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Write class, classification, name of other drugs included in it, moa, indication,s/e,c/i of drug shown

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I have sufficient information from the textbooks and my pharmacological knowledge to provide a comprehensive answer. Here is the complete profile for all three drugs:

Drug 1: Dopamine (Sterile Dopamine 40 mg/5 ml)

Class & Classification

  • Class: Catecholamine / Sympathomimetic Amine
  • Classification: Endogenous catecholamine; inotrope/vasopressor
  • Subclass: Non-selective adrenergic + dopaminergic agonist (dose-dependent)

Other Drugs in the Same Class (Catecholamines)

DrugKey Action
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)α1, β1, β2 agonist
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine)α1 > β1 agonist
DobutamineSelective β1 agonist
Isoprenaline (Isoproterenol)Non-selective β agonist
DopexamineDA2, β2 agonist

Mechanism of Action (Dose-Dependent)

DoseReceptorEffect
Low (1–3 mcg/kg/min)DA1, DA2Renal, mesenteric, coronary vasodilation → ↑ urine output
Medium (3–10 mcg/kg/min)β1↑ HR, ↑ contractility, ↑ cardiac output (inotrope)
High (>10 mcg/kg/min)α1 > β1Vasoconstriction, ↑ SVR, ↑ BP (vasopressor)
Also acts indirectly by releasing norepinephrine from nerve terminals.

Indications

  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Septic shock (when vasopressor support needed)
  • Acute decompensated heart failure with hypotension
  • Haemodynamically significant bradycardia (unresponsive to atropine)
  • Post-cardiac surgery low output states
  • Renal support (low-dose; controversial/largely abandoned)

Side Effects

  • Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias (AF, VT), hypertension, chest pain
  • GI: Nausea, vomiting
  • Local: Tissue necrosis/gangrene if extravasation occurs (must use central line)
  • Endocrine: Suppression of TSH and pituitary hormones (prolonged use)
  • Renal: Paradoxical renal vasoconstriction at high doses
  • Metabolic: Hyperglycaemia

Contraindications

  • Phaechromocytoma (causes hypertensive crisis)
  • Uncorrected tachyarrhythmias or ventricular fibrillation
  • Hypovolaemia (correct fluid deficit first)
  • Hypersensitivity to bisulfites (some formulations)
  • Concomitant MAO inhibitor use (risk of severe hypertensive crisis)

Drug 2: Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄ vial)

Class & Classification

  • Class: Inorganic salt / Electrolyte replacement agent
  • Classification: Anticonvulsant, Tocolytic, Antiarrhythmic, Neuroprotective agent

Other Drugs in the Same Class / Related Agents

DrugUse
Magnesium chlorideElectrolyte replacement
Calcium gluconateAntidote to Mg toxicity
PhenytoinAnticonvulsant (inferior to MgSO₄ in eclampsia)
DiazepamAnticonvulsant (inferior to MgSO₄ in eclampsia)
NifedipineTocolytic (Ca channel blocker)

Mechanism of Action

  • Anticonvulsant: Mg²⁺ is a physiological NMDA receptor antagonist — blocks calcium influx through NMDA-gated channels, reducing neuronal excitability and preventing seizures
  • Antiarrhythmic: Stabilises cardiac membranes; inhibits Na/K ATPase and calcium channels
  • Tocolytic: Competes with Ca²⁺ at myometrial smooth muscle → inhibits uterine contractions
  • Neuroprotective (fetal): Protects fetal brain from hypoxic-ischaemic injury
  • Also acts as a cofactor for >300 enzymatic reactions

Indications

  • Eclampsia — first-line for seizure prevention and treatment (superior to phenytoin and diazepam — Brenner & Rector's The Kidney)
  • Pre-eclampsia with severe features — seizure prophylaxis
  • Torsades de Pointes (polymorphic VT)
  • Severe acute asthma (refractory bronchospasm)
  • Hypomagnesaemia — replacement therapy
  • Preterm labour — tocolysis (short-term)
  • Fetal neuroprotection — <34 weeks gestation

Side Effects

  • Mild: Flushing, sweating, warmth sensation, nausea, headache
  • Moderate: Hypotension, bradycardia, prolonged PR/QRS, lethargy
  • Toxic (dose-related):
    • Loss of deep tendon reflexes (first sign: ~4–5 mEq/L)
    • Respiratory depression (~5–7 mEq/L)
    • Cardiac arrest (>15 mEq/L)
  • Neonatal: Respiratory depression, hypotonia if used close to delivery

