Drug Classifications 2 Flashcards
Antiretrovirals
Manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. They increase CD4 cell count and decrease the viral load
Antirheumatics
Manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling), slow joint destruction, and preserve joint function
Antituberculars
Prevent and treat tuberculosis. They are also used to prevent meningitis and influenza.
Antiulcer Agents
Prevent or treat stomach ulcers. They are also used in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Antiviral Medications
Manage viral infections, such as herpes, chickenpox, influenza A, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
Beta Blockers
Help manage blood pressure, chest pain, fast heart rates, vessel narrowing, migraine headaches, glaucoma, and heart failure. Prevent heart attacks/manage symptoms of low thyroid function.
Biologicals
Antivenins and antitoxins used to treat poisonings or snakebites.
Bone Resorption inhibitors
Primarily used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Manage high blood calcium and Paget’s disease.
Bronchodilators
Treat reversible airway obstruction resulting from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Calcium Channel Blockers
Treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and coronary artery spasm. They act to control the rhythm of the heart and to prevent neurological damage.
Central Nervous System
Treat narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Corticosteroids
Correct adrenocortical insufficiency. Large dosages are used for antiinflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antineoplastic activity. Can reduce blood calcium and autoimmune diseases. Inhaled- Asthma and vasoconstriction. Eye disorders.
Diuretics
Used alone or in combination to reduce high blood pressure and swelling resulting from congestive heart failure. Potassium-sparing diuretics conserve potassium while decreasing fluid.
H2 antagonists
Used to decrease the production of acid in the stomach by blocking histamine- induced gastric acid secretion in the treatment of GERD, gastric ulcers, and other hypersecretory illnesses.
Hormones
Used to treat deficiencies in disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
Immunosuppressants
Prevent transplant rejection
Laxatives
Treat and prevent constipation
Lipid lowering agents
Used in conjunction with diet and exercise to lower blood lipid levels in an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with cardiovascular disease.
Minerals/electrolytes/pH modifiers
Treat deficiencies or excesses of electrolytes to maintain correct acid base intolerance.
Natural herbal products
Used for a wide variety of disorders.
Nonsteriodal antiinflammatory drugs
Control mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammatory symptoms resulting from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Proton pump inhibitors
Decrease the production of stomach acid, allows gastric ulcers to heal and prevents new ulcers from forming.
Sedative hypnotics
Provide sedation
Skeletal muscle relaxants
Reduce spasticity associated with neuro disorders
Thrombolytic agents
Dissolve clots and prevent heart attacks
Vaccines/immunizing agents
Prevent infectious diseases by promoting the bodies own production of antibodies against diseases.
Vascular headache suppressants
Change vascular tension to decrease pain.
Vitamins
Prevent or treat vitamin deficiencies. Supplements in metabolic disorders.
