Drugs

The gastrointestinal system is host to an extremely wide range of diseases and disorders, that include digestive disorders, GI tract motility issues, cancers of GI tract tissues, gastroenteritis, dyspepsia, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, infections, haemorrhoids, diverticular disease, polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases amongst many others.

The cardiovascular system is subject to a wide range of diseases and disorders that affect the heart and circulatory system. Acute coronary syndromes (myocardial infarctions, unstable angina) and stroke are highly prevalent causes of morbidity and premature death. Atherosclerosis, angina, peripheral arterial disease, arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation can be debilitating and are potentially life-threatening.

The respiratory system includes the lungs, airways, blood vessels and musculature that facilitate breathing and gas exchange. There are a range of conditions that compromise respiratory function, including inflammation (allergies, asthma), infections (pneumonia, bronchitis, colds and flu), plus diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung damage that is caused by environmental agents.

The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord and the network of nerves that transmits signals to and from different parts of the body, to coordinate action and sensory inputs. It is highly complex and subject to biochemical imbalances and structural changes that manifest as neurological diseases.

The endocrine system comprises a network of glands and hormones that are key regulators of bodily functions (growth, metabolism, reproduction), development, the response to stress, mood, and many other processes.

The most important physiological functions of the kidney include (i) regulating extracellular fluid volume, (ii) maintaining the concentration of electrolytes (e.g. Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), (iii) regulating acid-base balance, (iv) excreting waste products (e.g. urea, drugs, uric acid), (v) conserving essential nutrients and (vi) synthesising erythropoietin, vitamin D and renin.

Treating musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders depends on the severity and cause of symptoms. Occasional pain can be controlled with exercises in combination with over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen, and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Advanced conditions require prescription medications, which can be prescribed alongside physical and occupational therapy.

Genitourinary diseases (or urogenital diseases) are those of the tissues or organs of the urinary (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) and reproductive tracts.

The medicines in this section include those which act against inflammation. These include drugs used to manage joint inflammation (arthritis), skin inflammation (e.g. eczema), ocular inflammation, gut inflammation (e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) as well as for respiratory tract and allergy-associated inflammation.

Obstetric medicine focuses on pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. It is usually a combined specialty with gynaecology (OB/GYN).

Gynaecology is the field of medicine that focuses on women's reproductive health issues, including the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive organs. It is usually combined with obstetrics (OB/GYN).

The eye is a complex sensory organ responsible for sight. Injury or disease to the ocular system can result in vision loss. A variety of ophthalmic preparations (topical, parenteral, and oral) are available for both therapeutic and diagnostic use. Medications play a key role in the management of chronic dry-eye, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, infection, inflammation, and macular degeneration.

This module provides information pertaining to the pharmacological interventions used to treat or manage various skin diseases.

This module focuses on the drugs that are effective treatments for conditions that affect the ear, nose or throat. These include medications that are used to treat local infections, inflammation, nasal congestion, nasal polyps, or chronic refractory/idiopathic cough.

Malignant disorders, also called cancers, are an important group of disorders. They constitute a substantial proportion of non-communicable diseases and affect all regions of the world. Cancers, such as of prostate, lung, colon and breast are an important cause of high mortality despite heavy cost.

There are a range of drug classes that are used to treat disorders of the haematological system:

This module covers the major drug classes that are used as anaesthetics; from topical and locally acting drugs, to general anaesthetics that are used in surgical procedures.

Drugs used for infections include antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals, antimycobacterials and antiparasitic drugs.

This module is under construction.