Abstract
This chapter introduces the general principles of pharmacology, including sources of information on drugs, their actions and clinical uses. The mechanisms of drug action are explored, including the major types of drug target (cell-surface receptors, enzymes, ion channels, nuclear receptors), and the major kinds of drug interaction with their targets, such as full or partial agonism, antagonism, inverse agonism, allosteric modulation, and enzyme inhibition, are discussed. G-proteins and other biochemical pathways of intracellular signalling are outlined with a focus on aspects amenable to drug action. The chapter defines key concepts such as drug selectivity, potency, and efficacy; physiological antagonism; drug tolerance; and genetic variation in drug responses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
