The leaching of pharmaceutical ingredients into water bodies poses an escalating threat, demanding urgent remediation strategies. Among several techniques advanced for their remediation, advanced oxidation methods utilizing persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) stand out as promising avenues for pharmaceutical degradation in wastewater. This article consolidates the research on photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants, focusing on PMS-based photoactive composites, and elucidates their efficacy in removing active pharmaceutical ingredients from water. Moreover, it delineates alternative techniques for activating PS and PMS, providing a holistic understanding of the field's advancements. By outlining research limitations and knowledge gaps, this review underscores the imperative for further investigation and innovation in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.