ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Drug class

Imagine you have a big box full of different kinds of toys. Some toys are balls, some are dolls, some are action figures, and so on. Just like we sort toys into different classes based on their characteristics, we also sort drugs into different classes based on their effects on our bodies.

A drug class is a group of medications that work in similar ways to treat the same kinds of problems or illnesses. Think of it like a family of toys – they may look different and have different features, but they all belong together because they serve a similar purpose.

For example, antibiotics are a drug class that includes different types of medications that all fight bacterial infections. Painkillers are another drug class that includes different kinds of drugs that can help relieve pain, like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

Drug classes help doctors and pharmacists choose the best treatment for a patient's specific health condition. They also help patients understand how their medication works and what kind of side effects they may expect.

So, just like you sort toys into classes, doctors and pharmacists sort drugs into drug classes so they can choose the best treatment for each patient.