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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
27. CNS STIMULANTS AND COGNITION ENHANCERS
Introduction CNS stimulants and cognition enhancers (nootropics) are drugs that improve alertness, mental activity and in some cases help strengthen memory and learning. Some medicines act by increasing brain circulation…
28. PHARMACOLOGY OF LOCAL ANESTHETICS
Introduction Local anesthetics (LAs) are medicines that block nerve conduction when applied to a specific area. They cause a reversible loss of sensation without affecting consciousness. The order of sensory…