On the basis of action, drugs are classified as:
- Antacids: The drugs that target acidity or over-acid production in one's stomach.
- Antihistamines: These drugs target histamines that are responsible for nasal congestion associated with cold.
- Neurologically Active Drugs:
(a) Tranquilizers : Tranquilizers are a class of chemical compounds used for the treatment of stress, and mild or even severe mental diseases.
(b) Analgesics: reduce or abolish pain without causing impairment of consciousness, mental confusion, incoordination or paralysis or some other disturbances of nervous system. These are classified as follows: (i) Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics (ii) Narcotic drugs.
- Antimicrobials:
(i) Antibacterial: Antibiotics are used as drugs to treat infections because of their low toxicity for humans and animals.
(ii) Antiseptics and disinfectants: Antiseptics and disinfectants are also the chemicals which either kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Antifertility : These drugs used for birth control.