classification of drugs essay

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Supplements
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Drug Classes

Making Sense of Medication Classification

• ATC Classification
• USP Classification

A drug class is a group of medications with similar properties. The three main methodologies used to classify drugs according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:

• Mechanism of action : This is how the drug causes specific biochemical changes in the body (also known as pharmacokinetics ).
• Physiological effect : This is how an organ—such as your skin, brain, or digestive tract—responds to the drug (also known as pharmacodynamics ).
• Chemical structure : This is how the molecular makeup of a drug is uniquely structured.

This article explains how medication classifications work, why they are necessary, and how one drug can be classified in several different ways. It also describes different classification systems and their distinct purposes.

Multiple Categories of Classification

Not all drugs fit neatly into a single category. Some drugs are grouped together under one classification method but not another. Some have multiple classifications.

One Drug, Different Physiological Effects

Many drugs have multiple uses and, as such, multiple classifications. For example, Lyrica (pregabalin) and Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) are both classified as anticonvulsants and can be used to treat epilepsy .

At the same time, Lyrica can be classified as an analgesic and used to treat chronic nerve pain alongside antidepressant drugs like Cymbalta (duloxetine) . Lyrica may also be used as an anxiolytic to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD) alongside antidepressants like Paxil (paroxetine).

Another example is finasteride , which is commonly used to treat enlarged prostate (under the brand name Proscar) and regrow hair (under the brand name Propecia). Though classified differently, the two drugs only differ in their doses (5 milligrams for Proscar and 1 milligram for Propecia).

One Physiological Effect, Different Classifications

One drug can be classified in several different ways based on its mechanism of action, physiological effects, and chemical structure.

For example, an ACE inhibitor is classified as antihypertensive because it treats hypertension (high blood pressure) and a vasodilator because it dilates (widens) blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. One term describes the mechanism of action (antihypertensive), while the other describes the physiological effect (vasodilation).

In terms of chemical structure, ACE inhibitors are so-named because they have a distinct molecular structure that directly inhibits (blocks) an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that causes blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to increase.

Purpose of Drug Classification

Drugs are classified to ensure that a drug is used safely and that you get the greatest possible benefit with the lowest possible risk.

The various drug classifications help to:

• Identify who a drug might be better suited for and who should avoid it
• Identify interactions that can affect the effectiveness or safety of a drug
• Prevent toxicity by avoiding drugs with the same mechanisms of action
• Select the drugs that can work the longest with the lowest risk of drug resistance
• Identify which drugs are most likely to cause dependence and addiction

Avoiding Interactions

The action of one drug can make another drug less effective.

For example, antacids work by blocking stomach acid in people with chronic gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . But they also deplete stomach acids that are needed to break down a class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors so that they can be better absorbed in the intestines and enter the bloodstream.

Taking these drugs together lowers the amount of protease inhibitors in the bloodstream (referred to as their bioavailability), making them less effective.

Avoiding "Drug Competition"

Some drugs rely on the same enzyme to break them down so that they can be eliminated from the body. One such enzyme produced by the liver, called cytochrome P450 (CYP450), does this for numerous drugs, including:

• Dexamethasone
• Pexidartinib
• Rifapentine
• St. John's wort

Although many of these drugs belong to different classes, taking them together can force the drugs to "compete" for the available CYP450 in the bloodstream.

As a result, the concentration of one drug may go up because it is not being broken down sufficiently (increasing the risk of side effects), while the concentration of the other may go down as it is eliminated from the body too quickly (making it less effective).

By identifying these interactions, healthcare providers can separate doses, increase the dose, or change treatment to avoid this effect.

Preventing Toxicity

Toxicity, sometimes referred to as drug poisoning, can occur if you overdose on a drug or have health problems like liver disease or kidney disease that prevent the normal elimination of a drug from the body.

Toxicity can also occur if you take two drugs of the same class at the same time. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) both treat inflammation and pain by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) .

This same enzyme is also responsible for the production of a blood-clotting chemical called thromboxane A2. By suppressing COX, blood clots less effectively, leading to possible side effects like easy bruising, nosebleeds, and stomach ulcers.

Taking Advil and Aleve can amplify this effect and even lead to internal bleeding and kidney failure if used in excess.

Many other drug classes have this accumulative effect, including antidepressants known as SSRIs and SNRIs that affect levels of serotonin in the brain. Taking more than one serotonin-related medication increases your risk of serotonin syndrome , a potentially serious drug reaction that can lead to seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death.

Assessing Drug Resistance

Medications used to treat chronic infections have the potential for drug resistance. This occurs when a virus or bacteria mutates and is able to escape the effects of an antiviral or antibiotic drug.

Resistance can occur naturally over time as minor mutations suddenly become major mutations or when you don't take a drug as prescribed, allowing a germ to mutate freely. When resistance develops, a drug may be far less effective or not work at all.

To make matters worse, resistance to one drug often confers resistance to every other drug in the class.

Some drugs and drug classes are more vulnerable to resistance than others. By understanding which are and which are not, healthcare providers can "stage" treatment to ensure the first-line drugs last longer and are less likely to develop resistance if you miss a dose.

This is why a newer class of HIV drug called integrase inhibitors is used in first-line therapy in favor of older drugs like non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) that can develop resistance within the span of three years.

The same applies to antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics has led to increasing patterns of antibiotic resistance worldwide. Identifying these patterns ensures the correct drug is prescribed to effectively clear the infection and prevent the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.

For diseases like gonorrhea , the resistance to available antibiotics has become so severe that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend only treatment for it: a single dose of  ceftriaxone . Resistance to other classes of antibiotics—including penicillins, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, and macrolides—is so deep that they are not considered effective.

Determining Dosage and Risk of Dependence

Every drug has a biological half-life , meaning the time it takes for 50% of the drug to leave your system. The shorter a drug's half-life is, the more you have to take to keep the drug concentration in your blood at a therapeutic level.

This is why some drugs need to be taken three to four times a day, while others may only be needed daily, weekly, or monthly.

The problem with a short half-life is that a drug is far less "forgiving," meaning that you are less likely to achieve the intended result if you miss a dose. Drugs with long half-lives are generally more forgiving because they can remain at a therapeutic level even if you miss a dose.

Another problem with a short half-life is that you can develop drug dependence (also known as addiction). This is because your body "needs" the drug frequently to achieve the desired effect and can cause withdrawal symptoms if it doesn't get it. This is especially true with drugs that act on the central nervous system .

A prime example of this is fentanyl , an opioid drug painkiller. The combination of a short drug half-life (six to nine hours) and a potent physiological effect can create the perfect storm for drug dependence, often within a couple of weeks.

