Here is the list of medical drug classes based on their functions:
1. Analgesics
2. Antibiotics
3. Antivirals
4. Antifungals
5. Antiparasitics
6. Antihypertensives
7. Antiarrhythmics
8. Anticoagulants
9. Antiplatelets
10. Antidepressants
11. Antipsychotics
12. Anxiolytics
13. Hypnotics
14. Antiemetics
15. Antidiabetics
16. Antiseptics
17. Bronchodilators
18. Corticosteroids
19. Diuretics
20. Statins
21. Anticonvulsants
22. Immunosuppressants
23. Vaccines
24. proton pump inhibitors
25. H2 Blockers
26. Laxatives
27. Antacids
28. Antihistamines
29. Decongestants
30. Chemotherapeutics
31. Hormones
32. Antispasmodics
33. Sedatives
34. Erythropoiesis Stimulators
We are going to dive in one after the other in order to explain their functions, for example, common side effects, and their uses and dosages.
Here is a condensed list of major drug classes with their mechanisms of action, examples, and overdose management:
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1. Analgesics
Examples: paracetamol, ibuprofen, morphine, aspirin, and codeine.
Uses: pain relief, fever reduction, inflammation control.
Mechanism: Block pain pathways, reduce inflammation, or bind to opioid receptors to suppress pain.
Overdose: liver damage (paracetamol), gastrointestinal bleeding (NSAIDs), respiratory depression (opioids).
Treatment: activated charcoal (recent ingestion), antidotes like naloxone for opioids, hydration for NSAIDs, and N-acetylcysteine for paracetamol overdose.
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2. Antibiotics
Examples: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Doxycycline, and Metronidazole.
Uses: Treat bacterial infections.
Mechanism: inhibit cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication in bacteria.
Overdose: gastrointestinal issues, kidney or liver damage.
Treatment: activated charcoal, supportive care, monitoring organ function.
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3. Antivirals
Examples: Acyclovir, Oseltamivir, Remdesivir, Zidovudine, Sofosbuvir.
Uses: Treat viral infections like HIV, flu, herpes, and COVID-19.
Mechanism: Block viral replication, entry, or release.
Overdose: neurological effects, liver or kidney toxicity.
Treatment: supportive care; dialysis in severe cases; hydrate.
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4. Antifungals
Examples: fluconazole, amphotericin B, terbinafine, clotrimazole, and caspofungin.
Uses: Treat fungal infections.
Mechanism: Disrupt fungal cell wall, membrane, or DNA synthesis.
Overdose: liver/kidney toxicity, gastrointestinal issues.
Treatment: activated charcoal, hydration, monitoring liver/kidney function.
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5. Antihypertensives
Examples: lisinopril, amlodipine, metoprolol, losartan, and hydrochlorothiazide.
Uses: Lower blood pressure in hypertension.
Mechanism:
ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril): inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine): Relax blood vessels.
Beta-blockers (Metoprolol): slow heart rate and reduce workload.
Overdose: hypotension, bradycardia, dizziness.
Treatment: supportive care, intravenous fluids, monitoring blood pressure.
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6. Antidiabetics
Examples: Insulin, Metformin, Glipizide, Liraglutide, Pioglitazone.
Uses: Control blood sugar in diabetes.
Mechanism:
Insulin promotes glucose uptake into cells.
Metformin: Reduces glucose production by the liver.
Sulfonylureas (Glipizide): stimulate insulin release.
Overdose: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Treatment: Oral glucose, IV dextrose for severe cases, glucagon injection if unconscious.
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7. Antidepressants
Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, and duloxetine.
Uses: Treat depression, anxiety, and related disorders.
Mechanism:
SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline): Increase serotonin levels.
TCAs (Amitriptyline): Block reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Overdose: cardiotoxicity (TCAs), serotonin syndrome (SSRIs).
Treatment: gastric lavage, IV fluids, and monitoring for serotonin syndrome (hyperthermia, agitation).
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8. Antipsychotics
Examples: olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol, quetiapine, and clozapine.
Uses: Treat psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Mechanism: Block dopamine receptors in the brain.
Overdose: sedation, hypotension, arrhythmias.
Treatment: activated charcoal, IV fluids, and cardiovascular monitoring.
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9. Anticoagulants
Examples: Warfarin, Heparin, Dabigatran, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban.
Uses: Prevent blood clots (e.g., in stroke, DVT).
Mechanism:
Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Heparin inhibits thrombin and factor Xa.
Overdose: bleeding, hemorrhage.
