Chapter 22 – Diuretics
Abstract The kidney is a complex organ maintaining fluid, electrolyte and acid–base balance. It also serves an endocrine function by secreting renin and erythropoietin. Chapter 22 Diuretics The kidney is…
Chapter 21 – Intravenous Fluids, Minerals and Nutrition
Abstract Total body water represents approximately 60% of body weight (45 litres in a 75 kg male). Sixty-six per cent is intracellular water (30 litres), 33% is extracellular (15 litres). The extracellular fluid volume…
Chapter 26 – Corticosteroids and Other Hormone Preparations
Abstract The main endogenous glucocorticoid in humans is hydrocortisone. Synthetic glucocorticoids include prednisolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone. They have metabolic, anti-inflammatory (see Table 26.1) and immunosuppressive effects. Chapter 26…
Chapter 23 – Antimicrobials
Abstract Antimicrobial agents are used to kill or suppress the growth of microorganisms and are used widely both to treat and prevent infection. In order to understand how antimicrobial drugs…
Chapter 24 – Drugs Affecting Coagulation
Abstract This has three elements: platelets, the coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis. The first two are involved in preventing haemorrhage by thrombus formation, while fibrinolysis is an essential limiting mechanism. Chapter…
Chapter 25 – Drugs Used in Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia. Diabetes mellitus is caused either by deficient endogenous insulin secretion or by resistance to the action of…
Chapter 22 – Diuretics
Abstract The kidney is a complex organ maintaining fluid, electrolyte and acid–base balance. It also serves an endocrine function by secreting renin and erythropoietin. Chapter 22 Diuretics The kidney is…
Chapter 21 – Intravenous Fluids, Minerals and Nutrition
Abstract Total body water represents approximately 60% of body weight (45 litres in a 75 kg male). Sixty-six per cent is intracellular water (30 litres), 33% is extracellular (15 litres). The extracellular fluid volume…
Chapter 20 – Drugs Acting on the Gut
Abstract Antacids neutralise gastric acidity. They are used to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux. They promote ulcer healing but less effectively than other therapies. Chapter 20 Drugs…
Chapter 19 – Antiemetics and Related Drugs
Abstract Nausea and vomiting has many causes including drugs, motion sickness, fear, pregnancy, vestibular disease and migraine. In previous decades anaesthesia was almost synonymous with vomiting, but with the advent…