ATC Classification System

The thousands of drug classes and subclasses can be classified in several ways.

The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System was developed during the 1970s by the World Health Organization’s Drug Utilization Research Group. It is maintained by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. ATC categorizes drugs based on five levels from the broadest to the most specific, using letters and numbers.

This system is meant for healthcare providers and isn't useful to patients. But the strict hierarchy it establishes protects people from drug errors (like getting the wrong one.)

USP Drug Classification

A non-profit, non-governmental organization called the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) was established in 1820. Its goal is to ensure prescription and OTC drugs approved in the U.S. meet quality standards.

Among its many functions, the USP was tasked by the U.S. Congress to classify drugs. It helps guide healthcare providers when it comes to prescribing drugs under the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.

Worldwide, dozens of countries have national pharmacopeias and there are also regional pharmacopeias such as the European Pharmacopoeia. Other countries rely on the International Pharmacopeia maintained by the WHO.

The USP classifies drugs in a far broader way than the ACT system. It categorizes them by:

• Therapeutic use
• Mechanism of action
• Formulary classification

From the broadest perspective, you’re left with 47 drug categories and more than a hundred classes within those categories.

Drug classifications are important. They help protect you from severe side effects and drug interactions; ensure your body can break down and use the medication; and help guide many treatment decisions.

The main classification systems are ATC and USP. They use different methods but both are useful tools.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pharmacologic class .

Sills GJ, Rogawski MA.  Mechanisms of action of currently used antiseizure drugs .  Neuropharmacology . 2020;168:107966. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107966

Derry S, Cording M, Wiffen PJ, Law S, Phillips T, Moore RA.  Pregabalin for pain in fibromyalgia in adults . Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9:CD011790. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011790.pub2

Kawalec P, Cierniak A, Pilc A, Nowak G. Pregabalin for the treatment of social anxiety disorder . Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2015 Apr;24(4):585-94. doi:10.1517/13543784.2014.979283

National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Finasteride .

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) drugs ,

Lewis JM, Stott KE, Monnery D, et al. Managing potential drug-drug interactions between gastric acid-reducing agents and antiretroviral therapy: experience from a large HIV-positive cohort . Int J STD AIDS . 2016;27(2):105-109. doi:10.1177/0956462415574632

Zhao M, Ma J, Li M. et al. Cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug metabolism in humans . Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Dec;22(23):12808. doi:10.3390/ijms222312808

Sohail R, Mathew M, Patel K K, et al. Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and gastroprotective NSAIDs on the gastrointestinal tract: a narrative review . Cureus . 2023 Apr:15(4):e37080. doi:10.7759/cureus.37080

Royal Children's Hospital. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID poisoning .

Scotton WJ, Hill LJ, Williams AC, Barnes NM. Serotonin syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical features, management, and potential future directions . Int J Tryptophan Res. 2019;12:1178646919873925. doi:10.1177/1178646919873925

DHHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents.  Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents with HIV .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonorrhea treatment and care .

Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine. Therapeutic drug monitoring .

Lerner A, Klein M. Dependence, withdrawal and rebound of CNS drugs: an update and regulatory considerations for new drugs development , Brain Commun. 2019;1(1):fcz025. doi:10.1093/braincomms/fcz025

Kharasch ED. Opioid half-lives and hemlines: the long and short of fashion . Anesthesiology. 2015 May;122(5):969–970. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000000634

WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. History .

World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment .

United States Pharmacopeial Convention.  USP and CMS working together for quality and safety of healthcare .

World Health Organization. Index of national, regional and international pharmacopoeias .

United States Pharmacopeial Convention. USP drug classification .

By Michael Bihari, MD Michael Bihari, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, health educator, and medical writer, and president emeritus of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod.

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it's official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings
• Browse Titles

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Institute of Medicine (US) VA Pharmacy Formulary Analysis Committee; Blumenthal D, Herdman R, editors. Description and Analysis of the VA National Formulary. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000.

Description and Analysis of the VA National Formulary.

• Hardcopy Version at National Academies Press

APPENDIX E Drug Classes and Drug Index

There are several hundred classifications of drugs using various systems such as the American Hospital Formulary System. Although, many drugs fit into more than one category, they are commonly classified by therapeutic indication (for example, cardiovascular drugs for use in treating conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias). Classification of drugs and drug classes is a complicated subjected. The interested reader is referred to The Physicians' Desk Reference, Drug Facts and Comparisons, American Hospital Formulary System, or Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Information can also be found on-line at www.ditonline.com , and www.intelihealth.com . For brevity and clarity, the committee has included in this index only the listing and definitions of drug classes and class members cited in this report.

• DRUG CLASSES

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) —Drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure that inhibit an enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme, which produces a blood-pressure-elevating substance.

• Captopril, a generic ACE inhibitor
• Enalapril, brand name Vasotec (Merck)
• Fosinopril, brand name Monopril (Bristol Myers Squibb)
• Lisinopril, brand name Prinivil (Merck) and Zestril (Zeneca)
• Quinapril, brand name Accupril (Parke-Davis)
• Ramipril, brand name Altace (Hoechst Marion Roussel)
• Trandolapril, brand name Mavik (Knoll Pharmaceuticals)

Alpha Blockers —Drugs that block receptors in arteries and smooth muscle. This action relaxes the blood vessels and leads to an increase in blood flow and a lower pressure for the control of hypertension. The action in the urinary tract enhances urinary flow in prostatic hypertrophy.

• Doxazosin, brand name Cardura (Pfizer)
• Prazosin, brand name Minipress (Pfizer)
• Terazosin, brand name Hytrin (Abbott)

Analgesic Drug —A drug for the control of pain.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers — Drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure that act to block the receptor for Angiotensin II, a blood-pressure-elevating substance.

• Losartan, brand names Hyzaar (Merck) and Cozaar (Merck)
• Irbesartan, brand name Avapro (Bristol Myers Squibb and Sanofi)

Antipyretic Drug —A drug for the control of fever.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) — Drugs that inhibit the movement of calcium through cellular membranes and cause blood vessels to relax thereby increasing flow and lowering blood pressure.

• Amlodipine, brand names Lotrel (Novartis) and Norvasc (Pfizer)
• Diltiazem, a generic CCB
• Felodipine, brand names Lexxel and Plendil, extended release (Astra)

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitors —Drugs for the treatment of pain, arthritis, and primary dysmenorrhea that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2.

• Celecoxib, brand name Celebrex (Pfizer)
• Refecoxib, brand name Vioxx (Merck)

Histamine 2 Receptor (H 2 R) Blockers — Drugs for ulcers and acid reflux that diminish acid by blocking a receptor in the acid-producing system in the stomach.

