Drug classes are groups of medications that share similar properties, effects, or mechanisms of action. These classifications help healthcare professionals understand how different drugs work and how they can be used to treat various conditions. Common drug classes include antibiotics, analgesics, and antidepressants, each serving specific purposes in medical treatment. Each drug class can contain multiple medications that may vary in strength, side effects, and specific uses. For example, within the analgesics class, there are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, which are used to relieve pain but work in different ways. Understanding drug classes aids in safe and effective prescribing.