Contraindications

  • Hypermagnesaemia
  • Heart block / severe bradycardia
  • Myasthenia gravis (worsens neuromuscular blockade)
  • Renal failure (risk of accumulation — use with extreme caution; monitor levels)
  • Hypocalcaemia (may worsen)
  • Antidote: Calcium gluconate 10% (10 ml IV) — must be at bedside during infusion

Drug 3: Dobutamine (50 mg/ml, 5 ml)

Class & Classification

  • Class: Synthetic catecholamine / Sympathomimetic amine
  • Classification: Selective β1-adrenoceptor agonist; positive inotrope
  • Subclass: Direct-acting adrenergic agonist (synthetic)

Other Drugs in the Same Class (Inotropes / β1-agonists)

DrugReceptorNotes
DopamineDA, β1, α1 (dose-dependent)Less selective
Isoprenalineβ1, β2Also causes vasodilation
MilrinonePDE-3 inhibitorNon-adrenergic inotrope
LevosimendanCalcium sensitiserNovel inotrope
Adrenalineβ1, β2, α1Used in cardiac arrest
Noradrenalineα1 > β1Primarily vasopressor

Mechanism of Action

  • Selective β1-adrenoceptor agonist (also mild β2 and α1 activity)
  • Activates β1 receptors on cardiac muscle → activates adenylate cyclase → ↑ cAMP → ↑ intracellular Ca²⁺ → positive inotropy (↑ contractility) and mild positive chronotropy (↑ HR)
  • Net effect: ↑ cardiac output, ↓ PCWP, ↓ SVR (via β2), minimal change in BP
  • Does not stimulate dopamine receptors (unlike dopamine)
  • Preferred over dopamine in normotensive, poorly perfused patients — Harriet Lane Handbook

Indications

  • Acute decompensated heart failure with reduced cardiac output (cardiogenic shock)
  • Low cardiac output states post-cardiac surgery
  • Stress echocardiography (pharmacological cardiac stress testing — at lower doses 5–10 mcg/kg/min)
  • Short-term management of severe systolic heart failure (bridge to definitive therapy)
  • Septic shock with myocardial dysfunction (combined with vasopressor)

Side Effects

  • Cardiovascular: Tachycardia (most common), palpitations, hypertension or hypotension, angina, arrhythmias (AF, PVCs, VT — especially at high doses)
  • Tolerance/Tachyphylaxis: Develops after 24–48 hours of continuous infusion due to β-receptor downregulation — Braunwald's Heart Disease
  • Metabolic: Hypokalaemia (via β2), hyperglycaemia
  • GI: Nausea, headache
  • Local: Phlebitis (peripheral infusion site)

Contraindications

  • Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) — worsens outflow tract obstruction
  • Uncorrected hypovolaemia (correct volume deficit first)
  • Known hypersensitivity
  • Significant aortic stenosis (may cause severe haemodynamic deterioration)
  • Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
  • Tachyarrhythmias (relative — may worsen)
  • Do not use with MAO inhibitors

Summary Comparison Table

FeatureDopamineMagnesium SulfateDobutamine
ClassCatecholamineInorganic salt / ElectrolyteSynthetic catecholamine
Primary receptorDA, β1, α1 (dose-dep.)NMDA antagonist / Ca²⁺ antagonismSelective β1
Main useShock, ↓BPEclampsia, torsadesCardiogenic shock, ↓CO
Key S/ETachycardia, necrosisRespiratory depressionTachycardia, tachyphylaxis
Key C/IPhaeochromocytoma, MAOIsMyasthenia, renal failureHOCM, hypovolaemia
RouteIV infusion (central line preferred)IV infusion / IMIV infusion
— Braunwald's Heart Disease; Harriet Lane Handbook; Brenner & Rector's The Kidney; Goodman & Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
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Write class, classification, name of other drugs included in it, moa, indication with dosage ,s/e,c/i of drug shown

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I have confirmed key textbook references and now have enough information to provide a comprehensive answer from my pharmacological knowledge base. Here is the complete drug profile for every drug on the blackboard:

DRUGS ON THE BLACKBOARD — Complete Pharmacology

Note: Adrenaline, Dobutamine, Dopamine, and MgSO₄ were covered in detail in the previous session. Brief summaries included here; full profiles above.