• Cimetidine, brand name Tagamet (SmithKline Beecham), also OTC
• Famotidine, brand name Pepcid (Merck), also OTC
• Nizatidine, brand name Axid (Eli Lilly)
• Ranitidine, brand name Zantac (Glaxo Wellcome), also OTC

Hydroxymethylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors (HMG CoA RIs) —Drugs that inhibit a liver enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, thus reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Atorvastatin, brand name Lipitor (Parke-Davis, Pfizer)
• Cerivastatin, brand name Baycol (Bayer)
• Fluvastatin, brand name Lescol (Novartis)
• Lovastatin, brand name Mevacor (Merck)
• Pravastatin, brand name Pravachol (Bristol Myers Squibb)
• Simvastatin, brand name Zocor (Merck)

Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Analogues —Drugs that suppress endogenous sex hormone production and are used to treat prostate cancer.

• Leuprolide, brand name Lupron (TAP)
• Goserelin, brand name Zoladex (Zeneca)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) —An analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug that is not a corticosteroid analogue.

• Diflunisal, brand name Dolobid (Merck)
• Ketorolac tromethamine, brand name Toradol (Roche Laboratories)

Prokinetic Agents —Drugs used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) —Drugs for the treatment of ulcers and acid reflux disease that inhibit the enzyme system that produces stomach acid.

• Lansoprazole, brand name Prevacid (TAP)
• Omeprazole, brand name Prilosec (Astra)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) —Drugs that selectively block the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin and are used in the treatment of depression and certain other mental health disorders.

• Citalopram, brand name Celexa (Forest Pharmaceuticals)
• Fluoxetine, brand name Prozac (Dista)
• Fluvoxamine, brand name Luvox (Solvay)
• Paroxetine, brand name Paxil (SmithKline Beecham)
• Sertraline, brand name Zoloft (Pfizer)
• OTHER DRUGS

Aldesleukin Interleukin-2 —Drug for the treatment of adults with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, brand name Proleukin (Chiron Corp).

Alendronate Sodium —Drug used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, brand name Fosamax (Merck).

Alglucerase —Modified form of the enzyme Beta-glucocerebrosidase used in the treatment of patients with type I Gaucher's disease, brand name Ceredase (Genzyme).

Alprostadil — A drug that has vasodilatory effects and is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, brand name Caverject (Pharmacia and Upjohn).

Bupropion —A member of the drug class aminoketones used for the treatment of depression. The mechanism of action is unknown but may be related to preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters, brand name Welbutrin (Glaxo Wellcome).

Clopidogrel — A drug that, like aspirin, inhibits cells involved in blood clotting and decreases heart attacks and strokes, brand name Plavix (Bristol Meyers Squib, Sanofi).

Clozapine — An atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia, brand name Clozaril (Novartis).

Donepezil Hydrochloride —A drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase and is used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, brand name Aricept (Eisai).

Epoetin Alpha —A drug that stimulates red blood cell production and is used in the treatment of patients with chronic renal failure, brand names Epogen (Amgen) and Procrit (Ortho Biotech).

Etanercept — A drug that blocks tumor necrosis factor from binding to its receptor, thus preventing normal inflammatory and immune responses. It is currently used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, brand name Enbrel (Immunex).

Filgrastim Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) — A drug used to stimulate blood production of white cells and decrease the incidence of infection in cancer patients, brand name Neupogen (Amgen).

Finasteride — A drug used in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate, brand name Proscar (Merck).

Fluconazole —drug for the treatment of fungal infections, brand name Diflucan (Pfizer).

Fluticasone Propionate —A synthetic corticosteroid for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, brand name Flonase (Glaxo Wellcome).

Imiglucerase —A recombinant DNA form of the enzyme beta-glucocere-brosidase (alglucerase) used in the treatment of patients with type I Gaucher's disease, brand name Cerezyme (Genzyme).

Interferon Beta-l —Drug used in the treatment of ambulatory patients with multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations, brand name Betaseron (Berlex).

Isotretinoin —A drug that inhibits sebaceous gland function and is used in the treatment of severe acne, brand name Accutane (Roche Laboratories).

Itraconazole —A drug used in the treatment of fungal infections, brand name Sporanox (Janssen).

Rizatriptan Benzoate —A selective serotonin agonist used in the treatment of migraines, brand name Maxalt (Merck).

Sumatriptan —A selective serotonin agonist used in the treatment of migraines, brand name Imitrex (Glaxo Wellcome).

Tacrine Hydrochloride —A drug that is a reversible inhibitor of cholinesterase and is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, brand name Cognex (Parke-Davis).

Terbinafine —A drug for the treatment of fungal infections, brand name Lamisil (Novartis).

Troglitazone —A drug that lowers blood glucose by improving target cell response to insulin and was used (recalled by FDA) in the treatment of type II diabetes, brand name Rezulin (Parke-Davis).

Zolmitriptan — A selective serotonin agonist used in the treatment of migraines, brand name Zomig (Zeneca).

• Cite this Page Institute of Medicine (US) VA Pharmacy Formulary Analysis Committee; Blumenthal D, Herdman R, editors. Description and Analysis of the VA National Formulary. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. APPENDIX E, Drug Classes and Drug Index.
• PDF version of this title (4.1M)

In this Page

Recent activity.

• Drug Classes and Drug Index - Description and Analysis of the VA National Formul... Drug Classes and Drug Index - Description and Analysis of the VA National Formulary

Your browsing activity is empty.

Activity recording is turned off.

Turn recording back on

Connect with NLM

National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894

Web Policies FOIA HHS Vulnerability Disclosure

Help Accessibility Careers

• Chemistry in Everyday Life

Classification Of Drugs

Introduction to drugs.

Drugs, the word is not new to us. However, the word generally creates a frightful response amongst many. So far we have heard that drugs are the substance of addiction and a reason for the spoiled generation. This is mainly because people have been abusing the substance which has led to the death of even popular people as well.

Yes, they are addictive but did you know that all of them are not harmful. Biologically speaking, drugs mostly target our brains and switch the mood and physiological conditions of our bodies. However, since there are various types of drugs including legal as well as illegal drugs, the latter is causing most of the problems.

Having said that, on this page we will be discussing mainly the legal drugs and their classifications.

Table of Content

What are drugs, recommended videos, classification of drugs.

