Pharmacology–I is a comprehensive and student-focused textbook designed for pharmacy students, offering a strong foundation in the principles and applications of pharmacology.
This book systematically covers essential topics such as general pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. It further explores the pharmacology of the peripheral and central nervous systems, providing a clear understanding of drug action, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses.
Written in a simple and accessible manner, the book includes well-organized content, practical insights, and conceptual explanations to support effective learning. It is carefully structured to help students build a solid understanding of drug behavior, clinical applications, and rational use of medicines.
An ideal resource for beginners, this textbook prepares students for advanced studies in pharmacy and equips them with the knowledge required for academic success and professional practice.
1. General Pharmacology
a. Introduction to Pharmacology :
• Definition, historical landmarks and scope of pharmacology.
• Nature and source of drugs, essential drugs concept.
• Routes of drug administration, Agonists, antagonists (competitive and non-competitive).
• Spare receptors, addiction, tolerance, dependence, tachyphylaxis, idiosyncrasy, and allergy.
b. Pharmacokinetics :
• Membrane Transport
• Absorption
• Distribution
• Metabolism
• Excretion of Drugs
• Enzyme Induction, Enzyme Inhibition
• Kinetics of Elimination
2. General Pharmacology
a. Pharmacodynamics : Principles and mechanisms of drug action.
Receptor theories and classification of receptors, regulation of receptors. drug receptors interactions signal transduction mechanisms, G-protein–coupled receptors, ion channel receptor, transmembrane enzyme linked receptors, transmembrane JAK-STAT binding receptor and receptors that regulate transcription factors, dose response relationship, therapeutic index,combined effects of drugs and factors modifying drug action.
b. Adverse drug reactions.
c. Drug interactions (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic)
d. Drug discovery and clinical evaluation of new drugs -Drug discovery phase, preclinical evaluation phase, clinical trial phase, phases of clinical trials and pharmacovigilance.
3. Pharmacology of Peripheral Nervous System
a. Organization and function of ANS.
b. Neurohumoral transmission, co-transmission and classification of neurotransmitters.
c. Parasympathomimetics, Parasympatholytics, Sympathomimetics, sympatholytics.
d. Neuromuscular blocking agents and skeletal muscle relaxants (peripheral).
e. Local anesthetic agents.
f. Drugs used in myasthenia gravis and glaucoma.
4. Pharmacology of Central Nervous System
a. Neurohumoral transmission in the C.N.S. special emphasis on importance of various neurotransmitters like with GABA, Glutamate, Glycine, serotonin, dopamine.
b. General anesthetics and pre-anesthetics.
c. Sedatives, hypnotics and centrally acting muscle relaxants.
d. Anti-epilepticse. Alcohols and disulfira
5. Pharmacology of Central Nervous System
a. Psychopharmacological agents : Antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety agents, antimanics and hallucinogens.
b. Drugs used in Parkinsons disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
c. CNS stimulants and nootropics.
d. Opioid analgesics and antagonists
e. Drug addiction, drug abuse, tolerance and dependence.
A book as per the latest syllabus given by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) New Delhi
for B.Pharm students of all Indian Universities
