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ANS and CNS Drugs#
ANS: Receptors (alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2, M1-M5). Drugs: Atropine (M blocker), Propranolol (non-selective beta blocker), Prazosin (alpha1 blocker).
CNS: Local anaesthetics (Lignocaine, Bupivacaine), General anaesthetics, Sedative-hypnotics (Benzodiazepines), Antiepileptics (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Valproate, Levetiracetam).
Cardiovascular Drugs#
Antiarrhythmics (Classes I-IV), Antihypertensives (ACE-I, ARB, CCB, Beta-blockers, Diuretics), Anti-anginals (Nitrates, Beta-blockers, CCB), Anticoagulants (Heparin, Warfarin, DOACs).
Diuretics#
Loop (Furosemide), Thiazide (Hydrochlorothiazide), Potassium-sparing (Spironolactone, Amiloride), Osmotic (Mannitol), Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Acetazolamide).
Antibiotics#
Beta-lactams (Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems), Aminoglycosides, Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Fluoroquinolones, Sulfonamides, Antitubercular.
Anticancer Drugs#
Alkylating agents, Antimetabolites, Plant alkaloids, Antibiotics (doxorubicin), Targeted therapy. Know mechanisms and major adverse effects.
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References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
Which pharmacology textbook is best for UPSC CMS?
KD Tripathi Essentials of Medical Pharmacology is the standard for Indian exams. Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology is more comprehensive. For quick reference: Rang and Dales Pharmacology.
How are drug classifications tested in UPSC CMS?
Direct drug-class matching questions, mechanism of action identification, choosing the right drug for a clinical scenario, and adverse effect identification.
What drug doses are asked in UPSC CMS?
Specific drug doses appear occasionally — particularly for emergency drugs (atropine, adrenaline, adenosine), antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents. Focus on commonly used drugs.
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