• Classification of Drugs on the basis of the Pharmacological Effect
• Classification of Drugs on the basis of Drug Action
• Classification of Drugs on the basis of Chemical Structure
• Classification of Drugs on the basis of Molecular Targets

By definition, drugs are chemical substances that affect or alter the physiology when taken into a living system. They can either be natural or synthetic.

Chemically, they are low atomic mass and molecular mass structures. When a drug is therapeutically active and is used for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease, it is called medicine (legal drugs). They target the macromolecules inside the body and generate a biological response. Most of them interrupt the nervous system (especially the brain) for the generation of a proper biological response. However, they can be toxic in higher doses and generally referred to as lethal doses.

Classification of drugs can be done on the basis of certain criteria. Some of them are given below.

Classification of Drugs on the basis of the Pharmacological Effect:

• How a drug or medicine affects or influences the cells of an organism is referred to as the pharmacological effect. Different types of drugs have various pharmacological effects on an organism.
• For example, an analgesic reduces pain while an anti-inflammatory drug reduces the inflammation of the body. Thus, drugs can be classified based on the pharmacological effect.

Read more about Analgesics – The drug to relieve pain .

Classification of Drugs on the basis of Drug Action:

• Different drugs act differently i.e., each drug has its own way of generating a response called drug action.
• Drug action is more specified according to how it generates a response. For example, there are lots of medicines to treat hypertension but each type of drug has different drug actions.
• All hypertension medicines reduce blood pressure but in a different pathway.

Classification of Drugs on the basis of Chemical Structure:

• This is a common classification of drugs. Generally, drugs that have the same drug action and pharmacological effect have a basic skeletal structure and a minute variation in the branching.
• This is why some drugs have more potential than others. For example, all sulphonamides have the same skeletal structure.

Classification of Drugs on the basis of Molecular Targets:

• Drugs target the macromolecules inside the body to generate a biological response.
• Such macromolecules are called target molecules or drug targets. Drugs that have the same mechanism of action will have the same target.
• This basis for the classification of drugs is more helpful during clinical trials.

For more details on the classification of drugs with video lessons, you can download BYJU’S – The Learning App.

Frequently asked questions-FAQs

1. name two strongest drugs..

Ans: Oxymorphone and hydromorphone are the strongest opioids.

2. Define mind altering drugs.

Ans: Various psychoactive substances that are used for their perception and mood altering effects are called mind altering drugs.

3. Give some examples of psychoactive substances.

Ans: LSD, caffeine, cocaine, alcohol.

4. Which drug is the most widely used mind altering drug in the world?

Ans: Alcohol.

5. Caffeine is a drug. Why?

Ans:  It stimulates the CNS and causes increased alertness.

• Drugs and Drug interactions

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz

Visit BYJU’S for all Chemistry related queries and study materials

Your result is as below

Request OTP on Voice Call

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post My Comment

those website have impressed me so much keep it up God will strengthen you people

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Classification Of Drugs Essays

Opioids and analgesic, popular essay topics.

• American Dream
• Artificial Intelligence
• Black Lives Matter
• Bullying Essay
• Career Goals Essay
• Causes of the Civil War
• Child Abusing
• Civil Rights Movement
• Community Service
• Cultural Identity
• Cyber Bullying
• Death Penalty
• Depression Essay
• Domestic Violence
• Freedom of Speech
• Global Warming
• Gun Control
• Human Trafficking
• I Believe Essay
• Immigration
• Importance of Education
• Israel and Palestine Conflict
• Leadership Essay
• Legalizing Marijuanas
• Mental Health
• National Honor Society
• Police Brutality
• Pollution Essay
• Racism Essay
• Romeo and Juliet
• Same Sex Marriages
• Social Media
• The Great Gatsby
• The Yellow Wallpaper
• Time Management
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Violent Video Games
• What Makes You Unique
• Why I Want to Be a Nurse
• Send us an e-mail

Home Essay Examples Health Drugs

Classification Of Drugs

• Category Health
• Subcategory Addiction
• Topic Drugs

 When it comes down to medication, there are many types of drugs people should be aware of. Patients who take medication should know exactly what the type of drug it is and what is its effect on a person’s body. There are several types of drugs and some are stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogen.

What exactly is a stimulant? Stimulants (also known as “uppers”), is a class substance that impact can impact an individual’s body. Uppers increase alertness, energy and attention, as well as elevated blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. A prime example of a stimulant would be caffeine. Caffeine does not only help someone stay awake but also can cause heartburn, muscle aches and various types of side effects. Another example of a stimulant is Adderall. Adderall is a form of amphetamine which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Patients who take Adderall will have effects like increased blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and decreased appetite. In additional to stimulants, cocaine is a powerful and very addictive substance. Cocaine increases the natural level of dopamine which is the brains hormone response for a potential reward. Cocaine affects the body by the increased body temperature, blood pressure, and faster heart rate.

Our writers can write you a new plagiarism-free essay on any topic

Depressants are often known as “downers”, is a type of drug that can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, relaxation, coma, and even death. One of the most popular depressants would be alcohol. Alcohol is one of the main ingredients found beer, wine or liquor. Consumption of too much alcohol will lead to slurred speech, heart damage, and many health problems. Another great example of a depressant would be cannabis. Cannabis also known as marijuana, it is used to produce hemp fiber and as medicine. Marijuana can induce effects like slowed reaction time, dizziness and breathing problems. Not only does cannabis effect reaction time but also Xanax. Xanax also known as alprazolam, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam can include both physical and mental symptoms such as drowsiness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.

Hallucinogen is a diverse type of drugs that can interfere with a person’s mood, sleep, memory and intensified feelings or experiences. Not only does hallucinogens effects a person’s mood but, also causes hallucination or sensations in a person’s perspective of reality that appear to be real when it is not. A great example of hallucinogen would lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). LSD is made from lysergic acid, which is found ergot. The effects of LSD can include an extreme change in mood; increased blood sugar, heart rate, and blood pressure. Another hallucinogen would be salvia. Salvia is an herb from the mint family often used for its hallucinogenic effects. Salvia can induce hallucinations, visual disturbances, dizziness and more. Another key point of hallucinogens would be psilocin. Psilocin is a compound that is naturally produced by hundreds of mushrooms. Effects of psilocin can include symptoms like hallucinations, psychotic reaction or impaired judgment.

There are several types of drugs people should be aware of such as stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. People who are aware of the consequences of drugs understands its harm on the body.

Works Cited

• The Recovery Village. (2018, April 18). Types of Drugs. Retrieved from The Recovery Village: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/types-of-drugs/   

We have 98 writers available online to start working on your essay just NOW!

Related Topics

Related essays.

