15.2. Therapeutic Action of Different Classes of Drugs

• Neutralize excess stomach acid.
• Common antacids: Aluminium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Ranitidine, Omeprazole.
• Replaced older substances like sodium bicarbonate due to side effects.

Antacids are medications used to alleviate symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as indigestion or heartburn. They work by neutralizing this acid, leading to a decrease in acidity in the stomach. Common examples of antacids include aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Previously, sodium bicarbonate was used as an antacid, but it had side effects like alkaline rebound, which is why newer options are preferred.

Think of antacids as a sponge soaking up excess water. Just like a sponge makes a messy spill easier to manage, antacids help 'clean up' the discomfort caused by too much acid in the stomach, providing relief.

• Treat allergies by blocking histamine receptors.
• Examples: Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, Loratadine.

Antihistamines are drugs that provide relief from allergy symptoms. They achieve this by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions that causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, and swelling. Common examples include Diphenhydramine and Cetirizine. By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, antihistamines help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Imagine your body’s histamine as a loud alarm going off when it detects an allergy trigger, like pollen. Antihistamines are like a mute button for that alarm, quieting the response and allowing you to go about your day without the constant annoyance of allergy symptoms.

• Affect the transmission of nerve impulses. (a) Tranquilizers
  • Used for treating stress, anxiety, and mental disorders.
  • Examples: Diazepam, Alprazolam. (b) Analgesics
  • Reduce or eliminate pain. Types:
  • Non-narcotic: Aspirin, Ibuprofen.
  • Narcotic: Morphine, Codeine (can cause addiction).

Neurologically active drugs are substances that impact nerve function. They include tranquilizers, used to address mental health issues like anxiety or stress, with examples being Diazepam and Alprazolam. On the other hand, analgesics are medications that alleviate pain; they are classified into non-narcotic types (like Aspirin and Ibuprofen) and narcotic types (such as Morphine and Codeine). Narcotics have a potential for addiction, highlighting the importance of medical supervision when using these medications.

Consider tranquilizers as a gentle hand that helps guide you through a stormy sea of anxiety, providing a sense of calm. Analgesics, on the other hand, are like pain extinguishers that put out the fire of discomfort, allowing you to focus on everyday life without pain distressing you.

• Kill or inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms. Types:
• Antibiotics: Penicillin, Ampicillin.
• Antiseptics: Applied externally (e.g., iodine, dettol).
• Disinfectants: Strong chemicals used on non-living surfaces (e.g., phenol).

Antimicrobials are drugs designed to combat microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. They can kill these harmful organisms or inhibit their growth. Antibiotics like Penicillin and Ampicillin fight infections caused by bacteria. Antiseptics are substances used on skin or wounds (like iodine or dettol) to prevent infection, whereas disinfectants (like phenol) are strong chemicals used on surfaces to eliminate harmful pathogens. Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for effective treatment.

Think of antimicrobials as a defense team against invading attackers in your body. Antibiotics are like specialized soldiers targeting bag guys (bacteria), while antiseptics are the protective barriers that keep the enemy from breaching your body's defenses through cuts and wounds.

• Control population by preventing conception.
• Examples: Norethindrone, Mifepristone.

Antifertility drugs are designed to prevent pregnancy, allowing individuals to control family planning efficiently. Examples include Norethindrone and Mifepristone. These drugs work by modifying hormonal cycles in the body, thereby inhibiting ovulation or altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation. Their use is an essential option for reproductive health.

Imagine antifertility drugs as the traffic signals on the road of reproduction. Just as a red signal stops cars until it is safe to proceed, these drugs pause the natural process of conception, allowing individuals to make informed choices about starting or not starting a family.

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