MED 115a - Drug Categories Flashcards
Analgesic
A drug that selectively suppresses pain without producing sedation
Analgesic (Narcotic)
A drug that inhibits severe pain - can produce tolerance and dependency
Anesthetic
A drug that eliminates pain voluntary muscle control by inducing unconsciousness
Antacid
A drug that neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the GI tract
Antibiotic/Antibacterial (Abx)
A drug used to treat infections by killing pathogenic bacteria
Antianxiety
A drug used to relieve conditions involving anxiety, tension, or nervousness
Antiarrhythmic
Increases the force and efficiency of the heartbeat
Anticoagulants
There are drugs that slow the blood clotting process. Regular blood tests (INR/PTT) are done on a regular basis to remain within safe limits
Anticonvulsant
A drug used to prevent seizures
Antidepressant
A psychotherapeutic drug that produces mood elevations
Antidiarrheal
A drug that reduces diarrhea
Antiemetic
A drug that reduces nausea and therefore prevents vomiting
Antiepileptic
Used to prevent seizures
Antifungal
A drug used to treat fungal infections
Antihistamine
A drug used to decrease the symptoms of inflammation caused by histamine released during an allergic reaction
Antihypertensive
A drug that lowers high blood pressure
Anti-inflammatory Analgesics
A drug used to decrease the symptoms of inflammation by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins
Antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer
Antipsychotic
A drug used to treat various forms of psychotic disorders
Antipyretic
A drug that reduces fever
Antispasmodic
A drug used to stop spasms of voluntary or involuntary muscles
Antitussive
A drug that suppresses coughing
Antivertigo
A drug that reduces episodes of recurrent vertigo
Antiviral
A drug used in the treatment of viral infections (HIV, herpes)
Bronchodilator
A drug that dilates the bronchi of the lungs to increase airflow
Corticosteriods
Topical, oral, or inhaled drugs used to decrease inflammation
Decongestant
A drug that decreases congestion of the mucous membranes of the sinuses and nose
Diuretics
A drug used to treat edema and hypertension by causing the kidneys to excrete more water and with it also sodium and potassium. Regular blood tests (electrolytes) are ordered to make sure normal blood values are maintained.
Expectorant
A drug that thins mucus in the respiratory tract to make it easier to cough up
GI Motility Modifier
Stimulates the upper GI tract smooth muscle without increasing acid secretion
H2 Receptor Antagonist
A medication that inhibits gastric acid secretion
Immunosuppressants
Medications which are used after organ transplants
Insulins
Medications that stimulate carbohydrate metabolism by increasing the movement of glucose into the cells
Laxative
A drug that relieves constipation
Narcotic Antagonist
A drug that reverses life-threatening respiratory depression due to incorrect or excessive narcotic dosage
Oral Hypoglycemic
A drug used to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic cells
Parasympatholy
Medications which have several effects on the GI tract. They decrease GI motility and spasm and decrease secretions
Prophylactic
From a Greek word meaning to keep guard before. A drug which is administered before the onset of disease or other condition to prevent its occurence (birth control pill, flu shots etc)
Sedative/Hypnotic
A drug that produces sleep
Stimulant
A drug that stimulates physical motor and mental activity
Topical Anesthetic
Anesthetics that aid itching, deaden nerve endings, and can provided local pain relief to the skin.
Topical Antibacterials
Used to clean skin prior to surgery
Vasodilator
A drug that relaxes and dilates the smooth muscle of blood vessels to improve blood flow
Vasopressor
A drug that constricts smooth muscle of blood vessels to increase blood pressure