By clicking "Send essay" you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

By clicking "Receive essay" you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

We can edit this one and make it plagiarism-free in no time

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Drug Classifications: Understand the Different Categories

Jump to Section

How Are Drugs Classified?

A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes.

There are five main categories of  drugs  based on their chemical ingredients and their effect on users.

1. Central Nervous System Depressants

These drugs tend to slow down the activity of the CNS. It is important to note that the term “depressant” describes the effect on the CNS, not mood.

• Examples are alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives.
• Noticeable signs of use include lethargy, lack of concentration, and excessive sleeping
• Addiction to depressants is common.
• Mixing barbiturates or tranquilizers is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.
• Withdrawal from barbiturate addiction can be challenging. It requires medical supervision.
• Nearly 50% of traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.

Addiction to CNS Depressants

Those who have become addicted to a prescription CNS depressant and stop using the drug abruptly may experience a withdrawal, which can begin as early as a few hours after the drug was last taken. Withdrawal symptoms from these drugs can be severe ad—in the case of certain medications—potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include seizures. Shakiness, anxiety, insomnia, and severe cravings.

People addicted to these medications should undergo medically supervised  detoxification  because the dosage they take should be tapered gradually. Counseling, either in an outpatient or inpatient program, can help people through this process.

One type of counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, focuses on modifying the person’s thinking, expectations, and behaviors while improving ways to cope with life’s stresses.

Often, CNS depressant misuse occurs along with the use of other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids. In those cases, the person should seek treatment that addresses polysubstance abuse.

2. Central Nervous System Stimulants

• Examples are  amphetamines  (diet pills, Ritalin and Methadrine), cocaine, caffeine.
• Some noticeable signs of stimulant use include abnormal cheerfulness or talkativeness, frequent urination, sleeping difficulty, and loss of appetite. Withdrawal signs may include depression, drowsiness, weakness, lack of interest, and hunger.
• Cocaine  caused over 80,000 emergency room visits nationwide last year.
• “Speed” is commonly being sold in middle and high schools today. Most of these sales involve pills that look like prescription amphetamines but are caffeine tablets. These pills are not as destructive as real speed, but teens often consume large quantities to produce the desired effect. Teens may then assume they can consume the same quantity of real speed and have a serious drug reaction.

Addiction to CNS Stimulants

When misusing a prescription stimulant, people can swallow the medicine in its normal form. Alternatively, they can crush tablets or open the capsules, dissolve the powder in water, and inject the liquid into a vein. Some can also snort or smoke the powder.

Stimulants increase the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is involved in the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors. Norepinephrine affects blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and breathing.

Misuse of prescription stimulants can lead to substance use disorder (SUD). Long term use can cause a person to develop a tolerance, which means that he or she needs higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effect. A SUD develops when continued use of the drug causes health, work, home or school issues. Individuals should discuss concerns with a health care provider.

Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management (motivational incentives), can be effective in helping people with prescription stimulant addiction.

3. Opiates and Opioids

• The most popular examples of opiates are heroin and morphine. Demerol, Darvon, and methadone are examples of  opioids . Opiates occur naturally while opioids are man-made drugs that create similar effects.
• These substances produce euphoria and a sense of well being—in effect, blocking out pain and problems. The user may experience sleepiness, lack of focus, and loss of appetite.
• Opiate abuse and addiction are rare among children, however, the use of Darvocet and similar prescription opioids is common.

Addiction to Opiates

In the 1990s, there was a push by public health officials to improve pain treatment in the United States. This push is what led to pain becoming the “fifth vital sign”. Medical staff was given the impression that pain should be relieved. Narcotics are excellent pain relievers and too often became the “go-to” treatment for pain. Although the effort was well-intentioned, the consequences are now apparent. The overuse of prescription opioids has been a significant contributor to the current “opioid epidemic.  Because doctors have needed to reduce opioid prescribing, many people have to turn to street dealers to get drugs. But prescription narcotics are expensive. So people have often switched to heroin, which is much cheaper. And dealers often lace street heroin with the even more dangerous drug fentanyl.  The beginning of treatment for addiction is  detoxification —a controlled and medically supervised withdrawal from the drug. Withdrawal symptoms—agitation, anxiety, tremors, hot and cold flashes, vomiting, and diarrhea—are not life-threatening but are incredibly uncomfortable. Evidence shows that methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone all reduce opioid use and opioid use disorder-related symptoms. They may reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission as well as criminal behavior associated with drug use. These medications also increase the likelihood that a person will remain in treatment, which itself is associated with a lower risk of overdose mortality, reduced risk of contracting an STD, reduced criminal justice involvement, and a higher likelihood of employment. The ultimate aim is to wean off the maintenance medication, but the treatment provider should make this decision jointly with the patient, and tapering the medicine must be done gradually. It may take months or years in some cases. Counseling is a mainstay of drug abuse treatment for many people. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family counseling, and other types of therapy can help a patient stay sober. Psychotherapy can also treat the other mental health conditions that often play a part in prescription drug abuse.

4. Hallucinogens

• Examples are LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), mescaline, peyote, and methamphetamine.
• These substances produce changes in perception, visual illusions, and alteration of the senses.
• A person under the influence of a hallucinogen may have difficulty concentrating, flights of disconnected ideas, and wide mood swings.
• MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a designer drug that young people think of as a harmless sexual stimulant. Other common names are “ecstasy,” “X-T-C,” “essence,” and “clarity.” In smokeable form, it is called “ice.” It is much more likely to produce drug-induced psychosis than crack cocaine and much more likely to produce destructive and violent outbursts.
• Much of what currently passes for LSD, mescaline, and other hallucinogens are PCP (a.k.a “angel dust”), a large animal tranquilizer. This is also an extremely dangerous drug that can cause violent reactions, long-term psychological effects, and even brain damage.
• When mescaline is in pill form, it is usually PCP and therefore very dangerous.

Addiction to Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their thoughts and feelings. They are commonly split into two categories: classic hallucinogens (such as LSD) and dissociative drugs (such as PCP).

Both types can cause hallucinations or sensations and images that seem real though they aren’t. Dissociative drugs can cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their bodies and environment.

Research suggests that classic hallucinogens work at least partially by temporarily disrupting communication between brain chemical systems throughout the brain and spinal cord. Some hallucinogens interfere with the action of the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates mood, sensory perception, sleep, and hunger.

Dissociative hallucinogenic drugs interfere with the brain’s chemical glutamate which regulates pain perception, responses to the environment, emotion, and learning and memory.

Although hallucinogens are not considered addictive because it doesn’t cause uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior, it does produce tolerance. Some users who take the drug repeatedly must take higher doses to achieve the same effect. This is extremely risky, given the unpredictability of the drugs.

