Drug Classification
Drug Classification
Drug Classification
DRUG CLASSIFICATION
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Drug Classification 55
Drug Classification
Drugs are classified according to their mode of action, their indications; or their chemical structure.
Analgesic/Antipyretic
Analgesic – medicine that are used to relieve pain. They are also known as painkillers or pain
relievers.
Cough Preparations
o Cough – a cough, also known as tussis, is a voluntary or involuntary act that clears the
throat and breathing passage of foreign particles, microbes, irritants, fluids, and mucus.
1. Mucolytic – a medicine which dissolves thick mucus and is usually used to help relieve
respiratory difficulties.
Preparations:
Carbocisteine – Capsule 500 mg: Syrup 40 mg/ml, Syrup 100 mg/5 ml, Syrup 200 mg/5ml,
Syrup 500 mg/5 ml
Ambroxol – Tablet 30 mg; Capsule 75 mg; Syrup 6 mg/ml, 15 mg/5 ml, 30 mg/5 ml
Bromhexine – Tablet 8 mg; Oral Liquid 4 mg / 5ml
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2. Expectorant – a medicine that helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs,
bronchi, and trachea.
Preparations:
Guiafenesin: Tablet/Capsule 200 mg; Syrup 100 mg/5ml
Lagundi (Vitex Negundo): Tablet/Capsule 300 mg, 600 mg; Syrup 300 mg/5 ml, 600 mg/5ml
Anticold Preparations
o Common Cold – a common viral infection in which the mucous membrane of the nose
and throat becomes inflamed, typically causing running at the nose, sneezing, a sore
throat, and other similar symptoms.
o Allergy a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur,
a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.
Preparations:
1. Cetirizine – Tablet 10 mg; Syrup 2.5 mg/ml, 5 mg/5 ml
2. Loratadine – Tablet 10 mg; Syrup 5 mg/5 ml
Drug Classification 57
Preparation:
o Loperamide – Capsule 2 mg
Preparations:
1. Aluminum Hydroxide 178 mg/Magnesium Hydroxide 233 mg/Simethicone 30 mg – Chewable
Tablet
2. Sodium Alginate /Sodium Bicarbonate /Calcium Carbonate – Chewable Tablet 250 mg/133.5
mg/ 80 mg; Oral Suspension 500 mg/267 mg/160 mg
Vitamin – any of a group of natural substances that are necessary in small amounts for the growth
and good health of the body
1. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue. These vitamins are absorbed more
easily by the body in the presence of dietary fat.The four fat-soluble vitamins and its uses:
b. Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) – required for the regulation of the minerals calcium and
phosphorus found in the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper bone
structure.
Preparations: Capsule 800 IU, 1,000 IU
c. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – key for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes. protects
cells from damage
Preparation: Capsule 400 IU
d. Vitamin K (Vitamin K2 - Menaquinone) – plays a key role in helping the blood clot,
preventing excessive bleeding.
Preparation: Capsule 100 mcg
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2. Water-soluble vitamins are carried to the body’s tissues but are not stored in the body. They
are found in plants and animal foods or dietary supplements and must be taken in daily. The
two water-soluble vitamins are:
a. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – used to protect against immune system deficiencies,
cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling
Preparations:
Ascorbic Acid – Tablet 500 mg, Oral Drops 100 mg/ml, Syrup 100 mg/5ml
Sodium Ascorbate – Capsule 568.18 mg, 562.4 mg; Syrup 100 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml
1. Vitamin B Complex – building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact
on energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. Adjunct in the management
of neuromuscular pain responsive to B1, B6 & B12 including neuralgia, neuritis &
neuropathies.
Minerals – are inorganic substances required by the body in small amounts for a variety
of functions. The body requires different amounts of each mineral; people have different
requirements, according to their age, sex, physiological state (e.g. pregnancy) and sometimes
their state of health.