Treatment:
Warfarin: Administer vitamin K or fresh frozen plasma.
Heparin: Administer protamine sulfate.
Use tranexamic acid for severe bleeding.
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10. Antiemetics
Examples: Ondansetron, Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine, Dimenhydrinate.
Uses: Treat nausea and vomiting (e.g., post-surgery, chemotherapy).
Mechanism: Block serotonin or dopamine receptors in the gut and brain.
Overdose: sedation, drowsiness, dizziness.
Treatment: Supportive care, maintain hydration, and treat symptoms.
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11. Bronchodilators
Examples: Albuterol, Salmeterol, Ipratropium, Theophylline.
Uses: Treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Mechanism:
Beta-agonists (Albuterol, Salmeterol): Relax bronchial smooth muscle.
Anticholinergics (Ipratropium): Block acetylcholine receptors, reducing bronchoconstriction.
Overdose: tachycardia, tremors, anxiety.
Treatment: beta-blockers for tachycardia (use with caution), sedation.
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12. Diuretics
Examples: furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and spironolactone.
Uses: Remove excess fluid in conditions like heart failure and kidney disease.
Mechanism: Increase urine production by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.
Overdose: dehydration, electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment: Rehydration, electrolyte correction (potassium or sodium), monitoring kidney function.
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13. Anticonvulsants
Examples: phenolytoin, valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam.
Uses: prevent seizures; manage epilepsy.
Mechanism: stabilize neuronal membranes and inhibit abnormal electrical activity.
Overdose: sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension.
Treatment: supportive care, IV fluids, and monitoring vital signs.
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14. Anxiolytics
Examples: Diazepam, Lorazepam, Buspirone.
Uses: Treat anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Mechanism:
Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Lorazepam): Enhance the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.
Buspirone stimulates serotonin receptors.
Overdose: sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension.
Treatment: Administer flumazenil for benzodiazepine overdose; provide supportive care for others.
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15. Steroids (Corticosteroids)
Examples: prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone.
Uses: Treat inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and allergies.
Mechanism: Suppress the immune system and inflammation.
Overdose: Cushing's syndrome, immunosuppression.
Treatment: gradual tapering to prevent withdrawal symptoms; symptomatic management of side effects.
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16. Mood Stabilizers
Examples: lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine.
Uses: Treat bipolar disorder and mood swings.
Mechanism: Modulate neurotransmitter activity.
Overdose: lithium toxicity (e.g., tremors, confusion), CNS depression.
Treatment: For lithium: dialysis, supportive care, hydration, monitor electrolytes.
17. Antihistamines (continued)
Treatment (continued):
Supportive care: IV fluids and monitoring vital signs.
For severe symptoms, anticholinergic effects can be managed with physostigmine in certain cases.
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18. Antacids
Examples: calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate.
Uses: relieve heartburn, indigestion, and gastric acid reflux.
Mechanism: Neutralize stomach acid by raising pH.
Overdose: electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypercalcemia, hypermagnesemia).
Treatment: hydration, monitoring electrolyte levels, and adjusting dosages accordingly.
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19. Antiarrhythmics
Examples: amiodarone, lidocaine, metoprolol, sotalol, and dofetilide.
Uses: Treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Mechanism:
Amiodarone inhibits potassium, sodium, and calcium channels, slowing heart rate.
Lidocaine: Blocks sodium channels, stabilizing heart rhythms.
Overdose: Bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias.
Treatment: Use atropine or isoproterenol for bradycardia and supportive care for other symptoms.
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20. Muscle Relaxants
Examples: Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, Methocarbamol, and Tizanidine.
Uses: Treat muscle spasms and spasticity in neurological disorders.
Mechanism: Work centrally on the spinal cord or brain to reduce muscle tone.
Overdose: sedation, hypotension, respiratory depression.
Treatment: supportive care, intravenous fluids, respiratory support if needed.
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21. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Examples: Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole.
Uses: Reduce stomach acid production in conditions like GERD and peptic ulcers.
Mechanism: Block the proton pump in the stomach lining, reducing gastric acid secretion.
Overdose: gastrointestinal upset, hypomagnesemia, kidney issues.
Treatment: symptomatic care, intravenous fluids, and magnesium supplementation if needed.
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22. Cholesterol-Lowering Agents (Statins)
Examples: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, and Pravastatin.
Uses: lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Mechanism: Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for cholesterol production.
Overdose: muscle pain (myopathy), liver toxicity.
