Major Classes of Pharmaceutical Drugs:
Pharmaceutical drugs are grouped into classes based on how they work in the body or the diseases they treat. Here are the main classes explained:
- Analgesics (Painkillers):
These relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Examples: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin.
- Antibiotics:
These fight bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping their growth.
Examples: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin.
- Antivirals:
These prevent or slow down viral infections.
Examples: Oseltamivir (for flu), Acyclovir (for herpes), Remdesivir (for COVID-19).
- Antifungals:
These treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, or internal organs.
Examples: Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Amphotericin B.
- Antiparasitic Drugs:
These kill or stop the growth of parasites.
Examples: Chloroquine (for malaria), Albendazole (for worms).
- Antipyretics:
These reduce fever by acting on the body’s temperature control center.
Examples: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen.
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs:
These reduce inflammation and swelling.
Examples: Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Prednisolone.
- Antihypertensives:
These lower high blood pressure and prevent heart problems.
Examples: Amlodipine, Losartan, Atenolol.
- Antidiabetic Drugs:
These help control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Examples: Metformin, Insulin, Glimepiride.
- Antidepressants:
These treat depression and anxiety by balancing brain chemicals.
Examples: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Amitriptyline.
- Antipsychotics:
These manage mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Examples: Risperidone, Haloperidol, Clozapine.
- Anticancer Drugs:
These destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Examples: Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, Imatinib.
- Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners):
These prevent blood clots from forming.
Examples: Warfarin, Heparin, Apixaban.
- Antihistamines:
These relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching.
Examples: Cetirizine, Loratadine, Diphenhydramine.
- Hormonal Drugs:
These replace or control hormone levels in the body.
Examples: Insulin, Thyroxine, Estrogen.
- Vaccines:
These help the immune system prevent infectious diseases.
Examples: Polio vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Anesthetics:
These cause temporary loss of sensation or consciousness during surgery.
Examples: Lidocaine, Propofol, Isoflurane.
- Sedatives and Tranquilizers:
These calm the mind and help with sleep or anxiety.
Examples: Diazepam, Lorazepam.
- Diuretics:
These help remove excess salt and water from the body, often used for high blood pressure.
Examples: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Bronchodilators:
These open up airways in the lungs, helping people with asthma or COPD breathe better.
Examples: Salbutamol, Ipratropium.
In short:
Pharmaceutical drugs are divided into many classes such as painkillers, antibiotics, antivirals, antidepressants, antidiabetics, and antihypertensives, each designed to treat a specific type of illness or condition.