1. ADRENALINE (Epinephrine)

ClassCatecholamine / Sympathomimetic
ClassificationEndogenous, non-selective adrenoceptor agonist (α1, α2, β1, β2)
Other drugs in classNoradrenaline, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Isoprenaline
MOAStimulates α1 (vasoconstriction), β1 (↑HR, ↑contractility), β2 (bronchodilation)
Indications & DosesAnaphylaxis: 0.5 mg IM (1:1000) / Cardiac arrest: 1 mg IV (1:10,000) q3–5 min / Severe asthma: 0.3 mg SC
S/ETachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, anxiety, tremor, tissue necrosis (extravasation)
C/IPhaechromocytoma, closed-angle glaucoma, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, MAOIs (relative); no absolute C/I in cardiac arrest

2. DOBUTAMINE — See previous session (Selective β1 inotrope, 2–20 mcg/kg/min IV)


3. DOPAMINE — See previous session (Dose-dependent DA/β1/α1 agonist, 1–20 mcg/kg/min IV)


4. CLOPIDOGREL

ClassAntiplatelet agent
ClassificationThienopyridine — P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist
Other drugs in classPrasugrel, Ticagrelor (P2Y12), Ticlopidine; Aspirin (COX inhibitor), Dipyridamole, Abciximab (GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor)
MOAProdrug → hepatic CYP2C19 activation → irreversible blockade of P2Y12 ADP receptors on platelets → inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation for platelet lifetime (7–10 days) — Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Indications & DosesACS (NSTEMI/STEMI): 300–600 mg loading dose, then 75 mg OD / Post-PCI (dual antiplatelet): 75 mg OD / Stroke/TIA: 75 mg OD / PAD: 75 mg OD
S/EBleeding (GI, intracranial), bruising, rash, diarrhoea, TTP (rare), neutropenia
C/IActive pathological bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage, severe hepatic impairment, CYP2C19 poor metabolisers (reduced efficacy), PPIs that inhibit CYP2C19 (e.g. omeprazole — reduce efficacy)

5. BUDESONIDE (Nebuliser Solution)

ClassCorticosteroid
ClassificationInhaled corticosteroid (ICS) — glucocorticoid
Other drugs in classBeclomethasone, Fluticasone, Ciclesonide, Mometasone, Triamcinolone
MOABinds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors → translocates to nucleus → inhibits pro-inflammatory transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1) → ↓ cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) → reduces airway inflammation, oedema, mucus secretion
Indications & DosesBronchial asthma (maintenance): Neb 0.5–2 mg BD / COPD: 0.5–1 mg BD neb / Croup (children): 2 mg single nebulised dose / Eosinophilic disorders
S/EOropharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness, dysphonia, adrenal suppression (high doses), growth retardation (children), osteoporosis (long-term)
C/IHypersensitivity, active pulmonary TB (relative), untreated fungal infections

6. ALBENDAZOLE 400 mg

ClassAnthelmintic / Antiparasitic
ClassificationBenzimidazole anthelmintic
Other drugs in classMebendazole, Thiabendazole, Flubendazole; Ivermectin, Praziquantel, Pyrantel pamoate
MOAInhibits tubulin polymerisation → disrupts microtubule formation → impairs glucose uptake in helminths → ↓ ATP production → worm paralysis and death
Indications & DosesRoundworm/hookworm/whipworm: 400 mg single dose PO / Strongyloidiasis: 400 mg OD × 3 days / Hydatid disease: 400 mg BD × 28 days (with 14-day break) / Neurocysticercosis: 400 mg BD × 8–30 days / Lymphatic filariasis: 400 mg single dose (with DEC or ivermectin)
S/ENausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, elevated LFTs (monitor), alopecia (prolonged use), bone marrow suppression (rare), headache
C/IPregnancy (teratogenic — Category D; use effective contraception), hypersensitivity to benzimidazoles, hepatic cirrhosis (severe)

