Remaining open about various types of treatments

 After working in a pharmacy for over a decade—reading lakhs of prescriptions and often accompanying friends to doctor visits—I've gained some insights that many physicians might not want you to hear.

Much of modern medicine is rooted in dogma. It's like a tribal belief system: intensely held convictions that certain treatments are absolute truths, even though most scientific evidence is actually quite grey and nuanced. Yet doctors—especially specialists—often present it as black-and-white fact, implying you're foolish for questioning it.

This has always struck me as odd. When did medicine become so political and dogmatic? Why are those practicing alternative approaches demonized for challenging standardized treatments?

I'm sharing this to empower you: Your doctor isn't God. They're human, susceptible to long-held biases, and the desire for their practices to be "right" after years of experience.

For instance, many physicians fail to adequately inform their patients about the potential side effects of certain medications. Moreover, they often do not fully recognize conditions such as anxiety, back pain, high cholesterol, chronic stress, constipation, fatty liver, hypertension, neck and shoulder pain, PCOS, postural issues, and Type 2 diabetes as primarily lifestyle-related disorders—many of which are largely preventable and reversible through improvements in diet, exercise, and daily habits, rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical pills.

This isn't limited to one group; most of the people in the medical community often treat complex biology as if it's straightforward and factual, when it's not.

Stay informed, learn how your body works, question the common narrative, and use your critical thinking. Physicians are humans too—just like us—and we all fall into these patterns sometimes.

How to Protect Yourself from Cancer by Supporting Mitochondrial Health

 Cancer development is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Healthy mitochondria regulate energy production, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and oxidative balance — all of which are critical in preventing uncontrolled cell growth. Below are scientifically supported ways to protect mitochondrial function and reduce cancer risk:

• Maintain optimal Vitamin D levels

  • Vitamin D regulates cell growth, differentiation, and immune response.

  • Studies show that sufficient Vitamin D helps reduce oxidative stress in mitochondria and lowers cancer risk in several populations.

• Incorporate intermittent fasting

  • Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy, a cellular “cleanup” process that removes damaged mitochondria (mitophagy).

  • It also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress, both protective against cancer.

• Limit processed foods

  • Processed foods are high in refined sugars, oils, trans-fats and additives that increase chronic inflammation and mitochondrial damage.

  • A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect cells.

• Consume cruciferous and sulfur-rich vegetables

  • Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, bok choy, cabbage, arugula, collard greens, garlic, and onions are rich in sulforaphane and organosulfur compounds.

  • Sulforaphane activates Nrf2, a transcription factor that enhances antioxidant defenses, detoxification enzymes, and mitochondrial resilience.

• Avoid excess iron intake

  • While iron is essential, too much iron promotes the Fenton reaction, generating free radicals that damage mitochondrial DNA and membranes.

  • Managing iron levels (through diet or blood donation if medically appropriate) helps reduce oxidative stress.

• Practice daily breathing exercises

• Deep breathing improves oxygen delivery and mitochondrial respiration.

• Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama also lower stress hormones (cortisol), which otherwise impair mitochondrial function.

By protecting your mitochondria through nutrition, lifestyle, and mindful practices, you strengthen your body’s natural defenses against cancer.

To overcome PCOD holistically

1. Eliminate Dietary Toxins & Endocrine Disruptors:

• Avoid processed, packaged, and fast foods, which often contain unhealthy fats, preservatives, and additives linked to inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
• Minimize use of plastic containers and bottles to reduce exposure to micro-plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
• Avoid foods containing added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt metabolic function.
• Refrain from cooking in aluminum vessels, as aluminum exposure has been associated with oxidative stress.

2. Adopt a Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet:

• Prioritize fruits rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients: apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, cherries, grapes, kiwis, lemons, mangoes, melons, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons.
• Increase intake of fiber- and micronutrient-rich vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, green peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
• Include raw salads with ingredients such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions for digestive enzymes and fiber.
• Avoid most grains; instead, use amaranth and quinoa, which are gluten-free, high-protein pseudo-grains with favourable nutrient profiles.

3. Therapeutic Spices:

Incorporate spices with clinically studied anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits:

• Cumin, coriander, and fennel for digestive support and mild detoxification.
• Black pepper (enhances nutrient absorption), ginger, garlic, turmeric (anti-inflammatory), green chili, and cinnamon (supports glucose metabolism).

4. Natural Detoxification Support:

Environmental pollutants and micro-plastics may contribute to thyroid dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.

