Vol. 2, Issue 12 (2014)

Author(s):
Mir S Adil, Arshad HM, Ilyaz M, M Aamer K, Abdul Haadi, M Amer K, M Nematullah

Abstract:
Chronotherapeutics is a branch of Pharmacotherapeutics, which follows the treatment approach of attacking the disease, when it is on peak level. Activities of some diseases are based on biological rhythms, which is a self-sustaining oscillation of endogenous origin. The best known and studied chronobiologic frequency is the circadian rhythm which approximates the earth's 24-hour rotation around the sun. Circadian rhythms are controlled by a master biological clock in a specific brain structure of the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Circadian rhythm can be observed in many diseases including asthma, hypertension, arthritis, diabetes mellitus and stroke. Chronopharmacokinetics includes the study of transition in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion based on time. The chronotherapy of a medication may be accomplished by the appropriate timing of conventionally formulated tablet and a special drug delivery system to synchronize drug concentrations to rhythms in disease activity. Pulsatile drug delivery system is the most interesting time and site specific system designed for chronopharmacotherapy. The alteration of biological rhythm is a new concept for minimizing the adverse effects by optimizing the dosage schedule. Delivering drug at the right time, right place, and in right amounts, holds good promises of benefit to the patients.