There are no approved medications to treat addiction to hallucinogens.  Behavioral treatments  can be helpful for patients with a variety of addictions. But more research is necessary to find out if behavioral therapies are effective for addiction to hallucinogens.

5. Marijuana

This section includes psycho-active drugs that don’t fit into the other classifications but are psycho-active.

• The use of marijuana causes similar signs and symptoms as hallucinogens but to a lesser degree.
• Bloodshot, or red eyes are a sign of recent marijuana use. The possession of products such as Clear Eyes to cover eye irritation may be an indication of frequent use.
• Other signs of marijuana use are carrying rolling papers, having a small decorative pipe, frequently using Febreeze or other air cleaners, having a sudden craving for junk food, and having paper clips with burn marks.
• Many people consider marijuana to be the classic “gateway” drug. Continued use will often result in addicts moving on to other drugs.
• Volatile substances (glue, gasoline, paint).

Addiction to Marijuana

Marijuana use disorders appear to be very similar to other substance use disorders, although the long-term clinical outcomes may be less severe. On average, adults seeking treatment for marijuana use disorders have used marijuana nearly every day for more than 10 years and have attempted to quit more than six times.

People with marijuana use disorders, especially adolescents, often also suffer from other psychiatric disorders (dual diagnosis). They may also use or develop addictions to other substances, such as cocaine or alcohol.

Studies indicate that effectively treating the mental health disorder with standard treatments involving medications and behavioral therapies may help reduce marijuana use, particularly among those involved with heavy use and those with more chronic mental disorders.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy have shown promise in treating those individuals.

There are currently no medications for the treatment of marijuana use disorder, but research is active and ongoing.

Find out how we can help

Our compassionate counselors are standing by to answer any questions you may have. After helping thousands of people over the last 50 years, we have the resources to help you and your family and all your individual needs.

What Classes of Prescription Drugs Do People Most Commonly Misuse?

Opioids are medications that reduce the intensity of pain-signal perception. They have been used for centuries to treat pain cough and diarrhea. The most common modern use of opioids is to treat acute pain. However, since the 1990s, they have been increasingly used to treat chronic pain despite little evidence for their effectiveness when used long term.

In addition to relieving pain, opioids also activate reward regions in the brain, causing the euphoria that underlies the potential for misuse and substance use disorder.

Central Nervous System Depressants

CNS depressants include tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics, which are substances that can slow brain activity. This makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. Although the different classes of CNS depressants work in unique ways, it is through their ability to inhibit brain activity that they produce a drowsy or calming effect that is medically beneficial.

During the first few days of taking a depressant, a person usually feels sleepy and uncoordinated, but as the body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug and tolerance develops, these side effects begin to disappear. If one uses these drugs long term, he or she may need larger doses to achieve the medicinal effects.

Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy. They also elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Historically, people used stimulants to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments.

As the potential for abuse and addiction became more prominent, the amount of conditions treated with stimulants has gone down. Now, stimulants are prescribed for the treatment of only a few health conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) narcolepsy, and occasionally treatment-resistant depression.

Non-medical use of stimulants can induce a feeling of euphoria, and these medications increase blood pressure, heart rate, and constrict blood vessels. Also, taking high doses of a stimulant may result in dangerously high body temperature land an irregular heartbeat either the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures.

The increase in stimulant prescriptions over the last 20 years has led to their greater availability and increased risk for nonmedical use. Because many perceive them to be generally safe and effective, prescription stimulants such as Adderall are being misused more frequently.

Where Do You Fit In?

No matter your drug of choice, you can see that there are hazards and life-threatening dangers. Don’t wait to hit bottom. Research shows that the earlier individuals seek treatment, the better their chance at success and not relapsing.

If you or a loved one needs help, there is help waiting. Make the first step by calling us at (844) 443-1101. We at Discovery Institute have been helping families recover from addiction for over 40 years. We have provided personalized, compassionate, and effective treatment for over 7,000 individuals.  Contact us  now!

References:

www.depts.washington.edu

www.drugabuse.gov

www.harvard.edu

Get Help Now

Looking for addiction help for yourself or a loved one? Our professionally trained admissions coordinators are always available to assist you with any questions you might have.

Make a Referral

For professional client referrals, please call our helpline and ask to be directed to the outreach team. You can also submit a contact form below to schedule a call with us.

Schedule a Tour

If you are an addiction professional interested in our services, we would love to arrange a tour of our treatment facility with you.

Dr. Joseph Ranieri D.O. earned his BS in Pharmacy at Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1981 and His Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine Addiction Certification. Dr. Ranieri has lectured extensively to physicians, nurses, counselors and laypeople about the Disease of Addiction throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 2012.

GET IN TOUCH

We’re ready when you are..

Call 24/7 to have a discussion with one of our treatment professionals the call is completely free. Admission Line and explanation of convenient private phone and free prescreening.

Need Help? Contact Us

(732) 333-3167 | [email protected]

Schedule Your Admission

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

A drug (French-Drogue a dry herb) is defined as “any chemical agent which affects living protoplasm and is intended for use in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of disease.”

The prolonged use of drugs may lead to the dependence of the body on them, called drug addiction. The branch of science which deals with drugs is called “pharmacology” (Gk. Pharmacon-drug, logos-study).

Drug Addiction:

It is of three categories:

(a) Psychic dependence:

The addict becomes dependent on drugs and craves for it (i.e. tea/coffee).

(b) Physical dependence:

The body tissues need the presence of the drug in certain amount to maintain normal functions. Sudden withdrawal of the drug causes severe, unpleasant “withdrawal symptoms.”

(c) Tolerance:

It is the failure of an individual to respond to the ordinary dose of a drug on repetition. It may be due to the prolonged use of a drug.

• Classification of Drugs:
• Psychotropic Drugs:
• (A) Natural Hallucinogens:
• Social and Moral Implications:

Classification of Drugs :

According to their sources, drugs can be classified into following groups:

1. Inorganic:

These include mineral acids, metals, salts, non-metals etc.

2. Organic:

These are mainly of plant and animal origin i.e. they are mostly originated from leaves, roots, flowers, barks, seeds, pods and the juice or exudates (e.g. opium, belladona etc.) of plants or liver extracts, pepsin, hormones, bones etc. of animals. But according to addiction, drugs can be classified basing on their mode of action on the brain.

(A) Psychotropic Drugs:

“Psycho-pharmacology” is the branch of science which deals with psycho-active or psychotropic drugs. These drugs influence “mind”, mood, feeling, behaviour and power of perception. These are also called “Mood altering drugs” or “Neurological drugs”.