2. Magnesium – helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady
Preparations: Capsule 250 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg
3. Sodium - helps the body to balance levels of fluid and electrolytes in the body. It is used also
in the form of sodium chloride solution (called saline) for nasal congestion and sore throat
Preparations: Sodium Chloride – Tablet 1 gm; Nasal Drops 0.65%, Nasal Spray 0.65%,
Nebulizing Solution 0.65%
Drug Classification 59
4. Potassium – used for treating and preventing low potassium levels, treating high blood
pressure, and preventing stroke
Preparations: Potassium Citrate – Tablet 1080 mg, Tablet 10 mEq, Capsule 99 mg,
5. Iron – used for preventing and treating anemia caused by low iron levels.
Preparation: Ferrous Sulfate – Tablet 325 mg, Tablet 310 mg
6. Zinc – used for boosting the immune system, improving growth and heath, treatment of acute
diarrhea in children and slow wound healing
Preparations: Zinc Sulfate Oral drops 27.5 mg/ml, Syrup 55 mg/5 mL
7. Iodine – plays a key role in thyroid health. As a treatment, iodine helps with goiters
(enlargements of the thyroid gland) and low thyroid hormone levels. It can be applied to the
skin to help treat wound and foot ulcers
Preparations: Potassium Iodide – Tablet 30 mg; Povidone Iodine – Wound Solution, Gargle
8. Fluoride – makes teeth stronger and protects teeth from the bacteria in plaque. It also promotes
new bone formation
Preparation: Oral Drops 500 mcg/mL; Various toothpaste brands
9. Selenium – known for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidant protects cells from damage
Preparation: Capsule 200 mcg
10. Chromium – may be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
(prediabetes). There’s good evidence that chromium can lower glucose levels and improve
insulin sensitivity.
Preparation: Chromium Picolinate Tablet 200 mcg
Prescription Medicines
o Hypertension – also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood
vessels have persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of
the body in the vessels. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels. Blood
pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries)
as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure the harder the heart has to pump.
o High blood pressure has many risk factors, including age, race, family history. overweight
or obesity, not being physically active, smoking, alcohol, too much salt (sodium) in the
diet, stress, certain chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.
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Classifications:
1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor – a medicine that helps relax blood vessels.
ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance
in your body that narrows your blood vessels and releases hormones that can raise your
blood pressure.
Preparations:
a. Captopril – Tablet 12.5 mg, Tablet 25 mg, Tablet 50 mg, Tablet 100 mg
b. Enalapril – Tablet 5 mg, Tablet 10 mg,Tablet 201 mg
2. Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) - a medicine that lowers blood pressure and makes
heart easier to pump blood; block the action of angiotensin II by preventing angiotensin II
from binding to angiotensin II receptors on the muscles surrounding blood vessels
Preparations:
a. Losartan – Tablet 50 mg, Tablet 100 mg
b. Telmisartan – Tablet 20 mg, Tablet 40 mg
c. Valsartan – Tablet 80 mg, Tablet 160 mg, Tablet 320 mg
3. Calcium channel blocker – a medicine that relaxes blood vessels and increase the supply of
blood and oxygen to the heart while also reducing the heart’s workload
Preparations:
a. Amlodipine – Tablet 5 mg, Tablet 10 mg
b. Diltiazem – Tablet 30 mg, Tablet 60 mg, Tablet 90 mg, Tablet 120 mg, Tablet 180 mg
c. Nifedipine – Tablet 20 mg, Tablet 30 mg, Tablet 60 mg
d. Verapamil – Tablet 240 mg
4. Beta blocker – also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, Beta-blockers are drugs that
are used to slow down heart rate. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone
epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. When you take beta blockers, your heart beats more
slowly and with less force
Preparations:
a. Atenolol – Tablet 50 mg, 100 mg
b. Metoprolol – Tablet 50 mg, Tablet 100 mg
c. Propranolol – Tablet 10 mg, Tablet 40 mg
5. Diuretic – also called water pill, a medicine that helps rid your body of salt (sodium) and
water.
