Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs: These are medications that can be purchased without a prescription. They are generally used for minor ailments and symptoms, such as pain relief, cold and flu symptoms, and allergies.
Prescription drugs: These medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider. They are typically used for more serious conditions that require diagnosis and monitoring by a healthcare professional.
Generic drugs: These are medications that contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs. They are usually cheaper because they are not marketed under a brand name.
Brand-name drugs: These medications are sold under a specific brand name by a pharmaceutical company. They are often more expensive than generic drugs due to the costs associated with research, development, and marketing.
Biologics: These are medications made from living organisms or their products. They are often used to treat complex conditions such as autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Vaccines: These are biological preparations that provide active acquired immunity to a particular disease. Vaccines are crucial in preventing infectious diseases and are administered through injections or oral routes.
Antibiotics: These are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. They are essential in combating various bacterial illnesses.
Antivirals: These medications are used to treat viral infections by inhibiting the replication of viruses or by strengthening the immune response against viral agents.
Antifungals: These medications are used to treat fungal infections by targeting fungal cells or inhibiting their growth.
Antiparasitic drugs: These medications are used to treat infections caused by parasites, such as malaria or intestinal worms.
Pain relievers: These medications include analgesics (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen) used to alleviate pain and reduce fever.
Hormones: These medications regulate bodily functions and processes by mimicking or inhibiting the action of natural hormones. They are used in various conditions from hormone replacement therapy to contraception.
Cardiovascular drugs: These medications are used to treat conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Psychotropic drugs: These medications affect the mind, emotions, and behavior. They include antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications), and mood stabilizers.
Immunosuppressants: These medications suppress the immune system and are used in conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as autoimmune diseases and organ transplant recipients.
Respiratory drugs: These medications are used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.