• Prepare a herbal infusion by soaking coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds overnight. Boil in the morning and consume 3–4 glasses throughout the day. These seeds are known for diuretic, digestive, and mild detoxifying properties.

5. Correct Nutritional Deficiencies:

• Vitamin B12: Deficiency is common and can affect energy, cognition, and nerve function. Use methylcobalamin sublingual supplements for better absorption.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Critical for reducing inflammation and supporting thyroid and hormonal health. Obtain from soaked chia seeds, basil seeds, flaxseeds, or walnuts.
• Ensure Vitamin D levels are optimum.

6. Targeted Lifestyle Interventions:

• Practice Reclining Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) for 20 minutes daily to stimulate parasympathetic nervous system activity and improve pelvic circulation.
• Aim for 7–8 hours of deep sleep per night. Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, immune function, and tissue repair.
• Maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by aligning sleep-wake cycles with natural light patterns.

7. Evidence-Supported Herbal Interventions:

• Herbs such as Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress and thyroid), Shatavari (female reproductive tonic), and Safed Musli (general vitality) may support endocrine balance. These can be taken together in warm buffalo milk after dinner to enhance absorption.

• Limit saturated fat intake to less than 10 grams per day to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

• Topical application of sesame oil to the navel (per Ayurvedic tradition) is believed to aid digestive and reproductive health.

• Ayurvedic formulations such as Ashokarishta and Shatapushpadi Ghanavati may also be considered for reproductive health.

Pancreatitis

 At times, acute pancreatitis happens due to problems in other organs, for example, gallbladder stones. As per a study conducted by Pace Hospital, around 40% of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis had gallbladder stones. So the first step is to investigate if a person suffers from gallbladder stones or not. If a person suffers from gallbladder stones, then that person must detoxify their liver.

The gallbladder is a muscular sac attached to the liver. It stores bile. On any holiday, Epsom salt and lemon water are to be consumed in the morning, and nothing else must be consumed except water. Later, after 3 hours, Epsom salt with olive oil must be consumed, and again, after 3 hours, Epsom salt with olive oil must be consumed. Relaxation must be done on a bed, ensuring the right body side faces the bed so that the gallbladder gets stimulated, or some pressure must be applied to the gallbladder to stimulate it. This will help excrete any waste that has accumulated in the gallbladder.

Other causes of acute pancreatitis include the use of alcohol, cigarettes; constipation, diabetes, heredity, hormonal changes, obesity, etc.

If a person suffers from acute pancreatitis and consumes cigarettes, alcohol, or is overweight, they must stop consuming alcohol, cigarettes, reduce weight, and include lots of fibrous foods to prevent constipation.

If acute pancreatitis is due to heredity, hormonal issues, or stress, then pranayam and yog will help. Pranayam reduces stress, strengthens the lungs, purifies the blood, and enhances the flow of energy. The best yog asanas for pancreatitis are Kandharasana, Naukasana, Padangusthasana, Pawanmuktasana, Uttanpadasana.

If a person suffers from pancreatitis and the cause is diabetes, then diabetes must be controlled.

In simple terms, pancreatitis means inflammation in the pancreas. Inflammation generally happens due to excess heat in the body, or in terms of Ayurved, due to excess Pitta in the body. In Sanskrit, the pancreas is termed "Agnashya". Agnashya is a combination of 2 words: "Agni" means fire and "Ashay" means storehouse. Thus, the pancreas is a storehouse of fire as it is connected to metabolism. If Pitta increases in the body, then it causes pancreatitis. So the most essential thing is to prevent acidity. The best medicines that prevent Pitta from rising in the body are Avipattikar Churna, Kamdudha and Punarnava Mandur. All these 3 items are to be consumed 1 hour after dinner.

All foods that increase Pitta must be avoided, especially non-vegetarian foods, alcohol, coffee, tea, etc.

All foods that reduce Pitta in the body must be consumed in high quantity. For example, aloe-vera and wheatgrass juice mixed together and consumed early in the morning effectively reduce Pitta.

Diet must consist of lots of salads & cooling foods like carrot, celery, coriander, cucumber, melon, mint, onion, parsley, watermelon, zucchini, etc.

Wheat and brown rice must be avoided. Jowar (Sorghum), finger millet, Foxtail millet, pearl millet, and white rice must be consumed.

Amongst daals, except for moong dal, all other daals must be avoided.

Fruits and foods in their true form are best. Industrially produced, packed, and fried foods must be avoided.