Preparations:
a. Furosemide – Tablet 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg; Injectable solution 10 mg/mL
b. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.) – Tablet 250 mg, Tablet 500 mg
Drug Classification 61
Antidiabetic drugs are medicines developed to stabilize and control blood glucose levels amongst
people with diabetes. Antidiabetic drugs are commonly used to manage diabetes.
o Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in
the blood. Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose. Absence or insufficient
production of insulin, or an inability of the body to properly use insulin causes diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
o Some of the risk factors for getting diabetes include being overweight or obese, leading
a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure),
and low levels of the “good” cholesterol (HDL) and elevated levels of triglycerides in the
blood.
Classifications:
1. Biguanide – an oral type 2 diabetes drug that works by preventing the production of glucose
in the liver, improving the body’s sensitivity towards insulin and reducing the amount of
sugar absorbed by the intestines.
Preparation:
a. Metformin – Tablet 500 mg, Tablet 850 mg, Tablet 1 gm
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2. Sulfonylureas – drugs used in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 that act by increasing
insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas.
Preparations:
a. Glimepiride – Tablet 2 mg, Tablet 3 mg
b. Glibenclamide – Tablet 5 mg
c. Gilclazide – Tablet 80 mg. MR Tablet 30 mg
d. Glipizide – Tablet 5 mg, Tablet 10 mg
4. DPP-4 inhibitors (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4inhibitors) are a relatively new class of oral diabetes
drugs. Also known as gliptins, they are usually prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes
who have not responded well to drugs such as metformin and sulphonylureas.
They work by blocking the action of DPP-4, an enzyme which destroys a group of
gastrointestinal hormones called incretins. Incretins help stimulate the production of insulin
when it is needed (e.g. after eating) and reduce the production of glucagon by the liver when
it is not needed (e.g. during digestion). They also slow down digestion and decrease appetite.
Preparations:
a. Sitagliptin – Tablet 25 mg, Tablet 50 mg, 1Tablet 00 mg
b. Vildagliptin – Tablet 50 mg
c. Saxagliptin – Tablet 2.5 mg, Tablet 5 mg
d. Linagliptin – Tablet 5 mg
5. Insulin injection is used to control blood sugar in people who have type 1 diabetes or in
people who have type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled with oral medications alone. It is
in a class of medications called hormones where it is used to take the place of insulin that is
normally produced by the body. It works by helping move sugar from the blood into other
body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
Preparations:
a. Rapid-acting insulin – insulin glulisine, insulin lispro and insulin aspart
b. Regular or Short-acting insulin – Human Regular
c. Intermediate-acting insulin – NPH
d. Long-acting insulin – degludec, detemir and glargine
e. Ultra Long-Acting – glargine u-300
Drug Classification 63
Antihyperlipidemic agents promote reduction of lipid levels in the blood. Some anti
hyperlipidemic agents aim to lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, some
reduce triglyceride levels, and some help raise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
By reducing the LDL cholesterol, they can prevent both the primary and secondary symptoms
of coronary heart disease.
Preparations:
a. Atorvastatin – Tablet 10 mg, Tablet 20 mg, Tablet 40 mg, Tablet 80 mg
b. Simvastatin – Tablet 20 mg, Tablet 40 mg, Tablet 80 mg
Medications:
1. Analgesics – drugs that help reduce pain but have no effect on inflammation
a. Paracetamol – Tablet 500 mg
b. Aspirin – Tablet 500 mg
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – drugs that reduce both pain and
inflammation
a. Celecoxib – Capsule 200 mg, Tablet 400 mg
b. Diclofenac – Tablet 25 mg, Tablet 50 mg, Tablet 100 mg
c. Naproxen Sodium – Tablet 275 mg, Tablet 550 mg
Anti-asthma drugs – medications that prevent asthma attacks and to control the disease.
a. Asthma – a common lung disorder in which inflammation causes the bronchi to swell
and narrow the airways, creating breathing difficulties that may range from mild to life-
threatening. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness.
