Study Guide7 min read2026-03-12
Pharmacology Key Topics for Year 2
ADME, drug class representatives, MoA notes, and the highest-yield topics for the D.Pharm Year 2 Pharmacology paper.
Pharmacology (ER20-21T) studies drug action on the human body. It is one of the highest-scoring subjects if you understand the fundamentals.
Basic Terms
- Pharmacokinetics — what the body does to the drug (ADME)
- Pharmacodynamics — what the drug does to the body
- ADME — Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
- Bioavailability — fraction of drug reaching systemic circulation
High-Yield Drug Classes
1. Analgesics & Antipyretics
NSAIDs — Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Paracetamol.
MoA: Inhibit COX → reduce prostaglandins.
Uses: Pain, fever, inflammation.
Opioid analgesics — Morphine, Codeine, Tramadol.
MoA: Act on opioid receptors (μ, κ, δ).
Uses: Severe pain, cough suppression.
2. Antibiotics
| Class | Example | Mechanism | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penicillins | Amoxicillin | Cell-wall synthesis | Bacterial infections |
| Cephalosporins | Ceftriaxone | Cell-wall synthesis | Broad spectrum |
| Fluoroquinolones | Ciprofloxacin | DNA gyrase inhibition | UTI, respiratory |
| Macrolides | Azithromycin | Protein synthesis | Respiratory |
3. Cardiovascular Drugs
- Beta-blockers — Atenolol, Metoprolol (HTN, angina)
- ACE inhibitors — Enalapril, Ramipril (HTN, heart failure)
- Statins — Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin (hyperlipidaemia)
- Digoxin — heart failure, atrial fibrillation
4. CNS Drugs
- Benzodiazepines — Diazepam, Alprazolam (anxiety, sleep)
- SSRIs — Fluoxetine, Sertraline (depression)
- Antipsychotics — Haloperidol, Risperidone (schizophrenia)
- Anti-epileptics — Phenytoin, Valproate (epilepsy)
5. Antidiabetic Drugs
- Insulin — Type 1, severe Type 2
- Metformin — first-line for Type 2
- Sulfonylureas — Glibenclamide, Glipizide
- DPP-4 inhibitors — Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin
Exam Tips
- Learn mechanisms of action — most MCQs target these
- Memorise class representatives for each condition
- Major adverse effects always show up
- Practise ADME for commonly asked drugs
FAQ
Highest-weight topic in D.Pharm pharmacology?
Antibiotics, analgesics, and cardiovascular drugs.
What is COX inhibition?
Cyclooxygenase inhibition by NSAIDs reduces prostaglandins → anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effect.
What is bioavailability?
Fraction of administered drug reaching systemic circulation unchanged.
What are SSRIs?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors — antidepressants like Fluoxetine and Sertraline.
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