Instead of normal water, coriander and fennel must be soaked in water at night, and in the morning it must be boiled and then cooled, and this water must be consumed. This will reduce pitta and enhance digestion, and reduce the chances of pancreatitis.

Thyroid problems and its cure

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and growth, and due to improper metabolism, a person can suffer due to problems like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc. Thus, the proper functioning of the thyroid gland is essential.

Thyroid problems start when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough T3, which causes hypothyroidism or overproduces T3, which causes hyperthyroidism.

 

Symptoms: - Bulging eyes, depression, fatigue, hair fall, infertility, irritability, menstrual disorders, mood swings, sudden decrease in weight, a sudden increase in weight, suicidal thoughts, vitamin D deficiency, etc.

 

Causes: - Consuming unhealthy foods, sedentary life, stress, heavy metal poisoning due to consuming sweets that have aluminium coating on them and also due to air and water pollution.

 

Thyroid problems are more common amongst women than men. Majority of these women are unaware of it & those that even suffer the above-mentioned symptoms are unable to cure it due to financial reasons or due to lack of clinics in villages.

 

Cure:- As the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, the functioning of the pituitary gland has to be improved. The best way to enhance the functioning of the pituitary gland is by performing pranayama and sungazing. Dietary supplements like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, soaked overnight and consumed daily in the morning, help to regulate the proper functioning of the pituitary gland. Putting almond oil or Jyotishmati oil before sleeping at night also helps. Tratak kriya also helps in the functioning of the pituitary gland. Foods that detoxify the body like garlic, onions, papayas, and pineapples also help in the functioning of the pituitary gland.

 

Awareness about heavy metal poisoning in India is rare. Unfortunately, doctors don’t want to discuss this as they don’t want to demean and disparage the Government responsible for pollution-related problems. Majority of Indians are fond of sweets and most of the sweets in India contain aluminum foil. Clean water is not used to produce sweets. This affects the functioning of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland. Those that consume fish are unaware of the fact that fish live in polluted lakes and rivers. Most of the rivers in India contain industrial waste such as mercury. Majority of Indians who consume fish also ingest mercury and other heavy metals. This impacts the body glands negatively. Thus, for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, one must start with detoxification of the body. Regarding detoxification, one must detoxify the body as per his/her body type. For Kapha body types, they must prefer to detoxify their body’s upper and lower parts, so they have to perform vomit and also use enemas. Those that have vata body may not need to vomit and only rely on enemas. After detoxification, one must consume coriander water instead of normal water. Coriander water can be prepared by soaking coriander seeds overnight, boiling the water in the morning, letting it cool, and consuming this water for at least 3 months. Lemon juice can be put in this water to enhance its taste and benefits. Coriander is excellent for the detoxification of heavy metals from the body. Also, if coriander is put in most of the foods, then it helps. Also, one must increase consumption of salads, and in salads they must have cilantro, cumin, dill, and parsley.

 

Foods for thyroid: - Fennel saag sabzi and cumin rice. Lentils, cottage cheese, butter, ghee, bananas, carrots, are good for overall hormonal functioning. Cruciferous vegetables like Arugula, Bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, daikon, kale, kohlrabi, watercress etc. help to detoxify the body. Coconut chutney and avial are also good for thyroid problems. Chia seeds soaked overnight and consumed in the morning also helps.

 

One must also avoid all industrially processed foods, packed foods, and fried and baked foods. Packed foods are mostly unhealthy as they are loaded with preservatives and industrialised salt and sugar. Excess pitta in the body also aggravates thyroid problems. Those suffering due to pitta problems may consume aloe vera frequently and coriander, cumin, and fennel soaked in water at night and then boil the water in the morning, letting it cool, and then consuming it. Those that have a pitta body composition must avoid foods that increase body heat, like spices.

 

Anyone suffering due to thyroid problems must perform bhamri pranayama, ujjayai pranayama, Jalandhar bandh & Roar like a lion, daily in the morning after cleaning their bowels & sit in vajrasan after meals.

 

Those suffering from hyperthyroidism must avoid iodised salt & industrialised salt & have rock salt or saindha salt instead.

 

People suffering from thyroid problems must avoid soy products, refrigerated products, and water stored in plastic bottles. Instead, water stored in earthen pots must be consumed and, preferably, foods must also be prepared in earthen pots instead of aluminium vessels. Tea and coffee must also be avoided as ssthey interfere with the functioning of the pituitary gland.

