What are the differences between antagonists and agonists?

What are the differences between antagonists and agonists?

Antagonists and agonists are terms used in pharmacology to describe how drugs interact with receptors. Agonists activate receptors to produce a biological response, while antagonists block or inhibit that response.

Can you give me examples of each?

Sure! An example of an agonist is morphine, which activates opioid receptors to relieve pain. An example of an antagonist is naloxone, which blocks those same receptors to reverse opioid overdoses.

How do these concepts apply in real-life scenarios?

In real life, agonists like beta-agonists are used in asthma treatments to open airways, while antagonists like beta-blockers are used to manage high blood pressure by blocking adrenaline effects.

Are there any side effects associated with these drugs?

Yes, both agonists and antagonists can have side effects. Agonists may cause excessive stimulation, while antagonists can lead to insufficient response, depending on the context of their use.