26. ALCOHOL AND METHYL ALCOHOL
Introduction Alcohols like ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and methyl alcohol (methanol) are widely encountered in clinical practice. Ethanol is used socially and medically, while methanol is highly toxic and responsible for…
25. PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
Introduction Psychotropic drugs are medicines that act on the brain and alter mental functions such as mood, behaviour, perception and thinking. They are widely used in psychiatric conditions like depression,…
24. ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS
Introduction Analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents are medicines used mainly to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and control fever. Analgesics reduce pain without affecting the cause, while anti-inflammatory drugs act on mediators…
23. ANTICONVULSANTS
Introduction Anticonvulsants are medicines used to prevent or control seizures in epilepsy. Epilepsy occurs due to abnormal and repeated electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may involve loss of consciousness,…
22. SEDATIVES AND HYPNOTICS
Introduction Sedatives and hypnotics are medicines that calm the mind and help a person sleep. A sedative reduces excitement and produces relaxation, while a hypnotic induces sleep similar to natural…
21. GENERAL ANESTHETICS
Introduction General anesthetics are medicines that produce a reversible loss of consciousness and sensation, allowing major surgeries to be performed without pain or awareness. Unlike local anesthetics, which work only…
16. ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS
Introduction Hypertension means persistently high blood pressure due to a rise in systolic or diastolic pressure. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in adults. Most cases are…