Diet to enhance endothelial layer, gut & intestinal hair

Endothelial layer or intestinal hair gets affected due to mainly eating fried foods, junk foods, processed packed foods, stale foods, animal products so before beginning to consume below mentioned meals it is essential to take an oath to discard such foods completely from diet.

The Nitric Oxide (NO) breakfast: An idyllic breakfast for the diabetic, non-diabetic patients & for also those that want to reduce elevated cholesterol level or shed mass. As we are aware that amongst diabetes patients blood glucose level is higher than normal. This affects the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelial layer). It either gets inflamed & sticky or gets clogged, leading to the risk of heart attack & brain stroke. A breakfast that boosts nitric oxide helps to produce necessary nitric oxide that enhances health of the endothelial layer, ultimately making the endothelial layer normal, clearing blockage if any & preventing associated illness. 

Method to prepare nitric-oxide breakfast

Ingredients: Almonds soaked overnight, beetroot, carrot, chilli, coriander leaves, cucumber, onion, radish, tomatoes, sprouted mung beans, lemon juice.

Method:

Wash all the above mentioned ingredients with salty water to get rid of pesticides if any. Then peel skin of beetroot, carrot, cucumber, radish, onion & cut it into bite size pieces.

Then chop tomatoes into bite size pieces.

Chop green chilli & coriander leaves finely.

Now take a bowl add almonds soaked overnight, sprouted mung beans, beetroot, carrot, chilli, cucumber, onion, green chilli, tomatoes & lemon juice.

Total Time to consume the breakfast should be around 30 minutes or more. Ensure you chew every portion 32 times of more before swallowing it. Ensure to not consume water 30 minutes before breakfast & 1 hour after breakfast.

Here it is important to remind you that your blood sugar level depends on 3 factors:

What you eat

How you eat i.e. time taken to consume the food.

The quantity you eat while consuming 300 grams of fruits you must take at least 20 minutes to consume it.

The lunch: The lunch can be Rainbow Vegetable Meal. Here we must understand that nature has produced vegetables with variety of colours & each colour of the vegetable (as well as fruits) interacts with body in a unique manner helping the body to maintain the required homeostasis of not only the blood sugar but also the temperature, blood pressure, water composition in the body & the mineral balance. In reality, all types of homeostasis of the body are interconnected & disturbance in any 1 of them will eventually disturb the other. So to re-establish the homeostasis of the body not only we need to consume multi-coloured vegetables but also it must steamed & not cooked, as cooking destroys the ability of nutrients to sense the body's current status of homeostasis.

Method to prepare Rainbow meal:

Ingredients: 50 gm broccoli, 2 capsicums, 1 green chilli, coriander leaves, 1 carrot, 2 cucumbers, 50 gm sprouted mung bean, 100 gm French beans, 1 onion, 50 gm Lima beans (soaked overnight), 50 gm black chickpeas (soaked overnight), parsley leaves, 2 tomatoes, lemon juice, Chaat masala (if required).

Method:

Wash all the above mentioned ingredients except dal with salty water to remove pesticides if any.

Take cucumber, carrot & onion peel its skin. Now cut cucumber, carrots, onion & tomatoes, into bite size pieces.

Boil Lima beans & black chickpeas till it gets cooked on low flame without a lid on it.

Steam capsicum, broccoli, French beans & sprouted mung bean simultaneously.

Then take a bowl, add all vegetables, steamed mung beans, coriander, chilli, parsley & lemon juice to taste & mix well. Add chaat masala if required or eat with tomato dip.

Tomato Dip recipe:

Ingredients: 1 tomato, 30 gram fresh coconut, green chilli, garlic, ginger, onion, lemon juice.

Method: Take all the items & blend them well in a blender. 

And time to consume must not be less than 30 minutes.

If you suffer due to diabetes: -

Post lunch/evening snacks: You may have the similar fruit snacks, as you did in the mid-morning. In case it is the time for taking the next dose of medication or insulin shots you must first check your blood sugar level as the rainbow vegetable lunch has the potential to drop the blood sugar level substantially low. Although the mechanism how it does so, is not completely understood but probably it plays three major roles:

The rainbow vegetables help intestines to regulate the absorption of glucose in the blood stream.

It stimulates the dormant/sleeping beta cells.

It reduces the insulin resistance of the muscles & tissues.

A water alternative to enhance digestion: - Take handful of Coriander seeds, Cumin seeds, Fennel seeds & wash them & soak it in 2 litre of water overnight. In the morning boil this water & drink it daily instead of normal water. It enhances digestion. For better results it is better to consume this liquid lukewarm. 

