Definition of drug
An Agent that is used to diagnosis ,mitigation,treatment ,cure or prevention of disease in human or in other animals that is called drug,(According to Ansel)
Classification of drugs
On the basis Legal status of the drug
Over The Counter (OTC) Drugs
OTC drugs are the group of drugs that does not required any prescription for their dispensing. This group contains the following drugs
- Multi vitamins
- NSAIDS (non steroidl anti-inflamatory drugs) Aspirin ,Peracetamol etc
- Laxative
- Oral Contraseptives etc…
2. Prescription Drug
Drugs that can only be dispensed on the physician’s prescription Following are the examples of the prescription drugs
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Benzodiazipam
- Anti hypertensive
- Barbiturants
- Painkillers etc….
3. Controlled substance
These are drugs that are regulated by government laws due to their potential for abuse and addiction. They can be prescription drugs or illicit drugs. Examples include certain opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines.
Classification on the bases of effects
1.Stimulants:
These medications boost vigilance, focus, and vitality. They frequently trigger a rise in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Cocaine, stimulants, espresso, and tobacco are a few examples.
2. Opioids, or narcotics:
the primary objective of these drugs is to reduce pain. By attaching directly to opioid receptors in the cerebral cortex, they decrease the feeling of pain. Heroin, oxycodone, and morphine are a few examples.
3. Cannabis:
This group includes hashish and marijuana, which are both which are made from a plant called cannabis. Cannabis has the ability to induce hallucinations as well as depression.
Predicted on Their Structure:
1. Solid: Capsules, tablets, & powders (aspirin tablets, for ex).
2. Liquid: Syrups, injections, and solutions (like cough syrup).
3. Gaseous: Inhalers, gases used in anesthesia (nitrous oxide, for example).
4. Depending on the Source:
- Natural drugs: such as opium, cannabis, as well as digitalis, are derived either plants or animals.
- Synthetic drugs: Mechanically developed compounds (including fentanyl and MDMA) aimed to be comparable to natural substances or have novel effects.
- Drugs classified as semi-synthetics are altered forms of natural pollutants (the medication from the beaver, heroin from morphine).