Module 3 - Drug Classification Flashcards
- Classification of Drugs - Ethics and Drug Advertisements
Chemical Name
The name of a drug based on the chemical structure (buildup) of the substance.
Ex. 2-acetoxybenzoic acid
Generic Name
The name given as an alternate to the drug itself. Every drug has one specific generic name, just like one chemical name. It is much easier to refer to a drug by its generic name than its chemical name.
Ex. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc…
Brand Name
The branded name of any drug (there can be multiple brands for the same type of drug). This is often used for marketing purposes.
Ex. Tylenol
Bioequivalence
All drugs of a certain type must contain the same active ingredient at the same amount, the same rate, and have the same quality
*Note - FDA does require generic drugs to imply bioequivalence to the brand drugs.
RX Drugs
Prescription (RX) drugs contain instructions written by a healthcare professional that authorizes a single patient to be provided that medication. The FDA would deem prescription medication safe and effective only when used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
(This considers specific characteristics of the patient. A doctor has usually assessed the patient, and based on their symptoms, a specific drug was chosen over a multitude of other options).
OTC Drugs
Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs don’t require a prescription and thus, they can be purchased for use by anyone.
The FDA has deemed them safe and effective when taken without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Therapeutic Classification
Physiological change induced by the drug (Purpose of the drug, or the main physiological change on the organismal level).
Ex. Drugs which deal with heart/blood vessels.
Pharmacological Classification
Mechanism of action on the molecular level (A lot more detailed and specific than therapeutic classes).
Ex. Drugs which does something specific in a therapeutic class, such as blocking calcium channels.
Drug Abuse/Addiction
Drugs can cause physical dependency or psychological dependency on a person, which creates addiction.
Scheduled Drugs
Drugs can be classified according to the degree of potential for abuse (addiction). They are assigned by Roman numerals from 1 to 5, where 1 is the highest potential for abuse (heroin) and 5 is the least potential for abuse (OTC drugs).
*Not all drugs are scheduled.
FDA Drug ad. Regulations:
- The FDA used to have very strict rules regarding the advertisements of drugs on television and radio. This included naming all side-effects and other important information.
- However, many drug manufacturing companies have complained, claiming it to be impossible to fit all info into a TV ad, and therefore, FDA lifted some regulations. - Today, many drugs include little info about how it’s made and it’s full effects in their ads, which is now spreading all over American television.
Direct to Consumer Ads (Drugs)
Drug ads which are shown directly to consumers without going through a physician/doctor. Usually appears on television.
- DTC ads do not have to be submitted to the government for prior approval.
- Does not have to be “completely safe” or “extremely effective.”
- Drugs with serious side-effects are NOT banned.
