On the basis of pharmacological effects, drugs are categorized into which of the following?

Drugs can be categorized based on their pharmacological effects, which refer to the physiological and biochemical changes they induce in the body. The correct choice focuses on the distinction between analgesics and antiseptics.

Analgesics are medications designed specifically to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. They are used in a variety of clinical settings to manage pain from different sources, including surgical, inflammatory, and chronic conditions. Common examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and opioids.

Antiseptics, on the other hand, are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, primarily used for disinfecting skin and wounds. They reduce the risk of infections, particularly in the context of surgical procedures or in treating wounds.

This categorization highlights the differing pharmacological effects that these drugs have in terms of pain relief and infection prevention.

The other options represent different categorizations that do not focus as clearly on therapeutic effects. Stimulants and depressants refer to drugs that affect the central nervous system in opposing ways, making this classification more about general activity levels rather than therapeutic use. Antibiotics and antivirals pertain to the types of infections they treat (bacterial versus viral), which is not centered on their pharmacological effects. Sedatives