Medications can be classified based on which of the following?

Medications are commonly classified based on their actions or indications because this categorization helps healthcare providers understand the primary purpose for which a medication is prescribed. Actions refer to what the medication does in the body, including its therapeutic effects and the biological processes it influences. For example, medications can be classified as analgesics due to their pain-relieving qualities, or as antihypertensives for their ability to lower blood pressure.

This method of classification allows for more efficient prescribing practices and helps in making informed decisions regarding treatment plans. While side effects, contraindications, and interactions are important considerations when prescribing or administering medications, they are secondary to the primary purpose of the medication itself, which is why actions or indications serve as the foundational basis for categorizing medications.