Pharmacology
From Wikimd
Pharmacology is the study of medicinal substances called pharmaceuticals. The field encompasses drug composition, drug properties, interactions, toxicology, and desirable effects that can be used in therapy of diseases.
Greek : pharmacon - drug, logos - science.
Medication drugs have to be approved by drug regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This field is called regulatory affairs. The International Conference on Harmonisation works in the standardisation for this.
Pharmaceuticals may be provided in a number of different pharmacological forms. Probably the most familiar are pills, in tablet and capsule form.
There are various classification systems for medicinal products including the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System.
Classes of medicinal products
For the gastrointestinal tract or digestive system
antacid, reflux suppressant, antiflatulent, antidopaminergic, antispasmodic, proton pump inhibitor, H2 antagonists, cytoprotectant, prostaglandin analogue, laxative, antidiarrhoeal, bile acids, opioid
For the cardiovascular system
ACE inhibitor, cardiac glycoside, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, nitrate, antiarrhythmic, beta-receptor blocker, antianginal, diuretic, antihypertensive, calcium channel blocker, alpha blocker, vasodilator, peripheral activator, anticoagulant, heparin, antiplatelet drug, fibrinolytic, haemostatic drug, hypolipidaemic agent, statin.
For the central nervous system
hypnotic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antidepressant (including tricyclic antidepressants), anti-emetic, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, movement disorder drug, stimulant, barbiturate, benzodiazepine, cyclopyrrolone, dopamine antagonist, antihistamine, anticholinergic, emetic, cannabinoids, 5-HT antagonist, amphetamine, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, lithium salt, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
For pain
analgesic, antipyretic, migraine treatment drug
NSAIDs, opioid analgesic
For musculo-skeletal disorders
NSAIDs, muscle relaxant, neuromuscular drug
anticholinesterase, COX-2 inhibitor
For endocrine problems
androgen, antiandrogen, gonadotropin, corticosteroid, growth hormone, insulin, antidiabetic, thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs, calcitonin, diphosponate, vasopressin analogues
For the reproductive system or urinary system
antifungal, alkalising agent, quinolones, antibiotic, cholinergic, anticholinergic, anticholinesterase, antispasmodic, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, selective alpha-1 blocker
For infections and infestations
antibiotic, antifungal, antileprotic, antituberculous drug, antimalarial, anthelmintic, amoebicide, antiviral, antiprotozoal
For immunology
vaccine, immunoglobulin, immunosuppressant, interferon, monoclonal antibody
For nutrition
tonic, iron preparation, electrolyte, parenteral nutritional supplement, vitamins, anti-obesity drug, anabolic drug, haematopoietic drug, food product drug
For the respiratory system
bronchodilator, NSAIDs, anti-allergic, antitussive, mucolytic, decongestant
corticosteroid, beta-receptor antagonist, anticholinergic, steroid
For the ear, nose and oropharynx
sympathomimetic, antihistamine, anticholinergic, NSAIDs, steroid, antiseptic, local anesthetic, antifungal, cerumenolytic
For the eye
anti-infective, topical antibiotic, astringent, NSAIDs, miotics, adrenergic neurone blocker, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, ocular lubricant, mydriatic
For allergic disorders
anti-allergic, antihistamine, NSAIDs
For the skin
emollient, anti-pruritic, antifungal, disinfectant, scabicide, pediculicide, tar products, vitamin A derivatives, vitamin D analogue, keratolytic, abrasive, systemic antibiotic, topical antibiotic, hormones, desloughing agent, exudate absorbant, fibrinolytic, proteolytic, sunscreen, antiperspirant
For contraception
contraceptive, oral contraceptives, spermicide, depot contraceptives
For obstetrics and gynaecology
NSAIDs, anticholinergic, haemostatic drug, antifibrinolytic, Hormone Replacement Therapy, bone regulator, beta-receptor agonist, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH
gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonist, oestrogen, prostaglandin, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen, Diethylstilbestrol
For neoplastic disorders
cytotoxic drug, sex hormones, aromatase inhibitor, somatostatin inhibitor, recombinant interleukin, GM-CSF, G-CSF, erythropoietin, IL-11
For diagnostics
Drugs found to have serious side effects and withdrawn
Diethylstilbestrol, cerivastatin (2001), fenfluramine (1997), dexfenfluramine (1997), troglitazone (2000), rofecoxib (2004)
