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…
Chapter 13 – Sympathomimetics
Abstract The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex system of neurones that controls the body’s internal milieu. It is not under voluntary control and is anatomically distinct from the…
Chapter 16 – Vasodilators
Abstract Sodium nitroprusside is usually administered as a 0.005–0.02% (50–200 μg/ml) intravenous infusion, the dose of 0.5–6 μg.kg−1.min−1 being titrated to effect. Chapter 16 Vasodilators Sodium Nitroprusside Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)…
Chapter 15 – Anti-Arrhythmics
Abstract The heart is composed of pacemaker, conducting and contractile tissue. Each has a different action potential morphology allowing the heart to function as a coordinated unit. The sino-atrial (SA)…