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Classifications:
1. Long-term asthma control medications – drugs taken regularly to control chronic symptoms
and prevent asthma attacks — the most important type of treatment for most people with
asthma
Preparations:
a. Inhaled corticosteroids – Budesonide - inhalation solution 250 mcg/ml, 500 mcg/mL:
b. Leukotriene modifier – Montelukast - Chewable tab 4 mg, 5 mg; Tab 10 mg
c. Long-acting beta agonist (LABA) – salmeterol, formoterol
d. Theophylline – Tab 125 mg, 250 mg
Antimicrobial drugs – medications that either kills microorganisms or prevents their growth.
Drug Classification 65
b. Cephalosporins
1. Cephalexin – Capsule 250 mg, 500 mg; Oral suspension 100 mg/ml, 125 mg/5ml, 250
mg/5 ml
2. Cefaclor – Capsule 500 mg; Oral suspension 50 mg/ml, 125 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml
3. Cefuroxime – Tablet 250 mg, 500 mg; Powder for injection 750 mg
c. Macrolides
1. Erythromycin – Tablet 250 mg, 500 mg; Capsule 500 mg; Oral suspension 100 mg/ml,
125 mg/5ml, 250 mg/5 ml
2. Clarithromycin – Tablet 250 mg, 500 mg; Oral suspension 125 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml
3. Azithromycin – Tablet 250 mg, 500 mg; Oral suspension 200 mg/5 ml, Powder for
injection 500 mg
d. Fluoroquinolones
1. Ciprofloxacin – Tablet 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 gm; IV infusion 100 mg/50 ml, 200 mg/100 ml
2. Levofloxacin – Tablet 500 mg, 750 mg; IV infusion 500 mg/100 ml, 750 mg/150 ml
3. Ofloxacin – Tablet 200 mg, 400 mg; Solution for infusion 2 mg/ml; Solution for Infusion
200 mg/100 ml; Otic Solution 3 mg; Ophthalmic Solution 3 mg
e. Sulfonamide
1. Co-trimoxazole – Tablet 400 mg/80 mg, 800 mg/160 mg tab; Oral suspension 200 mg/40
mg/5 ml
f. Tetracyclines
1. Doxycycline – Capsule 100 mg
2. Minocycline – Capsule 50 mg, 100 mg
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g. Aminoglycosides
1. Gentamicin – Ophthalmic/Otic Solution 3 mg/ml; Ophthalmic Ointment 0.3% Injection
40 mg/ml
2. Tobramycin – Ophthalmic Drops 3 mg/ml, Ophthalmic Ointment 3 mg/g
3. Antivirals – medications that destroy or inhibit the growth and reproduction of viruses
Common medications
a. Acyclovir – Tablet 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg; Injection 250 mg; Cream 5%
b. Entecavir – Tablet 500 mcg
c. Inosiplex – Tablet 500 mg; Syrup 250 mg/5 mL
Danger of AMR
1. Kills people
2. Hampers the control of infectious diseases
3. Increases the risk of spreading resistant microorganisms to others
4. Increases the cost of health care
Anti-ulcerant drugs – medications used to treat ulcers in the stomach and the upper part of the
small intestine.
1. Proton Pump Inhibitors – medications that work by reducing the amount of stomach
acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach. It relieves symptoms of acid reflux, or
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Medications:
a. Esomeprazole – Tablet 20 mg, 40 mg; Granules for Oral Suspension 10 mg; IV Powder for
Injection 40 mg
b. Omeprazole – Capsule 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg; Powder for Injection 40 mg
c. Lansoprazole – Tablet 15 mg, 30 mg; IV Powder for Injection 30 mg
d. Pantoprazole – Tablet 20 mg, 40 mg; Powder for Injection 40 mg
2. Histamine2 Blockers -medications also known as H2-blockers, are used to treat duodenal
ulcers and gastric ulcers
Medications:
a. Cimetidine – Tablet 200 mg, 400 mg
b. Ranitidine – Tablet 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg; Injection 25 mg/ml