Types of Medicines
Medicines are classified into many different categories. Some are chemically produced, while others are biologically or genetically engineered. Regardless of their origin, the FDA regulates the production of all medicines. Here is an overview of the main types of medicines:
Antipsychotics: These types of drugs work to control the activity of certain brain chemicals that are responsible for anxiety, hallucinations, agitation, mood, and social behaviour. Other types of antipsychotics help people relax or sleep and may even reduce their heartbeat. Other types of antipsychotics may help patients manage cravings or a mental illness. Some of the most common medicines are used in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Drugs can be grouped into classes or groups, according to their mode of action, human tissues, or organ systems. Drug classification systems can be confusing because some drugs are included in multiple categories. However, these systems are useful for physicians, because they can help them identify alternatives and find new drugs for their patients. Further, a thorough understanding of the various types of medicines is helpful in making informed decisions. In addition to determining the best treatment for a patient, knowing which drugs are used together can improve the outcome of a treatment.
Another important distinction between different types of medicines is how they are produced. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacteria-based infections, and are often prescribed in a course, requiring the patient to take the same amount every day for several days. Steroids, on the other hand, are produced in the body or manufactured as drugs. These drugs are used to treat a variety of ailments, including swelling, pain, and inflammation. These medicines may be illegally manufactured and used by athletes to enhance their performance.
Anti-inflammatory drugs combat bacterial infections and are used by all people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Insulin pumps are also available, although not as widely prescribed. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and redness and decrease blood flow. Antipsychotics treat the symptoms of psychiatric disorders and can prevent seizures. Antibiotics treat infections and are natural substances that fight bacteria. They may also cure cancer. They act by preventing recurrence of the disease.
Prescription drugs are prescribed by a doctor and must be used appropriately. They are often very harmful if misused, and some people may become addicted to them. If these drugs are not prescribed by a doctor, they are known as “Prescription Only Medicines.”
Over-the-counter medicines are those that you can buy without a prescription. These drugs may include aspirin, antacids, laxatives, and cough and cold remedies. Many OTCs are multi-symptom medicines, with some containing multiple active ingredients. For example, many cough and cold medicines contain antihistamines. They may be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. A doctor may also prescribe an antihistamine for a variety of conditions.
A key part of the prevention of the misuse of pharmaceuticals is understanding the extent of non-medical use of medicines. Because there are many different types of medicines, monitoring their use is difficult. These differences affect different user groups, and differing legal frameworks and prescribing practices make it difficult to compare the effects of different medicines across countries. To avoid confusion, it is crucial to define the term “non-medical use” when comparing non-medical medicines.
