B Pharmacy is a 4-year undergraduate program in India that provides comprehensive knowledge of drugs, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sciences. It prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research, and healthcare services.
This course builds a strong foundation for B Pharmacy Students all over the world.
Definition of Drug Dependence: Dependence is a state where the body adapts to the presence of a drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur upon stopping the drug. Types: Physical Dependence Characterized by withdrawal symptoms upon drug discontinuation Result of neuroadaptation Common with: opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol Examples of Withdrawal Symptoms: Opioids: Yawning, cramps, diarrhea, mydriasis Alcohol: Tremors, … Read more
Definition of Drug Tolerance: Tolerances is a reduced response to a drug following repeated use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Types of Tolerance: Pharmacokinetic (Metabolic) Tolerance Increased drug metabolism reduces drug levels Example: Chronic alcohol use induces CYP2E1, increasing alcohol metabolism Pharmacodynamic (Cellular) Tolerance Downregulation or desensitization of receptors Example: Decreased μ-opioid receptor … Read more
Definition of Drug Abuse: Drug abuse is the intentional use of a drug for non-medical purposes, often to experience its psychoactive effects, leading to social, legal, or health problems. Characteristics: Use outside of medical supervision Taking higher doses than prescribed Using illicit drugs Often the first step toward addiction Examples: Using opioids for euphoria Using … Read more
Definition of Drug Addiction: It is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by: Compulsive drug-seeking behavior Loss of control over drug use Continued use despite harmful consequences Key Feature of Drug Addiction: It involves psychological and neurobiological changes, particularly in the mesolimbic dopamine system (brain reward system). Neurobiological Mechanism: Addiction is mainly mediated through the mesolimbic … Read more
Opioid Antagonists are drugs that block opioid receptors, reversing opioid effects and treating overdose or dependence. Definition: Drugs that block opioid receptors, reversing the effects of opioids. They have high affinity but no intrinsic activity at opioid receptors. Main Opioid Antagonists: Naloxone Pure opioid antagonist (high affinity for μ-receptors) Rapid onset, short duration (1–2 hours) … Read more
Carbamazepine treats epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder effectively It stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. Formula: C₁₅H₁₂N₂O Mechanism of Carbamazepine: Na⁺ channel blocker → inhibits repetitive neuronal firing Also modulates glutamate release Uses of Carbamazepine: Focal & generalized tonic-clonic seizures Trigeminal neuralgia Bipolar disorder (mania) Side Effects: Diplopia, ataxia SIADH → hyponatremia … Read more
Phenacemide is an anticonvulsant used in refractory epilepsy when other treatments fail. It stabilizes neuronal activity, reducing abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Formula: C₉H₁₀N₂O₂ Mechanism of Phenacemide: Unclear; likely stabilizes neuronal membranes Possibly inhibits Na⁺ channels Uses of Phenacemide: Refractory epilepsy (no longer used) Side Effects: Severe toxicity: Aplastic anemia Liver damage Psychosis
Methsuximide is prescribed for controlling absence seizures when other drugs are less effective. It reduces abnormal neuronal firing by blocking T-type calcium channels in the CNS. Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₁₅NO₂ Mechanism of Methsuximide : T-type Ca²⁺ channel blockade Therapeutic Uses of Methsuximide: Refractory absence seizures May be used when ethosuximide fails Side Effects: CNS effects: dizziness, … Read more
Phensuximide treats absence seizures by controlling abnormal brain electrical activity. It reduces T-type calcium currents, stabilizing neuronal excitability in epilepsy. Chemical Formula: C₁₁H₁₃NO₂ Mechanism of Action: T-type calcium channel blocker Therapeutic Uses of Phensuximide: Absence seizures (older use) Side Effects of Phensuximide: Drowsiness GI upset Hepatic dysfunction Less effective than ethosuximide
Ethosuximide is effective in treating absence seizures by reducing abnormal brain activity. It blocks T-type calcium channels in neurons, stabilizing electrical activity. Chemical Formula: C₇H₁₁NO₂ Mechanism of Action: Selectively inhibits T-type calcium channels Suppresses thalamic burst firing → prevents spike-wave discharges Therapeutic Uses: First-line agent for absence seizures Side Effects: GI upset (nausea, vomiting) Drowsiness … Read more
