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, H2 antagonists, cytoprotectant, prostaglandin analogue, laxative, antidiarrhoeal, bile acids
For the Cardiovascular System
ACE inhibitor, cardiac glycoside, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, nitrate, antiarrhythmic, beta-receptor blocker, antianginal, diuretic, antihypertensive, calcium channel blocker, alpha blocker, vasodilator, peripheral activator, anticoagulant, heparin, antiplatelet drug, fibrinolytic, haemostatic drug, hypolipidaemic agent, statin.
For the Central Nervous System
hypnotic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antidepressant (including tricyclic antidepressants), anti-emetic, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, movement disorder drug, CNS stimulant, barbiturate, benzodiazepine, cyclopyrrolone, dopamine antagonist, antihistamine, anticholinergic, emetic, cannabinoids, 5-HT 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, COX-2 inhibitor
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, interferon, monoclonal antibody
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-receptor antagonist, anticholinergic, steroid
For the Ear, Nose and Oropharynx
sympathomimetic, antihistamine, anticholinergic, NSAIDs, steroid, antiseptic, local anesthetic, antifungal, cerumenolytic
antinfective, antiserum, chemist, pharmacist, List of pharmaceutical companies, neuroleptic, doctorīs medical prescription , technology assessment.For the Eye
anti-infective, topical antibiotic, astringent, NSAIDs, miotics, adrenergic neurone blocker, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, ocular lubricant, mydriaticFor Allergic Disorders
anti-allergic, antihistamine, NSAIDsFor 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, antiperspirantFor Contraception
contraceptive, oral contraceptives, contraceptive devices, spermicide, depot contraceptivesFor Obstetrics and Gynaecology
NSAIDs, anticholinergic, haemostatic drug, antifibrinolytic, Hormone Replacement Therapy, bone regulator, beta-receptor agonist, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH
gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonist, oestrogen, prostaglandin, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen, DiethylstilbestrolFor Neoplastic disorders
cytotoxic drug, sex hormones, aromatase inhibitor, somatostatin inhibitor, recombinant interleukin, GM-CSF, G-CSF, erythropoietin, IL-11For diagnostics
contrast mediaDrugs found to have side effects and no longer used
DiethylstilbestrolTypes 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". See route of administration.
See also
