Top 10 life saving drugs
Discover the top 10 life-saving drugs every GPAT aspirant must know for 2025! This expert-curated list covers essential emergency medicines, their mec
💊 Top 10 Life-Saving Drugs Every Pharmacy Student Must Know in 2025
If you're a B.Pharm student or preparing for GPAT 2025, understanding emergency and life-saving drugs is essential. These drugs are frequently asked in GPAT, NIPER, and university exams – and they’re used in real-life emergencies too!
🚀 Want to master GPAT 2025 with full guidance, mock tests, and smart notes?
👉 Join Pocket GPAT Premium Course Now
1. Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
- MOA: Alpha & Beta adrenergic receptor agonist
- Uses: Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest
- Side Effects: Tachycardia, tremors
2. Aspirin
- MOA: Irreversible COX inhibitor
- Uses: MI prevention, antiplatelet
- Side Effects: GI bleeding, Reye’s syndrome
3. Atropine
- MOA: Muscarinic receptor blocker
- Uses: Bradycardia, organophosphate poisoning
- Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision
4. Regular Insulin
- MOA: Stimulates glucose uptake via insulin receptors
- Uses: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperkalemia
- Note: Only insulin given IV
5. Nitroglycerin
- MOA: Releases NO → venodilation
- Uses: Angina pectoris, acute coronary syndrome
- Side Effects: Headache, hypotension
6. Activated Charcoal
- MOA: Adsorbs toxins in GI tract
- Uses: Acute poisoning
- Note: Most effective within 1 hour of ingestion
7. Naloxone
- MOA: Pure opioid antagonist (μ-receptor)
- Uses: Opioid overdose (e.g., morphine, heroin)
- Note: Shorter half-life than opioids
8. Salbutamol (Albuterol)
- MOA: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist → bronchodilation
- Uses: Asthma, bronchospasm
- Side Effects: Tachycardia, hypokalemia
9. Ceftriaxone
- MOA: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis (3rd gen cephalosporin)
- Uses: Meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea
- Note: Long half-life, once daily dosing
10. Diazepam
- MOA: Enhances GABA-A receptor activity
- Uses: Status epilepticus, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal
- Side Effects: Sedation, dependence
📌 Summary Table:
| Drug | Use | MOA |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenaline | Anaphylaxis | Adrenergic Agonist |
| Aspirin | MI prevention | COX Inhibitor |
| Atropine | OP Poisoning | Muscarinic Blocker |
| Insulin | DKA | Glucose Uptake ↑ |
| Nitroglycerin | Angina | NO Donor |
| Charcoal | Poisoning | Toxin Adsorption |
| Naloxone | Opioid Overdose | Opioid Antagonist |
| Salbutamol | Asthma | Beta-2 Agonist |
| Ceftriaxone | Bacterial Infections | Cell Wall Inhibition |
| Diazepam | Seizures | GABA Enhancement |
🎯 Ready to Boost Your GPAT Rank?
📲 Enroll Now in Pocket GPAT – India's Most Affordable GPAT Coaching
Tags: GPAT 2025, Pharmacology, Life Saving Drugs, Pharmacy Notes, ExPharma.in, Pocket GPAT, B.Pharm, MCQs, Pharmacology Notes, Emergency Medicines
Join the conversation