References: Ph.D, Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury. "Diabetes Type I & II cure in 72 hours." In Diabetes Type I & II cure in 72 hours, by Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury Ph.D, 98-102. Faridabad-121010 (Haryana): Idea Publication, September 2014.

T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D and Thomas M. Campbell II. The China Study. Dallas Texas: Banbella Books, 2006.

Classification of drugs

1. Anaesthetics: - An anaesthetic is a drug that causes loss of sensation. Anaesthetics are classified into 3 General Anaesthetics, Local Anaesthetics & Preoperative Anaesthetics.

1.1. General Anaesthetics: - These are drugs that aid loss of consciousness that is reversible. Examples: Diazepam, Halothane, Ketamine, Nitrous oxide, Thiopental.

1.2. Local Anaesthetics: - These are drugs that aid loss of consciousness that is reversible. Examples: Bupivacaine, Lidocaine.

1.3. Preoperative Anaesthetics: - These are drugs that are administered to make a patient unconsciousness prior to operations. Examples: Atropine, Chloral Hydrate, Diazepam, Morphine, Promethazine.

2. Analgesics, Antipyretics, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs & drugs used to treat gout: - These are drugs that reduce pain, inflammation & swelling. These are classified into 2 Non-opioids & Opioid analgesics.

2.1 Non-Opioids: - These are drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect acting peripherally. Examples: Acetylsalicylic acid, Allopurinol, Colchicines, Ibuprofen, Indometacin, Paracetamol.

2.2. Opioid analgesics: - These are drugs that act on CNS; they can be addictive, can cause sedation & have an anti-inflammatory effect. As these are habit forming, they come in the category of controlled drugs. Examples: Codeine, Morphine, Pethidine.

3. Antiallergics & drugs used in anaphylaxis: - These are drugs that prevent & relieve allergies. Examples: Chlorphenamine, Dexamethasone, Epinephrine, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone.

4. Antidotes & anti-poisonings: - These are drugs that counteract the effects of poison. Examples: Ipecacuanha, Medicinal Charcoal, Atropine, Deferoxamine, Dimercaprol, Methionine, Methylthioninium chloride, Naloxone, Penicillamine, Potassium ferric, sodium calcium edentate, sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate.

5. Antiepileptics: - These are drugs that try & prevent rapid, repetitive, stimulation of the brain that causes seizure activity such as in epilepsy. Carbamazepine, Diazepam, Ethosuximide, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, valproic acid.

6. Anti-infective drugs: - These drugs are used in the treatment of infection. These are classified as Anthelminthics, Antifilarials, Antischistosomals, Antibacterials, Antileprosy, Antituberculosis, Antifungal, Antiprotozoal, Antileishmaniasis, Antimalarial, Antitrypanosomal, Insect repellent.

6.1 Anthelminthics: - These are drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) & other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them. Examples: Levamisole, Mebendazole, Niclosamide, Piperazine, Praziquantel, Pyrantel, Tiabendazole, Albendazole.

6.1.2. Antifilarials: - These are drugs used to destroy filaria (a worm). Esamples: Diethylcarbamazine, Ivermectin, Suramin Sodium.

6.1.3. Antischistosomals: - These are drugs that destroy or inhibit the development & reproduction of schistosomes.  Examples: Metrifonate, Oxamniquine, Praziquantel.

6.2. Antibacterials: - These are drugs that are used to destroy bacteria. Examples: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Benzathine Benzylpenicillin, Benzylpenicillin, Cloxacillin, Phenoxymethylpenicillin, Piperacillin, Procaine benzylpenicillin, Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Metronidazole, Spectinomycin, Sulfadimidine, Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Clindamycin, Doxycycline, Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim.

6.2.3. Antileprosy: - These are drugs used for the treatment of leprosy. Examples: Clofazimine, Dapsone, Rifampicin.

6.2.4. Antituberculosis: - These are drugs used for the treatment of tuberculosis. Examples: Ethambutol, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampicin, Rifampicin + Isoniazid, Streptomycin, Hioacetazone + Isoniazid.

6.3. Antifungal: - These are drugs that destroy fungi. Examples: Amphotericin, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole, Nystatin, Flucytosine.

