Classifications of Common Drugs used in Surgery

Question 1

Adrenergic

Answer 1

– imitates action of sympathetic nervous system by stimulating release of epinephrine
Examples: dopamine, phenylephrine

Question 2

Adrenergic Blocker

Answer 2

– blocks secretion of epinephrine
Example: antidepressants (imipramine – Tofranil)

Question 3

Analeptic

Answer 3

-stimulates CNS
Example: picrotoxin, amphetamine (Ecstasy)

Question 4

Analgesic

Answer 4

– selectively suppresses pain without producing sedation
Example: acetaminophen

Question 5

Anesthesia

Answer 5

– produces loss of feeling (numbness) and elimination of pain

Question 6

Antibiotic/anti-infective

Answer 6

– destroys bacteria & other pathogenic organisms

Question 7

Anticholinergic

Answer 7

– inhibits parasympathetic response; drying of body secretions
Example: atropine, ipratropium (Atrovent), diphenhydramine

Question 8

Anticoagulant

Answer 8

– prevents formation of blood clots by inhibiting one or several clotting factors; not effective in dissolving blood clots (see Fibrinolytic agents)
Example: heparin, warfarin (Coumadin)

Question 9

Anticonvulsant

Answer 9

– reduces frequency and severity of seizures
Example: phenobarbital, diazepam

Question 10

Antiemetic

Answer 10

– used to prevent or treat nausea & vomiting
Example: metoclopramide

Question 11

Antihistamine

Answer 11

– blocks effect of histamine release in an allergic reaction
Example: diphenhydramine

Question 12

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 12

• decreases inflammation of musculoskeletal system
  Example: glucocorticoid, naproxen, ibuprofen

Question 13

Antineoplastic

Answer 13

– prevents development, growth, or proliferation of malignant or cancerous cells

Question 14

Antipyretic

Answer 14

– reduces fever

Question 15

Cardiovascular agent

Answer 15

– acts on heart & blood vessels
Example: Digitalis

Question 16

Coagulant

Answer 16

– promotes & accelerates blood clotting
Example: Vitamin K

Question 17

Diuretic

Answer 17

– increases urine output
Example: Furosemide

Question 18

Fibrinolytic/Thrombolytic

Answer 18

– used to break down fibrin in a blood clot

Question 19

Fibrin

Answer 19

– insoluble protein produced when thrombin acts on fibrinogen
Example: tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)

Question 20

Hemostatic

Answer 20

– enhances clot formation & reduces bleeding
Example: Protamine (antagonist of heparin), Vitamin K

Question 21

Histamine (H2) receptor blocker

Answer 21

– reduces gastric acid in stomach
Example: cimetidine, famotidine

Question 22

Hormone

Answer 22

– substance secreted by a gland carried by the bloodstream to its target organ; stimulates organ by chemical action to increase activity or to secrete another hormone
Example: growth hormone, insulin

Question 23

Hypnotic

Answer 23

– induces sleep & insensitivity to pain
Example: lorazepam, midazolam

Question 24

Muscle relaxant/neuromuscular blocking agent

Answer 24

– relieves spasms & stiffness of skeletal muscles
Example: diazepam

Question 25

Narcotic

Answer 25

– relieves moderate to severe pain, produces sedation, & gives a feeling of euphoria Example: meperidine (demerol)

Question 26

Oxytocic

Answer 26

– stimulates uterine contraction & treats post-partum bleeding Example: Pitocin ® (oxytocin)

Question 27

Rhogam®

Answer 27

– Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies so suppress maternal immune system from producing antibodies against fetal Rh blood type

Question 28

Sedative

Answer 28

– exerts a soothing & tranquilizing effect but does not produce sleep Example: phenobarbital

Question 29

Tranquilizer

Answer 29

– used to treat anxiety or mental tension Example: diazepam (likewise a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant)

Question 30

Vasoconstrictor

Answer 30

– constricts blood vessels Example: phenylephrine

Question 31

Vasodilator

Answer 31

– dilates blood vessels Example: nitroglycerin