Drug Category Information
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (M01AB)
NSAIDs are a class of drugs that provide analgesic (pain-killing) and anti-inflammatory effects.
Treat conditions such as arthritis.
Relieve muscle pain.
Alleviate headaches.
Prolonged use can lead to gastrointestinal issues, and they should be used cautiously in patients with heart conditions.
Selective COX-2 Inhibitors (M01AE)
These drugs are a subclass of NSAIDs that specifically inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, which is responsible for inflammation and pain.
Treat arthritis.
Manage other inflammatory conditions.
Reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
They are less likely to cause stomach ulcers but may increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Salicylates (e.g., Aspirin) (N02BA)
Salicylates are a group of drugs that provide analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects.
Provide pain relief.
Reduce fever.
Prevent blood clots.
Aspirin is commonly used for heart attack prevention but should not be used in children with viral infections due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) (N02BE)
Paracetamol is a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer.
Provide mild to moderate pain relief.
Reduce fever.
Overdose of paracetamol can cause serious liver damage. It's important to monitor dosage, especially when used in combination with other medications.
Benzodiazepines (N05B)
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Provide short-term relief of severe anxiety.
Manage sleep disturbances.
Treat seizures.
They have a potential for dependence and should be used for short durations. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe if discontinued abruptly.
Hypnotics and Sedatives (N05C)
These drugs are used to induce sleep and relax patients, often in the treatment of insomnia.
Manage sleep disorders.
Treat anxiety-related sleep disturbances.
Long-term use can lead to dependence and tolerance, requiring careful management by a healthcare provider.
Beta-2 Agonists (R03)
Beta-2 agonists are bronchodilators used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Manage asthma symptoms.
Prevent asthma attacks.
Treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Overuse can lead to decreased effectiveness and potential side effects such as tremors and palpitations.
Antihistamines (R06)
Antihistamines are drugs that counteract the effects of histamine in allergic reactions.
Treat allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching, and hives.
Manage allergic rhinitis.
Control symptoms of hay fever.
First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness, while second-generation drugs are less likely to have this effect.