Tag: Receptor

In 2022, an estimated 9.3 million U.S. adults needed treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), yet only about 25% received medications, many of which are agonists [1.7.3]. So, what is an example of an agonist medication and how does it work?

An agonist is a substance that binds to a cell's receptor and triggers a response, mimicking the action of a natural substance [1.5.6]. Understanding the query, 'What are the types of agonists with examples?', is fundamental to grasping how many medications work.

In pharmacology, a molecule that binds to a receptor and produces a biological effect is known as a ligand. The key term to understand this is **what is an agonist in pharmacology**, which refers specifically to a ligand that activates a receptor to trigger a response, often mimicking a naturally occurring substance.

In the human brain, billions of neurons communicate via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. When a drug mimics these messengers to produce a biological response, it is called an **agonist**, a term essential to understanding pharmacology and how many medications, both therapeutic and recreational, affect the body and mind.