Chapter 23 – Antimicrobials
Abstract Antimicrobial agents are used to kill or suppress the growth of microorganisms and are used widely both to treat and prevent infection. In order to understand how antimicrobial drugs…
ANESTHESIA
Chapter 24 – Drugs Affecting Coagulation
Abstract This has three elements: platelets, the coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis. The first two are involved in preventing haemorrhage by thrombus formation, while fibrinolysis is an essential limiting mechanism. Chapter…
Chapter 25 – Drugs Used in Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia. Diabetes mellitus is caused either by deficient endogenous insulin secretion or by resistance to the action of…
Chapter 22 – Diuretics
Abstract The kidney is a complex organ maintaining fluid, electrolyte and acid–base balance. It also serves an endocrine function by secreting renin and erythropoietin. Chapter 22 Diuretics The kidney is…
Chapter 21 – Intravenous Fluids, Minerals and Nutrition
Abstract Total body water represents approximately 60% of body weight (45 litres in a 75 kg male). Sixty-six per cent is intracellular water (30 litres), 33% is extracellular (15 litres). The extracellular fluid volume…
Chapter 20 – Drugs Acting on the Gut
Abstract Antacids neutralise gastric acidity. They are used to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux. They promote ulcer healing but less effectively than other therapies. Chapter 20 Drugs…
Chapter 19 – Antiemetics and Related Drugs
Abstract Nausea and vomiting has many causes including drugs, motion sickness, fear, pregnancy, vestibular disease and migraine. In previous decades anaesthesia was almost synonymous with vomiting, but with the advent…
Chapter 18 – Central Nervous System
Abstract BDZs modulate the effects of GABA at GABAA receptors. The specific α-subunit type determines the BDZ pharmacology – anxiolytic or sedative. Two BDZ receptor subtypes have been identified: BZ1,…
Chapter 17 – Antihypertensives
Abstract Renin (half-life 80 minutes) splits the decapeptide angiotensin I from the circulating plasma protein angiotensinogen, which is synthesised in the liver and is present in the α2-globulin fraction of plasma…
Chapter 12 – Muscle Relaxants and Reversal Agents
Abstract The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) forms a chemical bridge between the motor neurone and skeletal muscle. The final short section of the motor nerve is unmyelinated and comes to lie…
