Opioid analgesics, commonly known as opioids, are a class of potent pain-relieving medications derived from or chemically similar to compounds found in the opium poppy plant. These drugs exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, known as opioid receptors, in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues. Opioid …
DeepakRajput 
Centrally acting muscle relaxants
The nervous system (CNS) produces muscle relaxation. These drugs alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and associated pain. Unlike peripheral muscle relaxants, which act directly on the muscles, centrally acting muscle relaxants exert their effects by influencing neural pathways in the spinal cord and brain. Classification of Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants 1. …
Nootropic agents- Classification, Mechanisms
Nootropic agents, often called “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers,” purportedly enhance cognitive functions, including memory, creativity, motivation, and overall mental performance. These substances are used to improve cognitive abilities and promote mental well-being. Classification of Nootropic Agents 1. Racetams: Examples: Piracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam. Mechanism: Believed to enhance memory and cognitive …
Antipsychotics/ Neuroleptics- Classification, Mechanism
Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics, are a class of medications primarily used to manage symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition characterised by a disconnection from reality, which can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, disrupted thought patterns, and impaired insight. Antipsychotic drugs work by modulating neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine, …
Antidepressant drugs- Classification, Mechanism, Indications and contraindications
Antidepressant drugs alleviate symptoms of depression, a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. These drugs regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain, primarily targeting chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The goal of antidepressant therapy is …
Anti-anxiety drugs/ Anxiolytics
Anti-anxiety drugs, also known as anxiolytics, are a class of medications designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and provide relief from excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. These drugs act on the central nervous system to modulate neurotransmitter activity, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neuronal excitability. …
Anti-convulsant drugs/ anti-epileptic drugs
Anti-convulsant drugs, also known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), are a class of medications designed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of seizures, a hallmark symptom of epilepsy. These drugs act on the central nervous system to stabilise the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures. Anti-convulsant drugs …
Hypnotics – Classification, Mechanisms, Indications and Contraindications
Hypnotics are a class of drugs that induce and sustain sleep, often used to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders. These medications act on the central nervous system, primarily targeting the brain, to promote relaxation, reduce arousal, and facilitate the onset and maintenance of sleep. Hypnotics are commonly prescribed to …
Sedatives- Classification, Mechanism, Dose, Indications and contraindications
Sedatives are a class of drugs that exert a calming or tranquillising effect on the central nervous system, resulting in a reduction of excitement, agitation, or anxiety. These medications are used to induce a state of relaxation and calmness, making them valuable in various medical contexts. Sedatives can act on …
General anaesthetics: Definition, Classification, Pharmacological actions, Dose, Indications and Contraindications
General anaesthetics are a class of drugs that induce a reversible loss of consciousness, sensation, and memory, allowing for the performance of medical procedures or surgery to be pain-free and controlled. These agents act on the central nervous system, producing a state of unconsciousness and muscle relaxation, allowing surgical interventions …
