Nonopioid Analgesics
Abstract The role of nonopioid analgesics have become increasingly important given mounting evidence against the use of opioids in chronic, non-malignant pain. Furthermore, recent Centers for Disease Control guidelines for…
Neuromuscular Blockers and Reversal Drugs
Abstract Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents were introduced into clinical practice more than 60 years ago. Throughout the world, millions of patients receive neuromuscular blocking agents as part of their general…
Cardiovascular Physiology: Cellular and Molecular Regulation
Abstract In a normal human life span, the heart beats billions of times. Each beat represents a remarkable combination of events working in harmony over milliseconds to propel blood into…
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Abstract Disturbances in cardiac rhythm, also termed cardiac arrhythmias, can arise from structural heart disease, adverse drug interactions, or inherited gene variants in ion channels or the proteins that regulate…
Neuromuscular Physiology and Pharmacology
Abstract Neuromuscular transmission in skeletal muscle occurs when acetylcholine released from the nerve ending binds to the endplate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postjunctional muscle membrane. These AChRs respond…
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Abstract Resuscitation maneuvers improve oxygen delivery, optimize tissue uptake of oxygen, and preserve the metabolic rate of oxygen. This chapter reviews the cardinal tenets of oxygenation, the evidence-based practices of…
Antihypertensive Drugs and Vasodilators
Abstract Hypertension is a prevalent chronic disease associated with significant morbidity; early treatment is indicated to reduce end-organ damage and associated morbidity and mortality. First line treatments include diuretics, calcium…
Vasopressors and Inotropes
Abstract This chapter reviews the pharmacology of vasopressors and inotropes used commonly in acute care settings. It focuses on the pharmacodynamic properties of the drugs to a greater degree than…
Nonintravenous Opioids
Abstract Oral opioids have been used for centuries for treating pain, with the modern era beginning in the 19th century with the discovery of morphine. Nonintravenous opioids can be categorized…
Drugs for Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Chapter Outline Historical Perspective Antidepressant Drugs Tricyclic Antidepressants History Basic Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors History Basic Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Basic Pharmacology Clinical Pharmacology Atypical…
