Tag: Receptor blocking

In the world of pharmacology, a precise lexicon is used to describe how drugs interact with the body, and the terms 'primary' and 'secondary' antagonist are not part of this official vocabulary. Instead, scientific classification focuses on the specific mechanism of action, namely whether the drug binds directly to a receptor or interferes with drug action indirectly. This article will demystify the topic, explaining the true pharmacological distinctions that underpin the function of different types of drug antagonists.

While the term 'secondary antagonist' is common in storytelling, it does not exist as a formal definition in the field of pharmacology. Instead, scientists and clinicians use precise terminology to describe how drugs interfere with or block the actions of other substances, including competitive and non-competitive antagonism.