12
CLASSIFICATION OF
DRUGS
BASED ON
MECHANISM OF
ACTION
Brindha Chandrasekaran
01 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
RECEPTOR AGONISTS
These drugs bind to and activate
specific receptors in the body,
mimicking the action of natural
substances.
- Full Agonists: Completely activate the
receptor. E.g., Morphine (opioid
receptors).
- Partial Agonists: Partially activate the
receptor. E.g., Buprenorphine (opioid
receptors)
Brindha Chandrasekaran
02 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
RECEPTOR
ANTAGONISTS
These drugs bind to receptors but do not
activate them. Instead, they block or
dampen the action of agonists.
- Competitive Antagonists: Compete with
agonists for binding to the receptor. E.g.,
Naloxone (opioid receptors).
- Non-competitive Antagonists: Bind to a
different part of the receptor or modify
its function. E.g., Ketamine (NMDA
receptors).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
03 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
ENZYME INHIBITORS
These drugs inhibit the activity of
specific enzymes, preventing the
conversion of substrates into products.
- Reversible Inhibitors: Bind
temporarily. E.g., Ibuprofen
(cyclooxygenase inhibitors).
- Irreversible Inhibitors: Bind
permanently or for a long duration. E.g.,
Aspirin (cyclooxygenase inhibitors).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
04 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
ENZYME INDUCER
These drugs increase the activity of
specific enzymes, enhancing the
conversion of substrates into products.
E.g., Rifampin (induces cytochrome
P450 enzymes).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
05 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
ION CHANNEL
MODULATORS
These drugs affect the function of ion
channels, either by enhancing or
inhibiting their opening or closing.
- Channel Blockers: Prevent ions from
passing through. E.g., Verapamil
(calcium channel blockers).
- Channel Openers: Facilitate the
opening of ion channels. E.g., Minoxidil
(potassium channel openers).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
06 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
TRANSPORTER
INHIBITORS
These drugs inhibit the function of
transport proteins, affecting the
movement of substances across cell
membranes.
- Reuptake Inhibitors: Prevent the
reabsorption of neurotransmitters into
presynaptic neurons. E.g., Fluoxetine
(selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors).
- Pump Inhibitors: Inhibit ion pumps.
E.g., Omeprazole (proton pump
inhibitors).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
07 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
DNA/RNA SYNTHESIS
INHIBITORS
These drugs interfere with the
synthesis of DNA or RNA, inhibiting cell
division and replication.
- Nucleotide Analogues: Mimic natural
nucleotides and incorporate into
DNA/RNA. E.g., Zidovudine (HIV reverse
transcriptase inhibitors).
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Interfere
with the enzymes that manage DNA
supercoiling. E.g., Doxorubicin
(topoisomerase II inhibitor).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
08 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
INHIBITORS
These drugs disrupt the process of
protein synthesis at the ribosomal
level.
- Ribosome Inhibitors: Bind to bacterial
ribosomes. E.g., Tetracycline (binds to
the 30S subunit).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
09 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
SIGNAL
TRANSDUCTION
INHIBITORS
These drugs interfere with the signaling
pathways inside cells.
- Kinase Inhibitors: Inhibit specific
kinases. E.g., Imatinib (tyrosine kinase
inhibitor).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
10 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
IMMUNOMODULATORS
These drugs modify the immune
response.
- Immunosuppressants: Decrease the
immune response. E.g., Cyclosporine.
- Immunostimulants: Increase the
immune response. E.g., Interferons.
Brindha Chandrasekaran
11 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
HORMONE
MODULATORS
These drugs affect hormone levels or
their receptors.
- Hormone Agonists: Mimic natural
hormones. E.g., Insulin.
- Hormone Antagonists: Block hormone
action. E.g., Tamoxifen (estrogen
receptor antagonist)
Brindha Chandrasekaran
12 CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
NEUROTRANSMITTER
MODULATORS
These drugs affect the levels or activity
of neurotransmitters in the nervous
system.
- Neurotransmitter Precursors:
Increase production. E.g., Levodopa
(dopamine precursor).
- Neurotransmitter Degraders: Reduce
levels. E.g., Monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (prevent breakdown of
monoamines).
Brindha Chandrasekaran
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Disclaimer: The information in this book is for informational purpose only, without warranty. Although every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this work, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any
liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or
indirectly by the information contained in this book.
Brindha Chandrasekaran
