what is medicines? Classification of medicine.

 Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barkatuhu, I hope you are well. The topic that I will discuss briefly today is-

what is medicines? Classification of medicine.

**Medicines** are substances used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure illnesses and diseases. They can also help relieve symptoms or maintain the body's functions. Medicines come in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, injections, and topical applications.

### Classification of Medicines:

Medicines can be classified in various ways based on their **function**, **origin**, or **mode of action**:

1. **By Function/Usage:**

   - **Preventive**: Used to prevent diseases (e.g., vaccines).

   - **Curative**: Used to treat or cure diseases (e.g., antibiotics for infections).

   - **Palliative**: Used to relieve symptoms without curing the disease (e.g., pain relievers).

   - **Diagnostic**: Used to diagnose a condition (e.g., contrast agents for imaging).

2. **By Origin:**

   - **Natural**: Derived from plants, animals, or minerals (e.g., morphine from opium poppy).

   - **Synthetic**: Chemically manufactured in labs (e.g., aspirin).

   - **Biological**: Made from living organisms or their products (e.g., insulin, vaccines).

3. **By Pharmacological Class (Mode of Action):**

   - **Analgesics**: Pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen).

   - **Antibiotics**: Fight bacterial infections (e.g., amoxicillin, penicillin).

   - **Antivirals**: Treat viral infections (e.g., acyclovir).

   - **Antifungals**: Treat fungal infections (e.g., fluconazole).

   - **Antihypertensives**: Lower blood pressure (e.g., beta-blockers).

   - **Diuretics**: Help the body get rid of excess fluid (e.g., furosemide).

   - **Antidepressants**: Treat depression and anxiety (e.g., SSRIs).

   - **Antihistamines**: Treat allergic reactions (e.g., diphenhydramine).

4. **By Prescription Requirement:**

   - **Over-the-Counter (OTC)**: Can be purchased without a prescription (e.g., aspirin, antacids).

   - **Prescription**: Require a doctor's prescription (e.g., antibiotics, antidepressants).

5. **By Form:**

   - **Oral**: Taken by mouth (e.g., tablets, capsules).

   - **Topical**: Applied on the skin (e.g., creams, ointments).

   - **Injectable**: Administered through injections (e.g., insulin).

   - **Inhalable**: Administered through inhalation (e.g., asthma inhalers).

These classifications help doctors, pharmacists, and patients understand the various purposes and uses of different medications.

Thanks all.