Medicines & Mechanisms of Action

Evidence-based directory of therapeutics, molecular biological targets, pharmacological classes, and cellular biochemical pathways.

Analgesic, Antipyretic Small molecule Digestive System

Mechanism of Action of Acetaminophen

Biological Target: Cyclooxygenase (COX) in the central nervous system

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Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Small molecule Systemic

Mechanism of Action of Apixaban

Biological Target: Factor Xa

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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Small molecule Systemic & Hematologic System ATC: B01AC06, N02BA01

Mechanism of Action of Aspirin

Biological Target: Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly COX-1 in platelets. This lowers the production of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂), a signaling molecule that promotes platelet activation…

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Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI) Small molecule Nervous System

Mechanism of Action of Bupropion

Biological Target: Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake transporter

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Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists Small molecule Cardiovascular & Central Nervous System ATC: C02AC01, N02CX02

Mechanism of Action of Clonidine

Biological Target: Alpha-2A Adrenergic Receptor

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Central Nervous System Stimulant Small molecule Nervous System

Mechanism of Action of Dextroamphetamine / Amphetamine

Biological Target: Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2)

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Cardiac Glycosides Small molecule (Cardiac glycoside) Cardiovascular System ATC: C01AA05

Mechanism of Action of Digoxin

Biological Target: Sodium-potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase)

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Heparins Biologic (Glycosaminoglycan macromolecule) Cardiovascular & Hematologic System ATC: B01AB01

Mechanism of Action of Heparin

Biological Target: Antithrombin III

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Dissociative Anesthetic Small molecule Nervous System

Mechanism of Action of Ketamine

Biological Target: NMDA receptor

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Biguanides Small molecule Alimentary Tract & Metabolism ATC: A10BA02

Mechanism of Action of Metformin

Biological Target: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

Metformin lowers blood glucose primarily by suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of new glucose in the liver). It interacts with cellular energy metabolism, particularly within the…

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Antimetabolite, Folate Antagonist Small molecule Digestive System

Mechanism of Action of Methotrexate

Biological Target: Dihydrofolate reductase

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Somatostatin Analog Small molecule Systemic

Mechanism of Action of Octreotide

Biological Target: Somatostatin receptor (subtypes 2 and 5)

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P2Y12 receptor antagonist Small molecule Cardiovascular System

Mechanism of Action of Ticagrelor

Biological Target: P2Y12 receptor

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Antifibrinolytic Small molecule Systemic

Mechanism of Action of Tranexamic Acid

Biological Target: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and plasmin

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