6.4. Antiprotozoal: - These are drugs that destroy protozoa.

6.4.1. Antiamoebic & antigiardiasis: - Examples: Diloxanide, Metronidazole, Chloroquine.

6.4.2. Antileishmaniasis: - Examples: Meglumine Antimoniate, Pentamidine.

6.4.3. Antimalarial: - These are drugs used for the treatment of malaria.

For curative: - Examples: Chloroquine, Primaquine, Quinine, Mefloquine, Sulfadoxine + Pyrimethamine, Tetracycline.

For prophylaxis: - Examples: Chloroquine, proguanil, mefloquine.

6.4.4. Antitrypanosomal: - There are 2 types of Antitrypanosomal drugs African & American.

a. African trypanosomiasis: - Melarsoprol, Pentamidine, Suramin Sodium, Eflornithine.

b. American trypanosomiasis: - Benznidazole, Nifurtimox.

6.5. Insect repellent: - These are topical solutions that repel insects when applied on body. Examples: Diethyltoluamide.

7. Antimigraine: - These are drugs used in the treatment of migraine (a type of headache)

For treatment of acute attack: - Examples: Acetylsalicylic acid, Ergotamine, Paracetamol.

For prophylaxis: - Examples: Propranolol.

8. Antineoplastic & immunosuppressant drugs & drugs used in palliative care: - Antineoplastic are drugs that inhibit or prevent the growth & spread of neoplasms or malignant cells. These are classified into 2 Immunosuppressants & Cytotoxic drugs.

8.1. Immunosuppressant: - These are drugs that suppress immunity. Examples: Azathioprine, Ciclosporin.

8.2. Cytotoxic: - These are drugs that have toxic effects on certain cells. Examples: Bleomycin, Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Dacarbazine, Dactinomycin, Doxorubicin, Etoposide, Fluorouracil, Mercaptopurine, Methotrexate, Procarbazine, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Calcium Folinate.

8.3. Hormones & antihormones: - Hormones are preparations that acts like a hormone. Antihormones are preparations that blocks the action or inhibits the production of a hormone. Examples: Dexamethasone, Ethinylestradiol, Prednisolone, Tamoxifen.

9. Antiparkinson: - These are drugs that tend to relieve Parkinson disease. Parkinson is a chronic progressive neurological disease chiefly of later life that is linked to decreased dopamine production in the substantia nigra & is marked especially by tremor of resting muscles, rigidity, slowness of movement, impaired balance, & a shuffling gait—called also paralysis agitans, parkinsonian syndrome, parkinsonism, Parkinson's, Parkinson's syndrome. Examples: Biperiden, Levodopa + Carbidopa.

10.1. Antianaemic: - These are drugs effective in or relating to the prevention or correction of anemia. Examples: Ferrous salt, Ferrous salt + Folic acid, Folic acid, Hydroxocobalamin, Iron Dextran.

10.2. Drugs affecting coagulation: - These are drug/drugs that hinders coagulation & especially coagulation of the blood in short known as blood thinners. Examples: Desmopressin, Heparin, Phytomenadione, Protamine Sulfate, Warfarin.

11. Plasma substitutes: - These are artificially made substance designed to have 1 or more of the vast amount of functions of the contents of the blood. Examples: Dextran, Polygeline, Albumin.

12. Cardiovascular: - These are drugs relating to the structure & function of the heart & blood vessels. These are classified into Antianginal, Antidysrhythmic, Antihypertensive, Cardiac Glycosides, Drugs used in vascular shock, Antithrombotic.

12.1. Antianginal: - These are drugs used or tending to prevent or relieve angina pectoris. Examples: Glyceryl Trinitrate, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Nifedipine, Propranolol, Atenolol.

12.2. Antidysrhythmic: - These drugs prevent or alleviate irregularities in the force or rhythm of the heart. Examples: Lidocaine, Propranolol, Verapamil, Atenolol, Procainamide, Quinidine.

12.3. Antihypertensive: - These drugs reduce blood pressure. Examples: Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide, Nifedipine, Propranolol, Atenolol, Captopril, Methyldopa, Reserpine, Sodium Nitroprusside.

12.4. Cardiac Glycosides: - These are several glycosides obtained chiefly from plant sources such as the foxglove, used medicinally to increase the force of contraction of heart muscle & to regulate heartbeats. Examples: Digoxin, Digitoxin.

12.5. Drugs used in vascular shock: - The vascular system is the body's network of blood vessels. It includes the arteries, capillaries & veins that carry blood to and from the heart. These drugs are used during inadequate tissue perfusion. Examples: Dobutamine, Dopamine.

