Mechanism of Drug Action

Mechanism of Drug Action

Two types of mechanisms

1.        Non-receptor mediated

2.        Receptor mediated

Non-receptor mediated mechanisms include:

1.        By physical action like osmosis, absorption.

2.        By chemical action like antacids, metals.

3.        Through enzymes like angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.

4.        Through antibody production like vaccines.

5.        Placebo which is a dummy medicine having no pharmacological activity like distilled water.

Receptor mediated mechanisms include

1.        Affinity: Ability of the drug to get bound to the receptor.

2.        Agonist: Capable of producing pharmacological action after binding to the receptor.

3.        Antagonist: Capable of not producing pharmacological action after binding to the receptor.

Drug Potency: It is the quantity of a drug to produce a desired response. The lower the dose required for a given response, the more potent is the drug.

Drug Efficacy: It is the maximum effect of a drug.