Drug Classes Flashcards
Adrenergic
a. Increases the rate and strength of the heart muscle.
b. Acts as a vasoconstrictor, dilates bronchi, dilates pupils, and relaxes muscular walls.
c. Used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
Adrenergic blocking agent
a. Increases peripheral circulation.
b. Decreases blood pressure and vasodilation.
c. Used to treat hypertension
Analgesic
a. Relieves pain without the loss of consciousness.
b. These may be either narcotic or non-narcotic.
c. Narcotic drugs are derived from the opium poppy and act on the brain to cause pain relief and drowsiness
Anesthetic
a. Produces a lack of feeling that may have a local or general effect, depending on the type of administration
Antacid
Neutralizes acid in the stomach
Antianxiety
a. Relieves or reduces anxiety and muscle tension.
b. These are used to treat panic disorders, anxiety, and insomnia.
Antibiotic
a. Destroys or prohibits the growth of microorganisms.
b. Used to treat bacterial infections.
c. Ineffective in treating viral infections.
d. Must be taken regularly for a specified time period to be effective
Anticoagulant
a. Prevents or delays blood clotting.
b. Also referred to as blood thinners
Antidepressant
a. Prevents or relieves the symptoms of depression.
b. Also used in the prevention of migraine headaches
Antihistamine
a. Counteracts histamine and controls allergic reactions
Antihypertensive
a. Prevents or controls high blood pressure.
b. Some of these drugs act to block nerve impulses that cause arteries to constrict and thus increase blood pressure
Bronchodilator
dilates or opens the bronchi (airways in the lungs) to improve breathing.
Cathartic
a. Causes bowel movements to occur.
b. May have a strong purging action and can become habit forming.
Diuretic
a. Increases the excretion of urine, which promotes the loss of water and salt from the body.
b. This can assist in lowering blood pressure; therefore, these drugs are used to treat hypertension.
Tranquilizer
a. Used to reduce mental anxiety and tensions
