Therapeutic action of different classes of drugs

We all know that medications aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of ailments. However, any substance taken by humans might have two types of impacts: therapeutic and adverse effects. The goal is to prescribe the perfect medicine, one that has no side effects. So, let’s have a look at the various pharmacological classes and their therapeutic effects.

Antacids

Our stomach generates acid to aid digestion. But, on the other hand, the stomach may produce excessive amounts of acid. As a result, irritability, soreness, and disorientation develop. Over time, it can progress to more severe problems, such as stomach ulcers.

Only a few years ago, the only therapeutic action of drugs available to treat high acidity was sodium hydrogen carbonate or, in rare situations, aluminium and magnesium hydroxide. These compounds would react with the stomach acid, increasing its alkalinity. On the other hand, they would increase the quantity of acid generated by the stomach. The only other choice was metal hydroxides, which were intractable. In addition, they addressed the symptoms of acidity rather than modifying the pH values of the stomach, as was previously thought.

Then, in recent years, we developed a more effective therapeutic action of antacids drugs. Nevertheless, antacids are still the most prescribed medications in the world.

Antihistamines

To begin with, let us look at how histamines work in the body. Their validating properties, or ability to expand and improve blood flow in an area, have been well established. An allergen activates the immune system, causing histamines, which are naturally occurring molecules, to be produced. Histamines are stored in mast cells, which may be found in several sites throughout the body, including the lungs, nose, stomach, and mouth. When they enter the body, they attach to specific receptors, causing the body to fulfil its functions.

Antihistamines are therapeutic actions of drugs used to alleviate the symptoms of histamine overproduction. Antihistamines function by preventing histamine receptors from binding to histamine, hence lowering histamine’s activities. As a result, the cells will be protected against inflammation, increased blood flow, and other negative consequences. Antihistamines are often used to prevent and treat allergic responses. Antihistamines including brompheniramine, cetirizine, and terfenadine are often prescribed.

Tranquillisers

The therapeutic action of drugs of tranquillisers has been chemically synthesised and is used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and other weariness. In addition, they were revealed to exhibit neuroactive characteristics. There are various tranquilisers, each with a unique chemical structure designed to cure a specific condition.

Consider depression. Noradrenaline is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that causes mood swings. When blood noradrenaline levels fall below a certain threshold, they may experience melancholy and stress. Drugs like chlordiazepoxide and Equanil work by inhibiting the enzyme that catalyses noradrenaline breakdown. The hormone stays in the system for an extended period, which aids in treating depression. 

Analgesic

This family of medications is also known as pain relievers. They interact with a range of nervous system components. They may be used to relieve or eliminate pain or discomfort felt anywhere on the body without compromising consciousness or causing incoordination. Analgesics are classified into two categories.

Non-opioid analgesics are non-narcotic analgesics, sometimes known as basic analgesics. Anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, and paracetamol are examples of such therapies. For example, the therapeutic action of paracetamol can work wonders on many people. They aid in treating pain, oedema, and even temperature regulation. They generally work by reducing prostaglandins’ formation, a naturally generated substance reacting to tissue injury.

Opioid-containing analgesics are narcotic analgesics. These are useful in the treatment of mild to severe primary management. They work by attaching to your brain’s pain receptors and lowering your feeling of pain. Some of them may also temporarily raise the pain threshold of the patient. However, they are very dangerous and addictive when consumed in large quantities. Examples include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and other opioids.

Antimicrobials

Diseases are typically caused by foreign creatures penetrating our bodies regularly. Bacteria, fungus, parasites, and other microorganisms are examples of pathogens. Antimicrobial medications can either kill or slow down bacterial reproduction in our systems. 

Antimicrobial therapeutic drugs are generally classified into three types:

1. Antibiotics are drugs that have been created exclusively to combat bacteria; they are entirely ineffective against fungus. They function in two ways: they kill or do not kill the bacteria (bactericidal). They may also serve as a barrier against germ proliferation and activity (bacteriostatic). 
2. Antiseptics are medications applied to the surface of live organisms to destroy germs. Consequently, we use them for wounds, scrapes, and other similar lesions to kill bacteria and keep them from entering our bodies. One well-known example is Dettol (chloroxylenol and terpineol).
3. Disinfectants are chemicals used on inanimate surfaces such as floors and sinks.

Application of antiseptics

• Terpineol in a suitable solvent, yielding a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol in a suitable solvent. It is often used to treat cuts, wounds, and other ailments.
• Savlon is an antiseptic that is widely used. To make a solution, chlorhexidine gluconate is dissolved in a suitable solvent.
• Bithional is added to soaps to reduce the odour created by the bacterial decomposition of organic molecules on the skin.
• Iodine is utilised in the form of an iodine tincture (a 2-3% sol. of iodine in alcohol and water).

Conclusion

We all know that medications aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of ailments. However, any substance taken by humans might have two types of impacts: therapeutic and adverse effects. The goal is to prescribe the perfect medicine, one that has no side effects.