7. CIPROFLOXACIN

ClassAntibiotic
ClassificationFluoroquinolone (2nd generation)
Other drugs in classLevofloxacin (3rd gen), Moxifloxacin (4th gen), Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Gemifloxacin
MOAInhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV → prevents DNA supercoiling/relaxation → strand breaks → bactericidal; concentration-dependent killing
Indications & DosesUTI: 250–500 mg BD PO / Complicated UTI/pyelonephritis: 500 mg BD × 7–14 days / Respiratory tract infections: 500–750 mg BD / Typhoid: 500 mg BD × 7–10 days / GI infections (traveller's diarrhoea): 500 mg BD × 3 days / Anthrax: 500 mg BD × 60 days / IV: 200–400 mg BD
S/EGI disturbance, tendinitis/tendon rupture (Achilles — esp. in elderly, corticosteroid users), QT prolongation, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects (seizures, insomnia), photosensitivity, arthropathy (children)
C/IChildren <18 years (relative — cartilage damage), pregnancy, history of tendon disorder with fluoroquinolones, QT prolongation, concurrent antacids/calcium/iron (chelation — give 2h apart), myasthenia gravis

8. CEFIXIME

ClassAntibiotic
Classification3rd generation Cephalosporin (oral)
Other drugs in classCeftriaxone, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime (inj); Cefpodoxime, Cefdinir (oral 3rd gen); Cefuroxime (2nd gen); Cephalexin (1st gen)
MOABinds Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs) → inhibits transpeptidation → disrupts peptidoglycan cross-linking → cell wall lysis → bactericidal; resistant to many β-lactamases
Indications & DosesUTI: 200–400 mg OD or BD PO / Respiratory infections (bronchitis, tonsillitis): 200–400 mg OD / Gonorrhoea (uncomplicated): 400 mg single dose / Typhoid fever: 200 mg BD × 14 days / Otitis media: 8 mg/kg/day (children)
S/EDiarrhoea (most common), nausea, abdominal pain, rash, hypersensitivity, C. difficile colitis, elevated LFTs
C/IPenicillin allergy (cross-reactivity ~1–2%), severe renal impairment (dose reduce), hypersensitivity to cephalosporins

9. AZITHROMYCIN

ClassAntibiotic
ClassificationMacrolide (Azalide subclass)
Other drugs in classErythromycin, Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin, Spiramycin
MOABinds 50S ribosomal subunit (23S rRNA) → inhibits translocation → inhibits protein synthesis → bacteriostatic (bactericidal at high concentrations); excellent intracellular penetration
Indications & DosesCommunity-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg OD × 5 days / URTI/tonsillitis: 500 mg OD × 3 days (Z-pack) / Chlamydia/STI: 1 g single dose / Typhoid: 1 g OD × 5–7 days / MAC prophylaxis (HIV): 1.2 g once weekly / Pertussis: 500 mg OD × 5 days / Traveller's diarrhoea: 500 mg OD × 3 days
S/EGI (nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting — most common), QT prolongation (cardiac arrhythmias), elevated LFTs, cholestatic jaundice, hypersensitivity
C/IProlonged QT syndrome, hypokalaemia/hypomagnesaemia (with QT drugs), concurrent Class IA/III antiarrhythmics, severe hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity

10. ACYCLOVIR (Acyclo)

ClassAntiviral
ClassificationNucleoside analogue antiviral (purine analogue)
Other drugs in classValacyclovir (prodrug of acyclovir), Famciclovir, Penciclovir, Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, Cidofovir
MOAAcyclovir → phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase (TK) → acyclovir triphosphate → competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase → chain termination → selective action (1000x more affinity for viral vs. host TK)
Indications & DosesHerpes simplex (genital, 1st episode): 200 mg 5x/day × 5–10 days PO / HSV encephalitis: 10–15 mg/kg IV q8h × 14–21 days / Varicella (chickenpox): 800 mg 5x/day × 5 days / Herpes zoster: 800 mg 5x/day × 7 days / Neonatal HSV: 20 mg/kg IV q8h × 14–21 days / HSV prophylaxis (immunocompromised): 400 mg BD
S/ENausea, headache, diarrhoea; IV: nephrotoxicity (crystalluria — ensure adequate hydration), phlebitis, neurotoxicity (encephalopathy, tremors — in renal failure), bone marrow suppression (rare)
C/IHypersensitivity, severe renal impairment (dose reduce, avoid rapid IV bolus), caution in pregnancy (though relatively safe), dehydration with IV use

