Molecular mechanisms of action (MOA) of some selected drug classes

Abstract

Understanding the molecular mechanism of action (MOA) of drug classes is fundamental to
pharmacology, therapeutics, and drug development. This review provides a comprehensive
overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which major classes of drugs exert
their effects. It explores how drugs interact with biological targets such as receptors,
enzymes, ion channels, and transporters to modulate physiological processes and produce
therapeutic outcomes. The keywords and Boolean operators used in the search included
"mechanism of action" AND "drug classes", "pharmacodynamics" OR "MOA" AND
"therapeutic agents", "antibiotics", "antivirals", "antifungals", "analgesics",
"antidepressants", "antihypertensives", and "drug mechanism" AND "clinical
pharmacology". Publications were within the years 2020 -2025. Key drug classes discussed
include analgesics, antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antineoplastics, and
more, with emphasis on both classical mechanisms and emerging insights from recent
research. The review also highlights the clinical relevance of MOA knowledge in guiding
drug selection, predicting therapeutic responses, and anticipating adverse effects.