Prescription drugs can be primarily classified by type or mode of action in the body, active ingredient and chemical type. A medication may belong to more than one class and each class has several subclasses or groups. All prescription drugs are pharmaceutical chemical medications intended for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention or cure of an illness, disorder, symptom or disease.
Classes
Prescription medications are classed in a number of complex ways. These classifications systems vary and include their therapeutic effect on the body, chemical properties, mode or route of administration and the body or organ system effected. For example, Drugs.com arranges medication classes in several ways including their action. In this method prescription could be classified as antipyretics for the treatment of fever, analgesics for pain, antimalarial, antibiotics and antiseptics for wound cleaning. Other classifications systems refer to the area of the body that is treated such as gastrointestinal medications, which would include antacids and laxatives. By this method cardiovascular medications would include hypertension or high blood pressure drugs, anti-arrhythmics and coagulation drugs for blood clotting.
Pharmacology
Medical pharmacology is the study of how prescription and other drugs interact with the human body. Pharmacology is also used to classify prescription drugs. As explained in the text "Medical Pharmacology at a Glance," it is divided into two subclasses: pharmacodynamics, the affects of the drug on the body, and pharmacokinetics, the way the body affects the drug over time through absorption, metabolism and secretion.
Abuse
There are generally three classes of drugs that are the most commonly abused due to their chemical effects. The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists these as opioids, which are prescribed for pain, stimulants, which are prescribed to treat sleep disorders, anxiety and attention deficit disorder, and central nervous system depressants, which are prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders.
Opioids
Opioids are one of the oldest classes of drugs and are generally prescribed for their analgesic or pain-relieving properties. Morphine, codeine and oxycodone are the most common opioids. These drugs are prescribed under brand name labels such as Kadian, Avinza, OxyContin, Percodan and Percocet. Morphine is a powerful painkiller and is often prescribed after surgical procedures. Codeine is generally used for mild pain and for its side effects of relieving coughs and diarrhea.
All medications in the class of opioids effect the brain and body by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract. Side effects of opioids include drowsiness, nausea and constipation. Opioids are also highly addictive because they can induce euphoria by affecting pleasure regions of the brain. NIDA warns that an overdose or excessive use can also cause potentially fatal effects such as decreased respiration.
Depressants
Central nervous system depressants include the prescription medications barbiturates, benzodiazepines and general anesthetics. NIDA notes that alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant and has similar effects. These medications are powerful and should not be mixed with opioids as severe, life-threatening consequences can result.
References
- Drugs.com: Drug Classes
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: What is prescription drug abuse?
- "Medical Pharmacology at a Glance"; Michael Neal; London, 2002