These are divided into the following categories:

1. Sedatives and Hypnotics

2. Opiate narcotics

3. Tranquillizers

4. Stimulants

5. Antidepressants

6. Biphasic (Alcohol) (“Refer Alcoholism”)

(B) Psychedelic or Hallucinogenic Drugs:

These drugs produce a syndrome (a number of symptoms) like psychological effects such as illusions, disturbances in thinking, moods and perception and hallucinations.

The main drugs are:

1. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

2. Mescalin

3. Psilocybin

4. PCP (Phenyl cyclohexyl piperidine)

5. Marijuana, Hashish, Bhang, Ganja, Charas etc.

Psychotropic Drugs :

1. sedatives and hypnotics:.

The sedatives depress the activities of the central nervous system. They give a feeling of calmness (sedative effect), relaxation and drowsiness (hypnotic effect) in the body. Barbiturates are synthetic drugs, derived from barbituric acid and are called “Sleeping Pills”.

2. Opiate narcotics:

These drugs suppress brain activity (narcosis) and relieve pain (analgesic). These are medically best pain killers but used with great caution for their addictive characters.

Some of the opiate narcotics are discussed below:

It is the white extract of unripe capsules of poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) which turns brown or black when exposed to air. These are smuggled in the form of cakes, brick or powder. It is mainly cultivated in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Turkey etc. The opium addicts becomes dull, loses weight and fertility. The overdose may lead to death. In the unavailability of the drug, “withdrawal symptoms” like muscle cramps, running nose, vomiting, epilepsy etc. are seen.

Some opium derivatives and synthetic drugs are:

(i) Morphine:

It is the most valuable, effective analgesic, derived from opium as colourless crystals or white crystalline powder. It is synthesized as hydrochlorides, sulphates, acetates and tartrate salts. It is administered by injection to relieve pain in cancer, internal hemorrhage, heart attacks etc. It causes addiction.

(ii) Codeine:

The opium contains 0.7 to 2.5% of codeine or Methyl morphine (Gk. Kodeia-head, head of poppy). It is a mild analgesic used in cough syrups. It can be administered by injection.

(iii) Heroin (Diacetylmorphine or Diamophine):

This white or brown, crystalline, semi synthetic compound is derived from morphine by acetylation. It is taken orally or inhaled or injected. Heroin is 4 to 8 times potent than morphine and 200 times stronger than opium and is highly addictive. It is a banned product. Heroin induces drowsiness, lethargy, impaired digestion, decreased weight, reduced vision, sterility and severe dullness. Use of unsterilised syringe and needle and adulterated heroin may lead to blood poisoning, serum hepatitis, formation of abcess and even AIDS.

(iv) Smack:

It is a crude by-product of heroin, called “brown sugar”. It is heated and inhaled. Smack is diacetylmorphine hydrochloride. It is stronger analgesic than morphine.

(v) Pethidine (Pentazocine hydrochloride or Pentazocine lactate):

It is a widely used narcotic analgesic. It has sedative and euphoric effects. It has local anaesthetic action.

(vi) Methadone:

It is a synthetic drug, obtained in the form of white powder. It is an orally effective analgesic, with slightly stronger and longer action than morphine. It is addictive, causing psychic and physical dependence, but withdrawal symptoms are mild. It is used during treatment in morphine and heroin addiction.

3. Tranquillizers:

These drugs lessen tension and anxiety. They promote calmness and soothing effect without sedation or depression. It does not induce sleep.

(a) Phenothiazines:

It is an antipsychotic drug, used to decrease aggression, remove anxiety and normalise thought in psychotic patients.

(b) Benzodiazepines:

It is an anti anxiety drug. Anxiety is an excessive disturbance of mind involving restlessness, tension, worry of some uncertain event, apprehension of danger and fear. It has more effectiveness and mild withdrawal symptoms with almost no side effects. (Ex Diazepam (Valium, Calmpose).

4. Stimulants:

The stimulants temporarily stimulate the central nervous system, inducing alertness, elevated mood, activeness, excitement. The withdrawal causes depression, anxiety and restlessness.

(A) Natural Stimulants:

(a) Caffeine (1, 3, 7 trimethylxanthine). This mild stimulant is derived from the leaves of tea plant (Thea chinesis) seeds of coffee plant (Coffea arabic) and seeds of coca plant (Theobroma cacao) as white powder. It simulates central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, kidneys etc. It is common taken as tea, coffee, coca and cola drinks.

It increases metabolic rate of neurons, such as alertness, activeness, decrease fatigue. It causes addiction. It shows withdrawal symptoms like headache, lethargy and disturbed sleep etc. (e.g. A cup of tea contains 30-75 mg of caffeine).

(b) Cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine):

This white, crystalline alkaloid is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of coca plant (Erythroxylum coca), a shrub of South America. It can be chewed, eaten, sniffed, taken as drink or injected. It is a local anaesthetic and central nervous system stimulant. When taken in small doses, it increases alertness, relief from fatigue. But prolonged, addictive, heavy doses can cause severe headache, convulsions and even death.

It is a potent smokable derivative of cocaine. It is highly addictive. It may cause complications of heart, nasopharynx and mental problems. (It is commonly called as “teeth” or “french fries”)

(d) Betelnut:

Kernel of betelnut (Areca catechu) is chewed extensively in India and Africa. It contains an alkaloid arecoline (C 8 H 13 NO 2 ) and a red tannin. It stains gums and teeth, and is mild nervous stimulant.

(B) Synthetic Stimulant:

(a) Amphetamines:

These are strong central nervous system stimulants which increases self confidence, excitement, alertness and wakefulness. They are mostly taken by students, truck drivers and night workers to keep them awake. It is used as a spray or inhalant for the relief of cold, asthma etc. It is a banned drug for “dope test” of athletics. High doses may cause mental confusion, nausea and vomiting.

5. Anti depressants:

These are most used for the treatment of severe cases of depression.

These are of four types:

(a) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)—e.g. Doxepin, Asendin etc.

(b) Newer Antidepressants—e.g. Celexa

(c) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) — e.g. Parnate

(d) Selective Serotonin reuptake Inhibitor (SSR) — e.g. Prozac.

6. Biphasic (Alcohol):

These are addicts of alcohol. Sometimes drug addicts take drugs and alcohol simultaneously to get rapid and strong effect.

Examples Effect:

(i) Alcohol and barbiturates — Increase depression

(ii) Alcohol and antihistamines — Increase drowsiness

(iii) Alcohol and Valium — Increase sedation

(iv) Alcohol and hashish — Decrease co-ordination of thought and action

(v) Alcohol and Aspirin — Damage the mucosa of stomach.

