M3G Classes of Drugs

Question 1

analgesic

Answer 1

drug that lessens pain

more potent analgesics may induce stupor and produce dependence

Question 2

anesthetic

Answer 2

agent that reduces or eliminates sensation

Question 3

antimicrobial drugs

Answer 3

drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans

Question 4

antibiotics

Answer 4

chemical agents produced from molds or bacteria that inhibit or kill bacteria

indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to bacteria developing resistance to a particular agent

E.g. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)

Question 5

anticoagulants

Answer 5

prevent formation of clots or break up clots in blood vessels in conditions such as thrombosis and embolism

Question 6

antiplatelet drugs

Answer 6

reduce the tendency of platelets to stick together

Question 7

anticonvulsant

Answer 7

prevents or reduces the frequency of convulsions in various types of seizure disorders or epilepsy

Question 8

antidepressants

Answer 8

treat symptoms of depression

elevate mood
increase physical activity and mental alertness
improve appetite and sleep patterns

Question 9

anti-Alzheimer drugs

Answer 9

used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer disease

Question 10

antidiabetics

Answer 10

used to treat diabetes mellitus

Question 11

antihistamines

Answer 11

block the action of histamine, which is normally released in the body in allergic reactions

relieve allergic symptoms such as hives, bronchial asthma, hay fever, anaphylactic shock

common side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, tremors, digestive upset, and lack of motor coordination

Question 12

antiosteoporosis

Answer 12

used to treat osteoporosis (loss of bone density)

prevent bone loss or increase bone formation

Question 13

cardiovascular drugs

Answer 13

treat hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and arrythmias

Question 14

endocrine drugs

Answer 14

hormone or hormone-like drugs

Question 15

gastrointestinal drugs

Answer 15

used to relieve uncomfortable and dangerous symptom, rather than as cures for specific diseases in the GI tract

Question 16

respiratory drugs

Answer 16

prescribed for the treatment of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases)

Question 17

sedative-hypnotics

Answer 17

depress the CNS and promote drowsiness and sleep

Question 18

stimulants

Answer 18

drugs that act on the brain to speed up vital processes in cases of shock and collapse

high doses can produce restlessness, insomnia, and hypertension

Question 19

tranquilizers

Answer 19

useful for controlling anxiety