12.6. Antithrombotic: - These drugs prevent the formation of blood clot. Examples: Acetylsalicylic acid, Streptokinase.

13. Dermatological: - These are drugs used to treat dermatological disorders. These are classified as Antifungal, Anti-infective, Anti-Inflammatory & antipruritic, Astringent, Keratoplastic and keratolytic agents, Scabicides & pediculicides & Ultraviolet-blocking agents.

13.1. Antifungal: - These drugs destroy or inhibit the growth of fungi. Examples: Benzoic acid + Salicylic acid, Miconazole, Nystatin, Sodium Thiosulfate, Selenium Sulfide.

13.2. Anti-infective: - These drugs counteract infection. Examples: Methylrosanilinium chloride, Mupirocin, Neomycin + Bacitracin, Silver Sulfadiazine.

13.3. Anti-inflammatory & antipruritic: - These are agents that reduce inflammation & relieve itching. Examples: TheBetamethasone, Calamine lotion, Hydrocortisone.

13.4. Astringent: - These are solutions that have the property of causing contraction of soft organic tissues. Examples: Aluminium diacetate.

13.5. Keratoplastic and keratolytic agents: - Keratoplastic agents promote the production of keratin. Keratolytic agents are agents that break down the outer layer of skin (keratins). Examples: Benzoyl Peroxide, Coal Tar, Dithranol, Fluorouracil, Podophyllum Resin, Salicylic Acid.

13.6. Scabicides & pediculicides: - Scabicides are drugs that destroy the itch mite causing scabies. Pediculicides are agents used to destroy lies. Examples: Benzyl Benzoate, Permethrin.

13.7. Ultraviolet-blocking agents: - These are creams that are applied to skin to protect from Sunrays. Examples: P-Aminobenzoic acid, Benzophenones, Zinc oxide.

14. Diagnostic agents: - These are agents that help in diagnosing diseases & disorders. These are classified into Ophthalmic & Radiocontrast media.

14.1. Ophthalmic: - Examples: Fluorescein, Tropicamide.

14.2. Radiocontrast media: - Examples: Amidotrizoate, Barium sulphate, Iopanoic acid, Propyliodone, Meglumine Iotroxate.

15. Antiseptics: - An antiseptic is a substance which inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms. Examples: Chlorhexidine, Hydrogen peroxide, Iodine.

16. Disinfectants: - These are agents that disinfect. Examples: Calcium Hypochlorite, Glutaral.

17. Diuretics: - These are drugs that help in eliminating water from body. Examples: Amiloride, Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Mannitol, Spironolactone.

18. Gastrointestinal: - These are drugs that treat intestinal problems. They are classified into Antacids & other antiulcer, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic & Cathartic drugs.

18.1. Antacids & other antiulcer: - These are agents that counteract acidity. Antiulcer are agents that heal ulcer. Examples: Aluminium Hydroxide, Cimetidine, Magnesium hydroxide.

18.2. Antiemetic: - These are drugs that alleviate nausea & prevent vomit. Examples: Metoclopramide, Promethazine.

18.3. Anti-inflammatory: - These are agents that reduce inflammation. Examples: Hydrocortisone, Sulfasalazine.

18.4. Antispasmodic: -These are agents that prevent spasm. Examples: Atropine.

18.5. Cathartic: - These are agents that assist in emptying bowels. Examples: Senna, Psyllium husks, sorbitol, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulphate.

19. Hormones, other endocrine drugs & contraceptives: -

19.1. Adrenal hormones & synthetic substitutes: - Examples: Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Fludrocortisone.

19.2. Androgens: - Its male sex hormone produced by the adrenal glands & testes, the male sex glands. Example: Testosterone.

19.3. Contraceptives: -These are agents that prevent conception or impregnation. They are classified into Hormonal contraceptives, Intrauterine devices, Barrier methods.

19.3.1. Hormonal contraceptives: - Examples: Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel, Ethinylestradiol + Norethisterone, Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethisterone, Norethisterone Enantate.

19.3.2. Intrauterine devices: - Examples: Copper-Containing device.

19.3.3. Barrier methods: - Examples: Condoms with or without spermicide (nonoxinol), diaphragms with spermicide (nonoxinol).

19.4. Estrogens: - It’s female sex hormone. Example: Ethinylestradiol.

19.5. Insulins & other antidiabetic agents: - Insulin reduces the release of glucose from the liver. Examples: Insulin injection (soluble), Intermediate-acting insulin, tolbutamide.

