In NEET PG Pharmacology subject is the backbone of clinical knowledge and decision-making for aspiring doctors. It’s also one of the most scoring sections in the exam when prepared smartly. A solid grasp of MBBS Pharmacology concepts covering mechanisms of action, side effects, drug interactions, and therapeutic uses is crucial for cracking NEET PG and building strong clinical reasoning. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most high-yield pharmacological drugs and concepts you need to focus on for the NEET PG exam.
Pharmacokinetics
This refers to how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes a drug. Key terms include:
- Absorption: The process by which drugs are taken up into the bloodstream.
- Distribution: How the drug spreads throughout the body.
- Metabolism: How the body breaks down the drug, primarily in the liver.
- Excretion: The removal of the drug, usually through urine or bile.
Pharmacodynamics
This is concerned with how a drug produces its effects on the body. Key points include:
- Receptor binding: Drugs exert their effects by binding to specific receptors in the body.
- Dose-response relationship: How the effect of a drug increases with increasing doses.
- Therapeutic index: The ratio between the toxic dose and the therapeutic dose of a drug.
Drug Interactions
Understanding how drugs interact with other substances is crucial in clinical practice. Pay special attention to:
- Cytochrome P450 interactions: Many drugs are metabolized by this liver enzyme system, and interactions can increase or decrease drug efficacy.
- Drug-food interactions: Certain foods can affect drug absorption and metabolism.
Key Pharmacology Drugs to Remember
Below is a list of essential pharmacological drugs, categorized by their clinical relevance for NEET PG.
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a major focus in pharmacology and medicine. Some key antibiotics you must know include:
- Penicillins (e.g., Penicillin G, Amoxicillin)
- Mechanism: Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
- Indications: Treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.
- Side Effects: Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and GI upset.
- Cephalosporins (e.g., Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime)
- Mechanism: Similar to penicillins but effective against a broader spectrum of bacteria.
- Indications: Used in respiratory infections, UTI, and meningitis.
- Side Effects: Allergies, GI disturbances.
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin, Amikacin)
- Mechanism: Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
- Indications: Used in severe, life-threatening infections like sepsis.
- Side Effects: Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity.
- Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Erythromycin)
- Mechanism: Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
- Indications: Used in respiratory infections, chlamydia, and atypical pneumonia.
- Side Effects: QT prolongation, GI disturbances.
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Analgesics & NSAIDs
Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are essential in pain management.
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen):
- Mechanism: Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the CNS.
- Indications: Used for mild to moderate pain, fever.
- Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity in overdose.
- Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (NSAIDs):
- Mechanism: Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, which reduces prostaglandin synthesis.
- Indications: Used for pain, inflammation, and fever.
- Side Effects: GI irritation, peptic ulcer, renal toxicity.
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Antihypertensives
Understanding antihypertensive medications is crucial, as hypertension is prevalent and often treated in clinical settings.
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril):
- Mechanism: Block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
- Indications: Hypertension, heart failure.
- Side Effects: Hyperkalemia, dry cough, hypotension.
- Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol):
- Mechanism: Block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Indications: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias.
- Side Effects: Bradycardia, fatigue, cold extremities.
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Verapamil):
- Mechanism: Block calcium influx into smooth muscle and cardiac cells.
- Indications: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias.
- Side Effects: Peripheral edema, constipation (Verapamil).
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Antidiabetic Drugs
With the rise in diabetes cases, knowing antidiabetic medications is crucial.
- Insulin:
- Mechanism: Lowers blood glucose by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
- Indications: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- Side Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain.
- Metformin:
- Mechanism: Reduces hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity.
- Indications: First-line therapy in Type 2 diabetes.
- Side Effects: Lactic acidosis (rare), GI upset.
- Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glibenclamide, Glipizide):
- Mechanism: Stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas.
- Indications: Type 2 diabetes.
- Side Effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain.
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Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets
These are essential for managing cardiovascular conditions like stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Warfarin:
- Mechanism: Inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
- Indications: Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation, DVT.
- Side Effects: Bleeding, requires regular INR monitoring.
- Aspirin (Antiplatelet):
- Mechanism: Inhibits COX-1, preventing platelet aggregation.
- Indications: Prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
- Side Effects: GI bleeding, ulcers.
- Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) (e.g., Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban):
- Mechanism: Directly inhibits thrombin (dabigatran) or factor Xa (rivaroxaban).
- Indications: Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, DVT.
- Side Effects: Bleeding, renal issues.
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CNS Drugs
Neurology and psychiatry topics are highly important in pharmacology for NEET PG.
- Antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline):
- Mechanism: Inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (SSRI).
- Indications: Depression, anxiety disorders.
- Side Effects: Sexual dysfunction, insomnia.
- Antipsychotics (e.g., Olanzapine, Risperidone):
- Mechanism: Dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonists.
- Indications: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.
- Side Effects: Weight gain, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam):
- Mechanism: Enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA.
- Indications: Anxiety, seizure control, muscle spasms.
- Side Effects: Sedation, dependence.
Other Key Concepts and Drugs to Know
Chemotherapy Drugs
- Cisplatin: Used in cancer treatment. Known for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
- Methotrexate: Used in cancer and autoimmune diseases. A folate antagonist that can cause bone marrow suppression.
Antifungal Drugs
- Amphotericin B: Used for systemic fungal infections. Known for nephrotoxicity.
- Fluconazole: An azole used to treat fungal infections like candidiasis.
Antiviral Drugs
- Acyclovir: Used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections.
- Oseltamivir: Used in the treatment of influenza.
Conclusion
NEET PG Pharmacology is not just about rote memorization, it’s about understanding how drugs work and applying that knowledge in a clinical context. A strong foundation in MBBS Pharmacology will give you a major edge in both your NEET PG preparation and real-world practice. Focus on these high-yield drugs, revise consistently, and you’ll be well on your way to acing the pharmacology section.