Medicines occupy a vital place in modern medicine, providing prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. The variety of medicines is impressive, and they can be classified according to various criteria.
- By method of use:
- Oral medications . Used for oral administration. These include tablets, capsules, syrups and suspensions. This method is convenient for most patients and allows the active substance to be delivered directly to the gastrointestinal tract. By the way, canada pharmacy drugs are available on the page of a specialized website.
- Parenteral drugs . They are administered bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, most often through injections (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous). They ensure faster and more complete absorption of active substances.
- Inhalation drugs . They enter the body through the respiratory tract using inhalers or nebulizers. This method is especially effective in treating diseases of the respiratory system.
- External preparations . They are applied to the skin or mucous membranes and include ointments, creams, gels, patches and solutions. They are intended for local treatment and minimize systemic effects on the body.
- By origin:
- Chemicals . They are synthesized in laboratories and consist of individual chemicals. Examples include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers.
- Biological drugs . Obtained from living organisms or their tissues. This category includes vaccines, serums, monoclonal antibodies and enzymes.
- Herbal medicines . Based on plant extracts and using natural ingredients for the treatment and prevention of diseases. They can be either traditional medicine or elements of complementary therapy.
- According to pharmacological action:
- Antibiotics . Used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
- Analgesics . Painkillers that help relieve pain of various origins.
- Antipyretics . Means that reduce elevated body temperature.
- Antihypertensive drugs . Prescribed to lower blood pressure.
- Hypoglycemic agents . Used to control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
- Antiviral drugs . Aimed at preventing or treating viral infections.
- By release form:
- Tablets and capsules . The most common forms for oral administration, allowing precise dosing and convenient storage.
- Solutions and suspensions . Can be used for oral administration, injection, inhalation or external use. Solutions can be aqueous or alcoholic, and suspensions are distinguished by suspended particles of the active substance.
- Ointments, gels and creams . Used on the skin and mucous membranes for local treatment of inflammation, infections and damage.
- Plasters . Provide a prolonged and controlled release of the active substance through the skin.
- According to the mechanism of action:
- Symptomatic drugs . Aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the disease without affecting its cause. For example, antipyretics and painkillers.
- Etiotropic drugs . They act directly on the cause of the disease. Examples include antibiotics and antiviral drugs.
- Pathogenetic drugs . Aimed at blocking the mechanism of disease development. An example is immunomodulators, which affect the body's immune responses.
Innovation in pharmacology continues today, leading to the creation of new and improved drugs that can more effectively treat dangerous diseases and improve the quality of life of patients.