19.6. Ovulation inducers: - Example: Clomifene.

19.7. Progestogens: - Example: Norethisterone.

19.8. Thyroid hormones & antithyroid drugs: - These are hormones that help in the proper functioning of thyroid gland. Examples: Levothyroxine, Potassium iodide, Propylthiouracil.

20. Immunologicals: - These are agents that deal with the immune system, immunity & immune response.

20.1. Immunological Diagnostic agents: - These are agents that diagnose immunity. Examples: Tuberculin, Purified protein derivative (PPD).

20.2. Sera & immunoglobulins: - These are a group of large glycoproteins secreted by plasma cells in vertebrates that function as antibodies in the immune response by binding the specific antigens. Examples: Anti-D Immunoglobulin, Antiscorpion sera, Antitetanus immunoglobulin, Antivenom sera, Diphtheria antitoxin, Immunoglobulin, human normal, Rabies immunoglobulin.

20.3. Vaccines: - These are antigenic components used for the prevention of diseases. Examples: BCG vaccine, Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus vaccine, Diphtheria-tetanus vaccine, Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, Measles vaccine,  Poliomyelitis vaccine, Poliomyelitis vaccine, Tetanus vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Influenza vaccine, Meningococcal vaccine, Rabies vaccine, Rubella vaccine, Typhoid vaccine, Yellow fever vaccine.

21. Muscle relaxants (peripherally acting) & cholinesterase inhibitors: - These are drugs that relax muscles. Examples: Chlorzoxazone, Gallamine, Neostigmine, Suxamethonium, Pyridostigmine, Vecuronium bromide.

22. Ophthalmological preparations: - These are preparations for eye. They are classified into Anti-infective agents, Anti-inflammatory agents, Local anaesthetics, Miotics & antiglaucoma drugs & Mydriatics.

22.1. Anti-infective agents: - These are agents that prevent infection in eye. Examples:  Gentamicin, Idoxuridine, Silver nitrate, Tetracycline.

22.2. Anti-inflammatory agents: - These are agents that prevent inflammation. Example: Prednisolone.

22.3. Local anaesthetics: - These are agents that cause loss of sensation to eye temporarily. Example: Tetracaine.

22.4. Miotics & antiglaucoma drugs: - Miotics are drugs that constrict the pupil & are used to treat glaucoma. Examples: Acetazolamide, Pilocarpine, Timolol.

22.5. Mydriatics: - These are drugs that dilate eye pupil. Example: Atropine

23. Oxytocics: - These are agents that promote rapid labour by stimulating contractions of the myometrium. Example: Ergometrine

24. Antioxytocics: - Example: Salbutamol

25. Psychotherapeutic drugs: - These are drugs that are prescribed for their effects in relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders. Example: Amitriptyline, Chlorpromazine, Diazepam, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Lithium carbonate.

26. Drugs acting on the respiratory tract: - These are classified into Antiasthmatic & Antitussives.

26.1. Antiasthmatic: - These are drugs that relieve asthma. Examples: Aminophylline, Beclometasone, Epinephrine, Salbutamol, Cromoglicic acid, Ephedrine.

26.2. Antitussives: - These are drugs that suppress cough. Example: Codeine.

Solutions correcting water, electrolyte & acid-base disturbances: - ORS, Potassium Chloride, Glucose, Glucose with Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Compound solution of Sodium Lactate.

Vitamins & minerals: - Ergocalciferol, Iodine, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine, Retinol, Riboflavin, Sodium Fluoride, Thiamine, Ascorbic acid, Calcium Gluconate.

N.B. The number of drugs for the above mentioned examples can be more.

References:

1. I. Darmansjah, M. M. Duran, A. W. EI-Borolossy, A. Kucers, V. K. Lepakhin, Li Jia-Tai, M. M. Reidenberg, L. A. Salako. "THE USE OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS, Model List of Essential Drugs, WHO Technical Report Series." WHO. November 22, 1991. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/39646/1/WHO_TRS_825.pdf (accessed December 31, 2014).

2. Consolidated list of products whose consumption and/or sale have been banned, withdrawn, severely restricted or not approved by governments, 4th ed. New York, United Nations, 1990.

3. WHO Expert Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations. Thirty-first report. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1990 (WHO Technical Report Series, No. 790), Annex 5.

4. Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences. Proposed International guidelines for biomedical research involving human subjects. Geneva, 1982 (also contains the Declaration of Helsinki as revised by the 29th World Medical Assembly, Tokyo, 1975).