NEET MDS Lessons
Pharmacology
Acid-Peptic disorders
This group of diseases include peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Pathophysiology of acid-peptic disorders
Peptic ulcer disease is thought to result from an imbalance between cell– destructive effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin on the one side, and cell-protective effects of mucus and bicarbonate on the other side. Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme activated in gastric acid (above pH of 4, pepsin is inactive); also it can digest the stomach wall. A bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is now accepted to be involved in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer.
In gastroesophageal reflux the acidic contents of the stomach enter into the oesophagus causing a burning sensation in the region of the heart; hence the common name heartburn or other names such as indigestion and dyspepsia.
However, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by a tumor of gastrin secreting cells of the pancreas characterized by excessive secretion of gastrin that stimulates gastric acid secretion.
These disorders can be treated by the following classes of drugs:
A. Gastric acid neutralizers (antacids)
B. Gastric acid secretion inhibitors (antisecretory drugs)
C. Mucosal protective agents
D. Drugs that exert antimicrobial action against H.pylori
Miconazole
Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent commonly used in topical sprays, creams and ointments applied to the skin to cure fungal infections such as Athlete's foot and Jock itch. It may also be used internally to treat vaginal yeast infection.
When used by a person taking the anticoagulant medication warfarin, Miconazole may cause an adverse reaction which can lead to excessive bleeding or bruising.
Carbapenems: Broadest spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics.
imipenem with cilastatin
meropenem
ertapenem
Monobactams: Unlike other beta-lactams, there is no fused ring attached to beta-lactam nucleus. Thus, there is less probability of cross-sensitivity reactions.
aztreonam
Beta-lactamase Inhibitors No antimicrobial activity. Their sole purpose is to prevent the inactivation of beta-lactam antibiotics by beta-lactamases, and as such, they are co-administered with beta-lactam antibiotics.
clavulanic acid
tazobactam
sulbactam
Amphotericin B
Main use is in systemic fungal infections (e.g. in immunocompromised patients), and in visceral leishmaniasis. Aspergillosis, cryptococcus infections (e.g. meningitis) and candidiasis are treated with amphotericin B. It is also used empirically in febrile immunocompromised patients who do not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
MOA:
As with other polyene antifungals, amphotericin B associates with ergosterol, a membrane chemical of fungi, forming a pore that leads to K+ leakage and fungal cell death
Side effects: nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) , headache, vomiting, convulsions and fever
The side-effects are much milder when amphotericin B is delivered in liposomes
Procaine penicillin Procaine penicillin is a combination of benzylpenicillin with the local anaesthetic agent procaine. This combination is aimed at reducing the pain and discomfort associated with a large intramuscular injection of penicillin.
Indications
respiratory tract infections where compliance with oral treatment is unlikely ,syphilis, cellulitis
TRIMETHOPRIM
It is a diaminopyrimidine. It inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase( DHFRase).
In combination with sulphamethoxzole it is called Co-trimoxazole.
Spectrum of action
S. Typhi. Serratia. Klebsiela and many sulphonamide resistant strains of Staph.aureus. Strep pyogens
Adverse effects
Megaloblastic anemia. i.e.. due to folate defeciency.
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Diuretics if given with co-trimoxazole cause thrombocytopenia.
Uses
I. UTI. 2. RTI. 3. Typhoid. 5. Septicemias. 5. Whooping cough
Angiotensin
It is generated in the plasma from a precursor plasma globulin. It is involved in the electrolyte balance, plasma
volume and B.P
Angiotensin I:
Renin is an enzyme produced by the kidney in response to a number of factors including adrenergic activity (β1-
receptor) and sodium depletion. Renin converts a circulating glycoprotein (angiotensinogen) into an inactive material angiotensin-I. It gets activation during passage through pulmonary circulation to angiotensin II by (ACE). ACE is located on the luminal surface of capillary endothelial cells, particularly in the lungs & also present in many organ (e.g brain).
Angiotensin II:
Is an active agent, has a vasoconstrictor action on blood vessels & sodium and water retention