Pharmacology is a branch of science about medicinal substances, called pharmaceuticals, or simply “drugs”. The field encompases drug composition, drug properties, interactions, toxicology, and desirable effects that can be used in therapy of diseases.
Greek : pharmacon – drug, logos – science.
Medication drugs have to be approved by drug regulatory authorities. This field is called regulatory affairs. The International Conference on Harmonisation works in the standardisation for this.
There are various classification systems for medicinal products including ATC classification.
Classes of medicinal products:
For the Gastrointestinal Tract
(see also Digestive system) antacid, reflux suppressant, antiflatulent, antidopaminergic, antispasmodic, proton pump inhibitor, cytoprotectant, prostaglandin analogue, laxative, antidiarrhoeal, colorectal agent, pancreatic enzyme, bile acids
For the Cardiovascular System
ACE inhibitor, cardiac glycoside, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, nitrate, antiarrhythmic, Beta blocker, antianginal, diuretic, antihypertensive, Ca plus plus antagonist, Alpha blocker, vasodilator, antihistamine, peripheral activator, anticoagulant, heparin, antiplatelet drug, fibrinolytic, haemostatic drug, hypolipidaemic agent, statin.
For the Central Nervous System
hypnotic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antidepressant anti-emetic, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, movement disorder drug, CNS stimulant barbiturate, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepine, cyclopyrrolone, dopamine antagonist, antihistamine, anticholinergic, cannabinoids, 5HT antagonist, amphetamine, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, lithium salt, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
For Pain
analgesic, antipyretic, migraine treatment drug NSAIDs, opioid analgesic
For Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
NSAIDs, muscle relaxant, neuromuscular drug anticholinesterase
For Endocrine problems
androgen, antiandrogen, gonadotropin, corticosteroid, growth hormone, insulin, antidiabetic, thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs, calcitonin, diphosponate, vasopressin analogues
For the Genito-Urinary System
antifungal, alkalising agent, quinolones, antibiotic, cholinergic, anticholinergic, anticholinesterase, antispasmodic, 5-Alpha reductase inhibitor, selective Alpha 1 blocker
For Infections and Infestations
antibiotic, antifungal, antileprotic, antituberculous drug, antimalarial, anthelmintic, amoebicide, antiviral, antiprotozoal
For Immunology
vaccine, immunoglobulin, immunosuppressant
For Nutrition
tonic, iron preparation, electrolyte, parenteral nutritional supplement, vitamins, anti-obesity drug, anabolic drug, haematopoietic drug, food product drug
For the Respiratory System
bronchodilator, NSAIDs, anti-allergic, antitussive, mucolytic, decongestant corticosteroid, Beta antagonist, anticholinergic, steroid
For the Ear, Nose and Oropharynx
sympathomimetic, antihistamine, anticholinergic, NSAIDs, steroid, antiseptic, local anesthetic, antifungal, cerumenolytic
For the Eye
anti-infective, topical antibiotic, astringent, NSAIDs, miotics, adrenergic neurone blocker, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, ocular lubricant, mydriatic
For Allergic Disorders
anti-allergic, antihistamine, NSAIDs
For the Skin
emollient, anti-pruritic, antifungal, disinfectant, scabicide, pediculicide, tar products, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin D analogue, keratolytic, abrasive, systemic antibiotic, topical antibiotic, hormones, desloughing agent, exudate absorbant, fibrinolytic, proteolytic, sunscreen, antiperspirant
For Contraception
contraceptive, oral contraceptives, contraceptive devices, spermicide, depot contraceptives
For Obstetrics and Gynaecology
NSAIDs, anticholinergic, haemostatic drug, antifibrinolytic, Hormone Replacement Therapy, bone regulator, Beta agonist, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonist, oestrogen, prostaglandin, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen, Diethylstilbestrol
For Neoplastc disorders
cytotoxic drug, sex hormones, aromatase inhibitor, somatostatin inhibitor, recombinant interleukin
For diagnostics
contrast media
Drugs found to have side effects and no longer used
Thalidomide, Diethylstilbestrol
Types of Pharmacological Preparations
Pharmaceuticals may be provided in a number of different pharmacology forms.
Probably the most familiar are tablets and capsules, colloquially known as “pills”.
