Pharmacologic Classification vs Therapeutic Classification

[subliminalvermilion]

Hi Everyone,

Just started pharmacology class and I am having a hard time distinguishing the difference between the different ways to classify drugs, one being pharamacologic and one being therapeutic. If someone could put these into easy terms for me that would be great! Also, examples of each would be nice.

Thanks,

Tara

[linnaete, ASN, BSN, MSN]

pharmacological classification is based on how the drug works, therapeutic classification is based on their actual usefulness. Drug books usually give you both.

Example: histamine H2 antagonist is pharm, antiulcer agent is therapeutic

Or Haldol: pharm is butyrophenones, therapeutic is antipsychotic