Neurotransmission and the peripheral autonomic nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises neuronal networks of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord (Section 5). The peripheral nervous systems, which interconnect the CNS to the organs of the…
Rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory arthritides and osteoarthritis
Fig. 30.1 The biology of rheumatoid arthritis and sites of drug action.The affected synovial joint is characterised by inflamed and swollen synovium with angiogenesis and increased presence of fibroblasts, osteoclasts,…
Nausea and vomiting
Fig. 32.1 Neuronal pathways and receptors involved in the control of nausea and vomiting.The pathways and neurotransmitter receptors involved in nausea and vomiting are complex and only those underpinning the…
Skin disorders
ointments, which are greases such as white or yellow soft paraffin. They are more occlusive on the skin than creams, and this keeps the skin hydrated, pastes, which are suspensions…
Cerebrovascular disease and dementia
primary prevention of a first event (ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke), prevention of recurrence of stroke or of other cardiovascular events, rehabilitation after the stroke. About one-third of strokes are recurrent….
Anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
Fig. 20.1 The GABAA receptor.The GABAA receptor consists of five transmembrane subunits configured from the 19 possible subunits that have been identified; thus many configurations of the GABA receptor exist,…
General anaesthetics
Drugs are used in combination to produce the appropriate balance of sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation while minimising unwanted effects; at particular doses and concentrations, each contributes minor or major…
Peripheral vascular disease
Diarrhoea. Headache. Palpitation and tachycardia. Other PDE3 inhibitors such as milrinone have been shown to decrease survival in people with heart failure (Ch. 7); cilostazol does not appear to increase…
Prescribing, adherence and information about medicines
the name of the person for whom the drug is prescribed (surname and initial) and address; in the case of children up to 12 years, the person’s age must be…
