Drug Class
Definition
A group of medications that share a similar chemical structure, mechanism of action, or therapeutic use. Drugs within the same class often have similar effects, side effects, and drug interactions, though individual drugs may differ in potency, duration, or selectivity.
Example
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a drug class that includes fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram — all work by blocking serotonin reuptake but differ in side effect profiles.
Related Terms
Mentioned in Guides
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What Is a Drug Class?Drug classes group medications that share a mechanism of action, chemical structure, or therapeutic use. Understanding drug classes helps you …
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Complete Guide to Blood Pressure MedicationsA patient-friendly overview of the main drug classes used to treat high blood pressure, how they work, key differences, and …
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Complete Guide to Diabetes MedicationsAn accessible overview of medications used for type 2 diabetes — from metformin to insulin — covering how each class …
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Complete Guide to Cholesterol MedicationsA clear explanation of the main drugs used to manage high cholesterol — statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and more — …