Question

What are the common classifications of drugs used in these systems?

What makes a drug family?

Why is it important to know and understand?

Answer 1

(1) There are various ways for classification of drugs. Chemical classification, pharmacological classification, Therapeutic classification of drugs etc are some of the common ways to classify drugs.

Pharmacological classification of drugs-- In this way of classification , drugs are classified on the basis of their pharmacological action on particular system. For example Drugs acting on cardiovascular system, drugs acting on respiratory system, beta blockers etc.

Therapeutic classification of drugs-- It is very important and usefull. Drugs that are use to treat particular condition or disease is place in same class. 1- Antiviral drugs 2- Antifungal drugs 3- sedatives 4- Antacids 5- Anti inflammatory drugs 6- Analgesic 7- Vasodilators 8- Anti diabetic 9- Antibacterial drugs 10- Anti acne etc.

(2) Drugs that are use to treat particular condition or disease or have same mechanism of action are place in same family for example anti diabetic drugs use to treat diabetes. Also drugs that have same chemical constituents are also place in same family. In this way on the basis of various factors drugs are placed in particular family.

(3) Classification of drugs is very important because it make the study of drugs easier. Also drugs that have same chemical constituents are placed​ in same class so they have same side effects and risk so Classification made it easy to understand the side effects of similar drugs . Drugs that are placed in one class have similar actions so Classification of drugs is very important for treatment also.