Mechanisms, explained simply10 min read
What does -prazole mean?
The -prazole stem marks a proton pump inhibitor. Why irreversible binding makes the effect outlast the drug, why dosing is before food, and the CYP2C19 trap.
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Mechanisms, explained simply.
One mechanism at a time: why drugs work and why side effects follow from the same root.
Mechanisms, explained simply10 min read
What do -azepam and -azolam mean?
The -azepam and -azolam stems mark benzodiazepines. Why frequency rather than duration of channel opening makes them safer than barbiturates, and which are safe in liver disease.
Mechanisms, explained simply10 min read
What does -dipine mean?
The -dipine stem marks a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker acting on vessels rather than the heart. Why that causes ankle oedema and reflex tachycardia.
Mechanisms, explained simply10 min read
What does -terol mean?
The -terol stem marks a beta-2 agonist. Why the same receptor causes bronchodilation, tremor and low potassium, and why a long-acting one is never used alone in asthma.
Mechanisms, explained simply10 min read
What does -floxacin mean?
The -floxacin stem marks a fluoroquinolone inhibiting DNA gyrase. Why tendon rupture, QT prolongation and the chelation interaction all follow from the class.
Mechanisms, explained simply10 min read
How to memorize autonomic pharmacology
Every autonomic pathway is the same two-neuron chain. Learn which transmitter and receptor sits at each step and the drug effects become derivable.
Mechanisms, explained simply9 min read
CYP450 inducers and inhibitors, explained by mechanism
Why the mnemonics fail: inhibition is immediate and induction takes days, prodrugs reverse the direction, and the FDA defines strong inhibition by a measured AUC change.
Mechanisms, explained simply9 min read
Beta-blockers mask hypoglycaemia symptoms: mechanism explained
Attenuated adrenergic warning signs explained, what remains visible, and the exam trap. Mechanism-first in six minutes.
Mechanisms, explained simply9 min read
Opioid-induced constipation: mechanism and peripherally acting antagonists 2026
Mu-receptor gut mechanism, why tolerance does not develop, and PAMORA antagonists.