄N₂O₅ Mode of Action Calcium Channel Blocking: … Read more
Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker used in angina and hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and lowering heart workload. Structure of Amlodipine Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with a substituted phenyl ring and an ethyl group attached to the dihydropyridine core. Chemical Formula: C₂₀H₂₄N₂O₅ Mode of Action Calcium Channel Blocking: Inhibits L-type … Read more
