Types of drugs
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Types of Drugs: A Comprehensive Overview
Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) encompass a wide range of synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs while evading legal restrictions. Key categories include synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., Spice, K2) and synthetic cathinones (e.g., bath salts like mephedrone and methylone) . These substances are popular due to their intense psychoactive effects and the difficulty in detecting them in standard drug screenings. However, they pose significant health risks, including psychosis, violent behavior, and even death .
Other NPS Categories
NPS also include psychedelic phenethylamines, novel stimulants, synthetic opioids, tryptamine derivatives, phencyclidine-like dissociatives, and piperazines. These substances act on various neurotransmitter pathways, such as dopamine, cannabinoid CB1, GABA-A/B, 5-HT2A, glutamate, and kappa opioid receptors, which are linked to psychopathological conditions.
Herbal Medicines and Drug Interactions
Common Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines like ginkgo, St John’s wort, ginseng, garlic, echinacea, saw palmetto, and kava are widely used, often in conjunction with prescribed drugs. However, these combinations can lead to significant drug interactions .
Notable Interactions
- St John’s Wort: Reduces plasma concentrations of various drugs, including alprazolam, amitriptyline, and warfarin, potentially leading to reduced efficacy .
- Ginkgo Biloba: Can decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs like omeprazole and ritonavir, and may cause bleeding when combined with warfarin .
- Ginseng: May interact with phenelzine and warfarin, potentially causing mania or reducing drug efficacy .
- Garlic: Interacts with drugs like chlorpropamide and warfarin, potentially causing hypoglycemia or reduced drug efficacy .
- Kava: Increases the clearance of chlorzoxazone and may interact with alprazolam and paroxetine .
Cardiovascular Drugs
Drug Classes
Cardiovascular drugs are categorized into eight main classes: antiarrhythmic drugs, inotropic drugs, anticoagulants, antiglycerides, antihypertensives, antiglycemics, diuretics, and nitrates. Each class has specific therapeutic actions aimed at treating various cardiovascular conditions.
Designer Drugs
Types and Effects
Designer drugs, also known as "legal highs," include substances like substituted cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic hallucinogens (e.g., 25I-NBOMe). These drugs are designed to evade legal regulation and are often associated with severe psychiatric and medical effects, including anxiety, agitation, psychosis, and tachycardia .
FDA-Approved Drugs (2015-2020)
Therapeutic Areas
From 2015 to June 2020, the U.S. FDA approved 245 drugs, with a significant focus on cancer treatments (29%), infectious diseases (14%), and neurological conditions (12%). Other areas include genetic, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders.
Historical Perspective on Drug Discovery
Early Developments
The history of drug discovery highlights the transition from natural sources like herbs and plants to synthetic drugs. The first synthetic drug, chloral hydrate, was introduced in 1869. The development of drugs like Aspirin® marked significant milestones in pharmaceutical chemistry, leading to the modern era of drug development.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of drugs, from novel psychoactive substances and herbal medicines to cardiovascular and designer drugs, is crucial for effective clinical management and patient safety. The evolving landscape of drug discovery continues to present both opportunities and challenges in the field of pharmacology.
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