Treatment: discontinue statin, monitor liver enzymes, and treat muscle symptoms with hydration.
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23. Antithyroid Drugs
Examples: methimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU), iodine-131.
Uses: Treat hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid hormone production.
Mechanism: inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.
Overdose: hypothyroidism, skin rashes, liver toxicity.
Treatment: Discontinue drug; administer thyroid hormone replacement if necessary.
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24. Anticonvulsants
Examples: phenol, valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and carbamazepine.
Uses: prevent seizures, treat epilepsy.
Mechanism: stabilize neuronal membranes and prevent abnormal electrical activity.
Overdose: Drowsiness, respiratory depression, hypotension.
Treatment: activated charcoal, IV fluids, and monitoring vital signs.
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25. Glucocorticoids
Examples: prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone.
Uses: Treat inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.
Mechanism: Suppress immune system responses and inflammation.
Overdose: Cushing’s syndrome, immunosuppression, weight gain.
Treatment: gradual tapering of dosage, supportive care for symptoms.
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26. Prokinetics
Examples: metoclopramide, domperidone.
Uses: Treat gastrointestinal disorders like delayed gastric emptying, GERD.
Mechanism: Increase motility in the gastrointestinal tract by enhancing acetylcholine release.
Overdose: extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation.
Treatment: Diphenhydramine for extrapyramidal symptoms, symptomatic care.
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27. Hormonal Agents
Examples: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, levothyroxine, and insulin.
Uses: replace or block hormones; treat endocrine disorders.
Mechanism: mimic or block natural hormones in the body.
Overdose: hormonal imbalance, fluid retention, hyperglycemia, or hypothyroidism.
Treatment: hormone level monitoring, adjusted dosage, supportive care.
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28. Immunosuppressants
Examples: cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, and tacrolimus.
Uses: prevent organ rejection after transplants; treat autoimmune diseases.
Mechanism: Suppress immune system activity to prevent rejection.
Overdose: increased risk of infections, organ toxicity, liver damage.
Treatment: reduce dosage, treat infections, monitor liver and kidney function.
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29. Antiemetics
Examples: Ondansetron, Metoclopramide, and Prochlorperazine.
Uses: Control nausea and vomiting (e.g., after chemotherapy or surgery).
Mechanism: Block serotonin receptors (Ondansetron) or dopamine receptors (Metoclopramide).
Overdose: Drowsiness, dizziness, extrapyramidal symptoms.
Treatment: activated charcoal, symptomatic care, and hydrate.
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30. Antiparkinsonian Drugs
Examples: Levodopa, Carbidopa, Bromocriptine, Pramipexole.
Uses: Treat Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Mechanism: Increase dopamine levels in the brain or mimic dopamine.
Overdose: dyskinesia (involuntary movements), confusion, hallucinations.
Treatment: Adjust dosage, discontinue drug if needed, and provide symptomatic care.
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31. Antimalarials
Examples: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, artemisinin, and mefloquine.
Uses: Treat and prevent malaria.
Mechanism: Inhibit the growth of Plasmodium parasites in red blood cells.
Overdose: headache, dizziness, nausea, retinopathy.
Treatment: Supportive care, monitor for retinopathy, and adjust dosages.
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32. Vasodilators
Examples: nitroglycerin, hydralazine, isosorbide dinitrate, and minoxidil.
Uses: Treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure.
Mechanism: Relax blood vessels, reducing the heart’s workload.
Overdose: hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness.
Treatment: supportive care, IV fluids, monitoring blood pressure.
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33. Antacids and H2 antagonists
Examples: Ranitidine, Famotidine, Cimetidine (H2 blockers), Calcium carbonate (antacid).
Uses: Reduce stomach acid in GERD, ulcers, or gastritis.
Mechanism:
H2 blockers: inhibit histamine receptors that trigger acid production.
Antacids: neutralize stomach acid.
Overdose: electrolyte imbalances, kidney stones.
Treatment: Adjust dosages, hydrate, and monitor kidney function.
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34. Erectile dysfunction drugs
Examples: Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil.
Uses: Treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Mechanism: Increase blood flow to the penis by inhibiting PDE5.
Overdose: severe hypotension, vision changes.
Treatment: IV fluids, monitor blood pressure, and provide symptomatic care.
This compressed guide includes 34 drug classes with their uses, mechanisms, overdose risks, and treatment. Each drug class serves a specific purpose, and understanding how they work in the body helps manage side effects and overdoses effectively. Let me know if you need any more information!
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