Drug Class

Question 1

Statins

Answer 1

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors; reduces high cholesterol (some can decrease LDL cholesterol by 50% or more)

Question 2

SSRI

Answer 2

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; antidepressants that increase serotonin levels and block reabsorption of serotonin into neurons

Question 3

Antihistamines

Answer 3

reduce/prevent allergy symptoms; prevents effects of histamine

Question 4

NSAID

Answer 4

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory; reduces inflammation, pain, fever, and blood clotting

Question 5

Beta Blockers

Answer 5

lowers blood pressure by preventing catecholamine from binding and activating (catecholamines alter vascular resistance)

Question 6

ACE Inhibitors

Answer 6

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors: lowers blood pressure by preventing angiotensin I from becoming angiotensin II (angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction which increases blood pressure)

Question 7

Calcium Channel Blockers

Answer 7

Lowers blood pressure by binding and blocking calcium channels (calcium can lead to muscular contractions and increased blood pressure)

Question 8

ARBs

Answer 8

Angiotensin II receptor blockers; lowers blood pressure by blocking receptors that angiotensin II act upon, specifically AT1 receptors which are found in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys

Question 9

Diuretics

Answer 9

Help rid body of sodium and water which helps kidneys release more sodium into urine; sodium helps remove water from blood and therefore decreasing the amount of fluid flowing through veins and arteries (decreasing blood pressure)

Question 10

Alpha Blockers

Answer 10

lowers blood pressure by preventing norepinephrine from tightening muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins

Question 11

Anticoagulants

Answer 11

reduce coagulating of blood; prolongs clotting time

Question 12

Antipsychotics

Answer 12

Manage psychosis in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and a range of other psychotic disorders; 1st gen. are dopamine receptor antagonists; 2nd gen. are serotonin-dopamine antagonists

Question 13

Antacids

Answer 13

relieve mild intermittent gastroesophageal reflux disease with associated heartburn

Question 14

Proton-pump Inhibitors

Answer 14

treats a wide variety of pathologies related to the stomach’s acid production; decreases acid secretion in the stomach

Question 15

Anticonvulsants

Answer 15

used to treat epileptics seizures, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (bc of mood stabilizing properties), and neuropathic pain

Question 16

Benzodiazepines

Answer 16

work to calm or sedate a person by raising the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain