Drugs Affecting Heart Rate
Drugs Affecting The Heart Beta-blockers These drugs are antagonists of beta receptors. They inhibit sympathetic stimulation of the heart to reduce both the heart rate and the force of contraction, reducing cardiac demand for oxygen. They also have secondary effects...Hormonal Therapies
Hormonal Therapies These drugs are used to inhibit certain cancers which are characterized by the presence of oestrogen receptors on target cells. For breast cancer, they will only be given if the cancer is oestrogen receptor or progesterone receptor positive....Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy These drugs aim to kill fast dividing cells which is a hallmark of malignant cells. They are given at interval (cycles of treatment) to allow the recovery of normal tissue. Inhibitors of DNA replication One classic hallmark of cancer is...Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics These drugs primarily work by blocking the dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical areas of the brain. The greater the dopamine receptor binding affinity, the better the clinical potency and efficacy of the drug. They are classically...Anti-Depressants
Anti-Depressants SSRIs Fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine These are inhibitors of the serotonin transporter (SERT) which prevent reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) from the synaptic cleft, potentiating its action. They are first-line in the...Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants These drugs are used to dampen down the immune system which is essential in the management of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The first line drugs are steroids, but these cannot be used long term due to side effects, and so specific...