11. METRONIDAZOLE (Metoanido)

ClassAntibiotic / Antiprotozoal
ClassificationNitroimidazole
Other drugs in classTinidazole, Ornidazole, Secnidazole, Satranidazole
MOAEnters anaerobic organisms → reduced by ferredoxin to reactive nitro radical anion → damages DNA (strand breaks) → inhibits nucleic acid synthesis → bactericidal/protozoicidal; active only against anaerobes and protozoa
Indications & DosesAnaerobic infections: 400–500 mg TDS PO / 500 mg IV q8h / C. difficile: 400 mg TDS × 10–14 days / Amoebic dysentery/abscess: 400–800 mg TDS × 5–10 days / Giardiasis: 400 mg TDS × 5 days / Trichomoniasis: 2 g single dose / BV (bacterial vaginosis): 400 mg BD × 7 days / H. pylori (triple therapy): 400 mg BD × 7 days / Dental infections: 200–400 mg TDS
S/EMetallic taste (very common), nausea, vomiting, GI disturbance, peripheral neuropathy (prolonged use), encephalopathy, dark urine, disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol
C/I1st trimester pregnancy (relative), alcohol consumption (severe disulfiram reaction), hypersensitivity, severe hepatic impairment

12. FLUCONAZOLE

ClassAntifungal
ClassificationTriazole antifungal
Other drugs in classItraconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Ketoconazole (imidazole); Amphotericin B (polyene); Caspofungin (echinocandin)
MOAInhibits fungal CYP450 14α-demethylase → blocks lanosterol → ergosterol conversion → ↓ ergosterol in fungal cell membrane → increased permeability → fungistatic (fungicidal at high concentrations)
Indications & DosesVulvovaginal candidiasis: 150 mg single dose PO / Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 100–200 mg OD × 7–14 days / Oesophageal candidiasis: 200 mg OD × 14–21 days / Cryptococcal meningitis: 400–800 mg OD (consolidation) / Systemic candidiasis: 400 mg loading, then 200–400 mg OD / Prophylaxis (immunocompromised): 50–200 mg OD
S/ENausea, headache, abdominal pain, elevated LFTs, hepatotoxicity (rare), rash, QT prolongation, teratogenic
C/IPregnancy (teratogenic), co-administration with QT-prolonging drugs, CYP3A4 substrates (warfarin — ↑ INR; ciclosporin — ↑ levels; terfenadine), hypersensitivity

13. LEVOFLOXACIN (Levoflox)

ClassAntibiotic
ClassificationFluoroquinolone (3rd generation) — "Respiratory quinolone"
Other drugs in classCiprofloxacin (2nd gen), Moxifloxacin (4th gen), Ofloxacin, Gemifloxacin
MOAInhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV → bactericidal; L-isomer of ofloxacin; broader Gram-positive and atypical coverage than ciprofloxacin
Indications & DosesCAP: 500–750 mg OD × 5–7 days PO/IV / HAP: 750 mg OD × 7–14 days IV / UTI (complicated): 250 mg OD × 7–10 days / Complicated skin infections: 750 mg OD × 7–14 days / TB (MDR-TB, 2nd line): 750–1000 mg OD / Sinusitis: 500 mg OD × 10–14 days
S/ETendinitis/rupture, QT prolongation, CNS (insomnia, dizziness, seizures), photosensitivity, peripheral neuropathy, GI disturbance, hypoglycaemia (in diabetics on OHAs)
C/IChildren <18 yrs, pregnancy/lactation, history of tendinopathy with quinolones, QT prolongation, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy (relative)

14. ATORVASTATIN (Atorva)

ClassLipid-lowering agent
ClassificationHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (Statin)
Other drugs in classRosuvastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Lovastatin, Fluvastatin, Pitavastatin
MOACompetitive inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase → ↓ hepatic cholesterol synthesis → ↑ LDL receptor expression on hepatocytes → ↑ LDL uptake → ↓ serum LDL-C; also pleiotropic effects (anti-inflammatory, plaque stabilisation)
Indications & DosesPrimary hypercholesterolaemia: 10–20 mg OD (at night) / High CV risk: 40–80 mg OD / Secondary prevention (post-MI/ACS): 80 mg OD / Familial hypercholesterolaemia: 10–80 mg OD
S/EMyalgia (most common), myositis, rhabdomyolysis (rare — monitor CK), elevated transaminases, hepatotoxicity, GI disturbance, new-onset diabetes mellitus, headache
C/IActive liver disease or unexplained elevated transaminases (>3× ULN), pregnancy and breastfeeding, concomitant potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. clarithromycin, itraconazole — ↑ statin levels → rhabdomyolysis), hypersensitivity