B. Psychedelic (or Hallucinogens):

The drugs cause hallucination (illusion of seeing objects, or hearing of sounds etc., not actually present) and change thoughts, feelings and perceptions of an individual. They include synthetic and natural hallucinogens from hemp plants.

(A) Natural Hallucinogens :

1. lsd (lysergic acid diethylamide):.

The most potent hallucinogen is a crystalline amidated alkaloid, obtained from the dried fruiting body (Sclerotium) of the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea, a parasitic ascomycetous fungus), parasite over Rye/wheat.

LSD is smoked by the addicts. It causes horrible dreams (or nightmares), hallucinations, floating sensation, chronic psychosis and severe damage to the central nervous system. It may bring about chromosomal and foetal abnormalities. Pathological conditions caused by eating grains affected by ergot are called ergotism. Medically, it is used to induce contraction of involuntary uterine muscles and for stopping haemorrhage etc.

2. Mescaline (Trimethoxyphenethylamine):

It is a white powdery alkaloid, derived from the flowering heads (called mescals) of a small, spineless, peyote or whisky cactus (Lophophora williamsii, found in Southwest United States and Northern Mexico). It causes hallucinations, change in mood, perception reveries (i.e. day dreams), delusions (i.e. false belief) and depersonalization (to lose one’s own reality) etc. It is inhaled or taken orally. It increases blood pressure and body temperature.

3. Psilocybin (or Indocybin):

It is obtained in liquid or powder form, from the fruiting bodies of Mexican mushroom (Psilocybe mexicana). This drug blocks the action of serotonin, of brain tissue, which initiates nerve impulse.

4. Products of Hemp Plant:

(Cannabis indica (Fig. 6 (C).1) and Cannabis sativa and C. Americana). The four drugs, such as bhang, ganja, charas and marijuana are obtained from hemp plant. Hemp plant, a herb, is a native of west and central Asia. It is cultivated and also grows wild in India. The active principle of hemp plant is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

It is obtained from leaves of C. indica. It is taken orally and is a mild, slow acting intoxicant. It is considered as poor man “heroin”. It causes hallucination.

It is obtained from dried, unfertilized flowering tops of the plant. It increases hallucination, when smoked.

(c) Charas:

It is obtained from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It is smoked.

(d) Marijuana:

It is derived from the dried flowering tops of the hemp plant. It is smoked. It is very potent.

(e) Hashish:

It is obtained from the drying resins of hemp plant. It is more powerful. The products of hemp plant contain THC along with cannabinon, cannabinine and tetano-cannabinine. These are sedatives or analgesics. The THC induces pleasure, but higher doses causes visual hallucinations, anxiety, depression, psychosis, reddening of eyes, dryness of throat and mouth, drowsiness etc.

Social and Moral Implications :

1. It is considered as a social stigma i.e. a mark of disgrace in the society.

2. Drug addicts are not accepted by friends, collegues and relatives.

3. People avoid and ignore them.

4. The addicts deprieve their families of basic necessities. Their family becomes unhappy and children are likely to turn unsocial.

5. They are considered as inefficient and unreliable workers by the employers.

6. They get themselves involved with smugglers to get drugs from illegal sources and become associated with social evils, corruption and crime.

7. They resort to begging, burrowing or stealing to purchase drugs.

8. They are hated by people and ignored by family members. They do not get moral strength to restrain their children from adopting to drugs.

According to report of WHO, about 500 lacs drug addicts are there in this world. Among them 300 lacs take marijuana, 80 lacs cocaine, 70 lacs consume opium, 7 lacs take heroine and rest use other drugs.

Related Articles:

• 5 Important Drugs Obtained from Plants | Biology
• Drug Addiction: Causes, Prevention and De-addiction
• Useful Notes on Psychotropic and Psychedelic Habituating Drugs
• Essay on the Prevention and Control to Drug Addiction

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Peer Pressure — Drugs: Causes and Effects

Drugs: Causes and Effects

• Categories: Mental Health Peer Pressure

About this sample

Words: 1209 |

Published: Mar 25, 2024

Words: 1209 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

• Expert in: Nursing & Health Social Issues

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 794 words

3 pages / 1279 words

2 pages / 820 words

2 pages / 1131 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Peer Pressure

Depression and anxiety are commonly referred to as the "invisible illnesses" that affect many college students today. These mental health disorders can have profound effects on students' academic performance, social [...]

Social pressure is a powerful force that can shape individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. It refers to the influence that society, peers, and other groups have on an individual's actions and beliefs. This pressure can [...]

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the way information was disseminated and had a profound impact on society, culture, and the spread of knowledge. This essay will [...]

Arterial pressure, also known as blood pressure, is a critical physiological parameter that is closely linked to the overall health and well-being of an individual. It is a measure of the force exerted by the blood against the [...]

By definition, peer pressure is social pressure by members of one's peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform to be accepted. Everyone, during a period of their life, experiences peer [...]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a movie based on the novel written by Stephen Chbosky. It features a socially awkward boy named Charlie trying his best to fit in at high school, after a traumatic childhood. Perks is a [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Home / Essay Samples / Health / Pharmacology / Classification Of Drugs According To Pharmacological Effect

Classification Of Drugs According To Pharmacological Effect

• Category: Health , Economics
• Topic: Data Analysis , Pharmacology , Pharmacy

Pages: 2 (1032 words)

Views: 2496

• Downloads: -->
• Depressants: Drugs taken to relieve anxiety and control sleeping. They act on central nervous system to slow down brain’s activity. It leads to drop in blood pressure and can cause psychological problems. E.g., thiopental, cannabis.
• Inhalants: Taken among inhalation, it can be misused by children and adolescent as it may exist as vapors or housing items, after first inhaling symptoms appear which maybe vomiting, nausea, headache. E.g., gasoline or pen ink. Chemotherapeutic drugs: Drugs attack specific organisms that cause certain disease and act to illuminate this disease without harming the host. E.g., cancer disease.
• Pharmacodynamics drugs: Drugs that affect cell activity by stimulating and increasing its activity, or by suppressing and depressing its action. E.g., inverse agonist.
• Stimulants: Drugs that can cause both desired and undesired moods. It can affect attention, focusing and coordination; also it can lead to anger, and feeling paranoid at same time. The greater consumption the greater the risk will be. E.g., drugs as cocaine, alcohols, and amphetamine which causes physical disorders.

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Pharmacy Essays

Budgeting Essays

Consumerism Essays

Income Inequality Essays

Microeconomics Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->