How many types of drugs are known to exist?

The number of known drugs is vast and ever-growing, with tens of thousands of substances cataloged and documented. According to estimates, scientists have cataloged up to five to thirty million potential drug compounds. This enormous list includes prescription drugs, illicit substances, botanical preparations, synthetic compounds, experimental therapeutic agents, and more.

This diversity represents compounds that target various cellular, physiological, and psychological mechanisms. The field of medicinal chemistry plays a pivotal role in discovering and understanding new drugs, continually expanding humanity's catalog of potential therapeutic and pharmaceutical solutions.