15. ASPIRIN

ClassNSAID / Antiplatelet / Antipyretic
ClassificationSalicylate; non-selective COX inhibitor
Other drugs in classAntiplatelet: Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Dipyridamole / NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen
MOAIrreversible acetylation of COX-1 (and COX-2) → ↓ TXA2 synthesis (via COX-1 in platelets — inhibits aggregation for platelet lifetime 7–10 days) → antiplatelet; also ↓ prostaglandins → analgesic/antipyretic/anti-inflammatory
Indications & DosesAntiplatelet (ACS, post-MI, stroke prevention): 75–100 mg OD / Acute MI/ACS (loading): 300–325 mg stat (chewed) / Analgesia/antipyresis: 300–600 mg q4–6h (max 4 g/day) / Kawasaki disease: 30–100 mg/kg/day
S/EGI irritation/ulceration/bleeding (most common), tinnitus/hearing loss (salicylism — overdose), Reye's syndrome (children <16), bronchospasm (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease), nephrotoxicity, prolonged bleeding time
C/IChildren <16 yrs (Reye's syndrome), active peptic ulcer, haemophilia, aspirin-sensitive asthma, 3rd trimester pregnancy, severe hepatic/renal failure, concomitant anticoagulants (relative — ↑ bleeding risk)

16. ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE (Iso. Mononitrate)

ClassAntianginal / Vasodilator
ClassificationOrganic nitrate
Other drugs in classIsosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN/nitroglycerin), Pentaerythritol tetranitrate; also Nicorandil (nitrate + K+ channel opener)
MOAConverted to nitric oxide (NO) in smooth muscle → activates guanylate cyclase → ↑ cGMP → dephosphorylation of myosin light chain → vascular smooth muscle relaxation → venodilation (↓ preload) >> arterial dilation (↓ afterload) → ↓ myocardial O₂ demand; also coronary vasodilation
Indications & DosesStable angina prophylaxis: 20–40 mg BD–TDS PO (SR: 40–120 mg OD) / Acute angina (not for acute attack — use GTN SL) / Heart failure (with hydralazine in ACEi intolerant): 20–40 mg TDS
S/EHeadache (very common — from vasodilation), flushing, dizziness, hypotension, tachycardia (reflex), nitrate tolerance (with continuous use — ensure nitrate-free interval of 8–12h)
C/IHypotension (SBP <90 mmHg), concurrent PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil — severe hypotension/death), hypovolaemia, severe aortic stenosis, raised ICP, closed-angle glaucoma, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy — Lippincott Pharmacology

17. METFORMIN

ClassAntidiabetic
ClassificationBiguanide
Other drugs in classPhenformin (withdrawn), Buformin (withdrawn); also class comparison: Glipizide (sulphonylurea), Voglibose (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor), Teneligliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor)
MOAActivates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) → inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis (↓ hepatic glucose output — primary effect) → improves peripheral insulin sensitivity → ↑ glucose uptake in muscle → does not stimulate insulin secretion (no hypoglycaemia as monotherapy)
Indications & DosesType 2 diabetes mellitus (1st line): 500 mg OD/BD with meals → titrate to 500–1000 mg BD–TDS (max 2550–3000 mg/day) / PCOS (off-label): 500–1500 mg/day / Pre-diabetes prevention: 250–850 mg BD
S/EGI (nausea, diarrhoea, metallic taste — dose-related, most common), lactic acidosis (rare but serious — esp. in renal failure), Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term), anorexia
C/IeGFR <30 mL/min (renal failure — lactic acidosis risk; caution <45), hepatic failure, alcohol excess, iodinated contrast media (hold 48h before/after), acute illness/surgery (hold perioperatively), heart failure (relative), type 1 DM

