General Introduction Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as deadly nightshade, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is renowned for its toxic properties and medicinal uses due to its content of tropane alkaloids. Historically, belladonna has been used in various cultures for its pharmacological effects, including …
Parasympatholytics or anticholinergics or parasympathetic blockers
Parasympatholytics, also known as anticholinergics or parasympathetic blockers, are a class of drugs that antagonize the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) at muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system. These drugs inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system’s actions, leading to various physiological effects. Classification of Parasympatholytics Parasympatholytics can be classified based on …
Therapeutic activity and pharmaceutical applications of alkaloids
Alkaloids, a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds, exhibit various therapeutic activities. Many alkaloids have been harnessed for their pharmacological effects and find applications in various pharmaceutical formulations. Here’s a detailed note on the therapeutic activity and pharmaceutical applications of alkaloids: 1. Analgesic and Antinociceptive Activity – Examples: …
Mydriatics
Mydriatics are a class of drugs used in ophthalmology to dilate the pupil. These drugs work by relaxing the iris sphincter muscle, which causes the pupil to enlarge. Mydriatics are primarily used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as eye examinations and certain eye surgeries. Below is a detailed overview …
Anticholinergic drugs
Anticholinergic drugs, also known as anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that activates cholinergic receptors in the body. These drugs work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine at its receptors, leading to a range of physiological effects. Definition Anticholinergic drugs are a class of medications that block …