About Pharmacology II
Subject Code
BP504T
Semester
Semester 5
Credits
4 Credits
Pharmacology II (BP504T) extends the study of drug action to the Cardiovascular System, Urinary System, Autocoids and Inflammatory Mediators, and the Endocrine System. It covers the drugs used in heart failure, hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, dyslipidemia, shock, blood disorders, gout, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and reproductive pharmacology. The subject concludes with Bioassay — the quantitative estimation of drug potency using biological systems.
Key Learning Objectives
- CVS Pharmacology: Understand the mechanisms and clinical applications of drugs used in heart failure, hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and dyslipidemia.
- Hematological Drugs: Differentiate between coagulants, anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and antiplatelet agents.
- Autocoids & NSAIDs: Explain the roles of histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins, and their antagonists in inflammation and allergy.
- Endocrine System: Master the pharmacology of insulin, corticosteroids, thyroid drugs, and sex hormones.
- Bioassay: Understand the principles, types, and specific bioassays of important drugs.
Syllabus & Topics Covered
Unit 1: Pharmacology of Drugs Acting on Cardiovascular System
- Introduction to hemodynamic and electrophysiology of heart.
- Drugs used in congestive heart failure.
- Anti-hypertensive drugs.
- Anti-anginal drugs.
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs.
- Anti-hyperlipidemic drugs.
Unit 2: CVS (Shock & Blood) & Urinary System
- Pharmacology of drugs acting on cardiovascular system: Drug used in the therapy of shock.
- Hematinics, coagulants and anticoagulants.
- Fibrinolytics and anti-platelet drugs.
- Plasma volume expanders.
- Pharmacology of drugs acting on urinary system: Diuretics.
- Anti-diuretics.
Unit 3: Autocoids and Related Drugs
- Introduction to autacoids and classification.
- Histamine, 5-HT and their antagonists.
- Prostaglandins, Thromboxanes and Leukotrienes.
- Angiotensin, Bradykinin and Substance P.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
- Anti-gout drugs.
- Antirheumatic drugs.
Unit 4: Pharmacology of Drugs Acting on Endocrine System
- Basic concepts in endocrine pharmacology.
- Anterior Pituitary hormones – analogues and their inhibitors.
- Thyroid hormones – analogues and their inhibitors.
- Hormones regulating plasma calcium level – Parathormone, Calcitonin and Vitamin-D.
- Insulin, Oral Hypoglycemic agents and glucagon.
- ACTH and corticosteroids.
Unit 5: Endocrine System (contd.) & Bioassay
- Androgens and Anabolic steroids.
- Estrogens, progesterone and oral contraceptives.
- Drugs acting on the uterus.
- Bioassay: Principles and applications of bioassay.
- Types of bioassay.
- Bioassay of insulin, oxytocin, vasopressin, ACTH, d-tubocurarine, digitalis, histamine and 5-HT.
How to Score High in Pharmacology II
- 1
Master CVS Mechanisms: Draw flowcharts connecting RAAS, sympathetic system, and cardiac output for hypertension and heart failure.
- 2
Tabulate Drug Classes: Create comparison tables for each therapeutic category with drug name, mechanism, uses, and adverse effects.
- 3
Link with MedChem 2: Study Pharmacology 2 alongside Medicinal Chemistry 2 — both cover CVS, Steroids, and Antidiabetics.
- 4
Practice Bioassay Problems: Numerical problems on bioassay (3-point, 4-point assays) are guaranteed exam questions.
Why it Matters for Career
Pharmacology II covers drugs used in cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology, and hematology — the most prescribed drug categories globally. This knowledge is essential for clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, and drug regulatory affairs.
Exam Weightage
Unit 1 (CVS drugs) and Unit 4 (Endocrine – Insulin and Corticosteroids) consistently carry the highest marks. Bioassay numerical problems and autocoid classification are standard theory questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Pharmacology 2 different from Pharmacology 1?
Pharmacology 1 covers General Pharmacology, ANS, and CNS drugs. Pharmacology 2 covers CVS drugs, Blood, Diuretics, Autocoids, NSAIDs, Endocrine drugs, and Bioassay — all peripheral and systemic pharmacology.
What are Autocoids?
Autocoids (Greek: autos = self, akos = remedy) are locally acting hormones that are produced, act, and are metabolized at the same site. Examples: Histamine, Serotonin (5-HT), Prostaglandins. They regulate inflammation, allergy, pain, and vascular tone.
Is Bioassay difficult?
Bioassay involves both theory (principles, types) and numerical calculations. Practice the 3-point and 4-point assay calculations thoroughly, and understand the specific bioassays (e.g., insulin – rabbit blood sugar method).