18. GLIPIZIDE (Clipizide)

ClassAntidiabetic
ClassificationSulphonylurea (2nd generation)
Other drugs in classGlibenclamide (Glyburide), Gliclazide, Glimepiride, Tolbutamide (1st gen), Chlorpropamide (1st gen)
MOABinds SUR1 subunit of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels on pancreatic β cells → closes K⁺ channels → membrane depolarisation → opens voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels → ↑ intracellular Ca²⁺ → insulin secretion; requires functioning β cells
Indications & DosesType 2 DM (when metformin insufficient or contraindicated): 2.5–5 mg OD 30 min before breakfast → titrate to 5–20 mg/day (max 40 mg/day); divided doses if >15 mg/day
S/EHypoglycaemia (most important — esp. elderly, renal impairment, missed meals), weight gain, GI disturbance, rash, hepatotoxicity (rare), photosensitivity, disulfiram-like reaction (with alcohol — less than chlorpropamide)
C/IType 1 DM, DKA, renal failure (risk of prolonged hypoglycaemia), hepatic failure, pregnancy/breastfeeding, sulpha allergy, fasting patients, elderly with irregular meals

19. VOGLIBOSE

ClassAntidiabetic
ClassificationAlpha-glucosidase inhibitor
Other drugs in classAcarbose, Miglitol
MOAInhibits intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes (maltase, sucrase, glucoamylase) at brush border of small intestine → delays hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates and disaccharides → delays glucose absorption → ↓ postprandial hyperglycaemia (no effect on fasting glucose significantly)
Indications & DosesType 2 DM (mainly to control postprandial glucose spikes): 0.2 mg TDS with first bite of meals → can increase to 0.3 mg TDS / Pre-diabetes: 0.2 mg TDS (evidence-based, approved in India/Japan)
S/EGI (flatulence, bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort — very common, due to unabsorbed sugars reaching colon), elevated LFTs (rare)
C/IIBD, intestinal obstruction, colonic ulceration, chronic intestinal disease with absorption disorders, hepatic cirrhosis, diabetic ketoacidosis; if hypoglycaemia occurs with combination therapy, treat with glucose (not sucrose — sucrase is inhibited)

20. TENELIGLIPTIN

ClassAntidiabetic
ClassificationDPP-4 inhibitor (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) — "Gliptin"
Other drugs in classSitagliptin, Vildagliptin, Saxagliptin, Alogliptin, Linagliptin; (also newer: Omarigliptin, Trelagliptin — weekly dosing)
MOAInhibits DPP-4 enzyme → prevents degradation of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP (incretin hormones) → ↑ active GLP-1/GIP levels → glucose-dependent ↑ insulin secretion + ↓ glucagon secretion → ↓ postprandial and fasting glucose; glucose-dependent (minimal hypoglycaemia risk)
Indications & DosesType 2 DM (monotherapy or add-on): 20 mg OD (before or after meals; can be taken any time) — approved in India and Japan; can combine with metformin, sulphonylureas, insulin
S/ENasopharyngitis, URTI, hypoglycaemia (when combined with sulphonylureas/insulin), rare: pancreatitis, joint pain, bullous pemphigoid (class effect), angioedema (rare)
C/IType 1 DM, DKA, history of pancreatitis (caution), severe renal impairment (dose reduce), hypersensitivity; no dose adjustment needed in mild-moderate hepatic impairment (unlike sitagliptin)

Summary Classification Table

DrugClassSub-classification
AdrenalineCatecholamineNon-selective adrenoceptor agonist
DobutamineCatecholamineSelective β1 agonist
DopamineCatecholamineDose-dependent DA/β1/α1
ClopidogrelAntiplateletThienopyridine / P2Y12 blocker
BudesonideCorticosteroidInhaled glucocorticoid (ICS)
AlbendazoleAnthelminticBenzimidazole
CiprofloxacinAntibioticFluoroquinolone (2nd gen)
CefiximeAntibiotic3rd gen Cephalosporin
AzithromycinAntibioticMacrolide (Azalide)
AcyclovirAntiviralNucleoside analogue
MetronidazoleAntibiotic/AntiprotozoalNitroimidazole
FluconazoleAntifungalTriazole
LevofloxacinAntibioticFluoroquinolone (3rd gen)
AtorvastatinLipid-loweringHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
AspirinNSAID/AntiplateletSalicylate / COX inhibitor
Isosorbide MononitrateAntianginalOrganic nitrate
MetforminAntidiabeticBiguanide
GlipizideAntidiabeticSulphonylurea (2nd gen)
VogliboseAntidiabeticAlpha-glucosidase inhibitor
TeneligliptinAntidiabeticDPP-4 inhibitor
— Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; Goodman & Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics; Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology
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