Classification of drugs refers to the categorization of drugs into groups like alphabetical, pharmacological, chemical, taxonomical etc.
Classification of drugs:
Drug classification refers to the categorization of drugs based on their common characteristics like structure, pharmacological effects, therapeutic uses, or chemical properties. Classification of drugs is important for organizing information about different drugs.
Why drugs classifications are important?
- For identification of drug interactions and contraindications
- To facilitate drug discovery and development
- To guiding the selection of appropriate drugs for various medical conditions.
Classifications:
Alphabetical Classification:
- In this classification in alphabetical order based on their generic or trade names.
- It helps in quickly locating a specific drug and finding drugs that are similar in name to prevent medication errors.
- Example: The drug “Aspirin” listed under the letter “A”.
Morphological classification:
- This classification based on their physical or chemical structures, such as their molecular shape or functional groups.
- It helps identify drugs that have similar structures and therefore may have similar properties and effects.
- Example: Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that share a common structure, consisting of a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring.
Taxonomical classification of drugs:
- In this classification organizes drugs based on their place in a hierarchy of biological classification, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
- It helps identify drugs which are derived from natural sources, as many drugs are based on compounds found in plants and animals.
- Example: Collection of Penicillin from the Penicillium fungus.
Chemical classification:
- Chemical classification based on their chemical properties, such as their molecular formula or functional groups.
- It helps identify drugs that have similar chemical properties and therefore may have similar effects.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs have common chemical structure, consisting of a carboxylic acid group attached to a phenyl ring.
Pharmacological classification:
- This classification categorizes drugs based on their therapeutic effects, mechanisms of action, or physiological effects.
- It helps to treat similar conditions or that have similar effects on the body.
- Antidepressants are a class of drugs that treat depression and other mood disorders. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Note that some drugs may belong to multiple classifications. For example, aspirin may be listed under the letter “A” in the alphabetical classification, but it may also be classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) based on its chemical structure.