Drug Classes by Mechanism of Action

Antibiotics:

• Bactericidal: Kill bacteria directly by disrupting cell walls or metabolic processes (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).
• Bacteriostatic: Inhibit bacterial growth without killing them directly (e.g., tetracyclines, macrolides).

Antidepressants:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Increase serotonin levels by blocking its reuptake, used for depression and anxiety (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline).
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine).
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine).
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, increasing levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine).

Antihypertensives:

• ACE Inhibitors: Block the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing blood pressure (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril).
• Beta-Blockers: Block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol).
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Inhibit calcium entry into cells of the heart and blood vessels, relaxing arteries and lowering blood pressure (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem).
• Diuretics: Increase urine production to reduce fluid volume and blood pressure (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide).

Antidiabetic Agents:

• Insulin: Regulates blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells and storage as glycogen (various types like rapid-acting, short-acting, long-acting).
• Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Stimulate insulin release, improve insulin sensitivity, or reduce glucose production in the liver (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas).

Antiepileptic Drugs:

• Sodium Channel Blockers: Reduce neuronal excitability by blocking sodium channels (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin).
• GABA Enhancers: Enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter (e.g., valproate, benzodiazepines).
• Glutamate Antagonists: Block the action of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter (e.g., topiramate, felbamate).

Analgesics:

• Opioids: Bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce the perception of pain (e.g., morphine, oxycodone).
• Non-opioid Analgesics: Reduce pain and inflammation through various mechanisms, including inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs).

Antipsychotics:

• Typical Antipsychotics: Block dopamine receptors, primarily in the brain (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine).
• Atypical Antipsychotics: Block dopamine and serotonin receptors, with varying affinities (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine).

Anti-inflammatory Drugs:

• Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and immune response by inhibiting phospholipase A2 and suppressing cytokine production (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone).
• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and/or COX-2), reducing prostaglandin production (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).

Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents:

• Anticoagulants: Inhibit clotting factors or thrombin to prevent blood clot formation (e.g., warfarin, heparin).
• Antiplatelet Agents: Inhibit platelet aggregation to prevent blood clot formation (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel).

Hormones:

• Thyroid Hormones: Regulate metabolism and growth (e.g., levothyroxine).
• Estrogen and Progestins: Regulate reproductive processes and secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., ethinyl estradiol, medroxyprogesterone).
• Androgens: Regulate male sexual characteristics and hormone balance (e.g., testosterone).