Drugs

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

Irreversibly acetylates cyclo-oxygenase-1 in platelets, abolishing thromboxane A2 production for the platelet lifespan (7-10 days) and so inhibiting aggregation.

Antiplatelet / NSAID (irreversible COX inhibitor)OralEcosprin

Amoxicillin

Binds penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits peptidoglycan cross-linking, producing bactericidal cell-wall lysis in susceptible organisms.

Aminopenicillin (beta-lactam) antibioticOralAmoxil

Ceftriaxone

Beta-lactam that inhibits cell-wall synthesis; broad Gram-negative and useful Gram-positive cover with excellent CSF penetration.

Third-generation cephalosporinIntravenousRocephin

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

Central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with contributions from serotonergic and endocannabinoid pathways; negligible peripheral anti-inflammatory effect.

Analgesic / antipyreticOralCalpol

Metformin hydrochloride

Activates AMP-kinase, reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake; does not stimulate insulin secretion, so it does not cause hypoglycaemia alone.

BiguanideOralGlucophage

Empagliflozin

Blocks sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 in the proximal tubule, producing glycosuria, natriuresis and osmotic diuresis; cardiorenal benefit is largely independent of glucose lowering.

SGLT2 inhibitorOralJardiance

Atorvastatin

Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis, upregulating LDL receptors and lowering LDL cholesterol; also stabilises plaque through pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)OralLipitor

Metoprolol (succinate / tartrate)

Selective beta-1 blockade reduces heart rate, contractility and AV conduction, lowering myocardial oxygen demand; in heart failure it attenuates chronic sympathetic activation and remodelling.

Cardioselective beta-1 adrenoceptor blockerOralBetaloc

Enoxaparin sodium

Binds antithrombin and preferentially inhibits factor Xa (with less anti-IIa effect than unfractionated heparin), giving predictable anticoagulation without routine monitoring.

Low molecular weight heparinSubcutaneousClexane

Furosemide

Inhibits the Na-K-2Cl co-transporter in the thick ascending limb, producing potent natriuresis and diuresis with loss of potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Loop diureticOralLasix

Salbutamol (albuterol)

Stimulates beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, raising cyclic AMP and producing rapid bronchodilation within minutes.

Short-acting beta-2 agonistInhaled (MDI, DPI, nebuliser)Ventolin

Prednisolone

Binds cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors to alter gene transcription, suppressing cytokine production, eosinophil survival and vascular permeability.

Systemic glucocorticoidOralDeltacortril