Pharmacology

Pharmacology is a branch of science about medicinal substances, called pharmaceuticals, or simply "drugs". The field encompases 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. This field is called regulatory affairs. The International Conference on Harmonisation (http://www.ich.org) works in the standardisation for this.

There are various classification systems for medicinal products including ATC classification.

Classes of medicinal products:

For the Gastrointestinal Tract
(see also Digestive system) antacid, reflux suppressant, antiflatulent, antidopaminergic, antispasmodic, proton pump inhibitor, cytoprotectant, prostaglandin analogue, laxative, antidiarrhoeal, colorectal agent, pancreatic enzyme, bile acids

For the Cardiovascular System
ACE inhibitor, cardiac glycoside, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, nitrate, antiarrhythmic, Beta blocker, antianginal, diuretic, antihypertensive, Ca plus plus antagonist, Alpha blocker, vasodilator, antihistamine, peripheral activator, anticoagulant, heparin, antiplatelet drug, fibrinolytic, haemostatic drug, hypolipidaemic agent, statin.

For the Central Nervous System
hypnotic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antidepressant anti-emetic, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, movement disorder drug, CNS stimulant
barbiturate, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepine, cyclopyrrolone, dopamine antagonist, antihistamine, anticholinergic, cannabinoids, 5HT antagonist, amphetamine, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, lithium salt, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

For Pain
analgesic, antipyretic, migraine treatment drug
NSAIDs, narcotic analgesic

For Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
NSAIDs, muscle relaxant, neuromuscular drug
anticholinesterase

For Endocrine problems
androgen, antiandrogen, gonadotropin, corticosteroid, growth hormone, insulin, antidiabetic, thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs, calcitonin, diphosponate, vasopressin analogues

For the Genito-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

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 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, contraceptive devices, spermicide, depot contraceptives

For Obstetrics and Gynaecology
NSAIDs, anticholinergic, haemostatic drug, antifibrinolytic, Hormone Replacement Therapy, bone regulator, Beta agonist, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, LHRH
gamolenic acid, gonadotropin release inhibitor, progestogen, dopamine agonist, oestrogen, prostaglandin, gonadorelin, clomiphene, tamoxifen

For Neoplastc disorders
cytotoxic drug, sex hormones, aromatase inhibitor, somatostatin inhibitor, recombinant interleukin

For diagnostics
contrast media

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Types of Pharmacological Preparations

Pharmaceuticals may be provided in a number of different pharmacology forms. Probably the most familiar are tablets and capsules, colloquially known as "pills".

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See also

antinfective, antiserum, chemist, pharmacist, List of pharmaceutical companies, neuroleptic, doctor´s prescription, technology assessment.