Alphabetical Classification

• In this method, drugs are arranged in alphabetical order based on their common name, botanical name, or official name as listed in pharmacopoeias or reference books.

Examples

• A → Aconite

• B → Belladonna

• C → Cinchona

• D → Digitalis

Sources for Alphabetical Classification

• Pharmacopoeias (e.g., Indian Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia, United States Pharmacopoeia)

• Reference books (e.g., The Merck Index, Herbal Pharmacopeias)

Advantages

• Easy to refer to and understand.

• Frequently used in indexes of books and dictionaries.

Disadvantages

• No scientific basis.

• Does not provide information about chemical composition, pharmacological effects, or therapeutic applications.