Medication Classes Flashcards
Antihypertensives
treats clients with hypertension
Cardiac Glycosides
Used in treatment for clients with heart failure or ineffective pumping of the heart muscle by increasing force and velocity of myocardial contractions
Antianginal Medications
Prevent and treat angina - chest pain caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen
Antidysrhythmic Agents
Used to treat arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) by modifying electrical impulses
Antilipemic Drugs
Lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels to reduce elevated cholesterol levels
Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists
Promote bronchodilation and smooth muscle relaxation
(SABA & LABA)
Methylxanthines
Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation
-phyllines
Inhaled Anticholinergics
block acetylcholine which activates the muscarinic receptors and results in bronchodilation
-tropium
Glucocorticoids
Prevent inflammatory response by suppression of airway mucus production
-sone
Leukotriene Modifiers
Decrease inflammation, bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and mucus production
-lukast
Antitussives
Suppress cough through CNS
Expectorants
Promote increased mucus secretion to increase cough production
Mucolytics
Enhance the flow of secretions in the respiratory tract
Decongestants
Used to reduce nasal congestion caused by common cold, allergies, or sinusitis
Antihistamines
Block the effects of histamine and decreases allergy response
Oral Hypoglycemics
Controls glucose levels in clients with type 2 diabetes
Insulin
Manage diabetes that vary in onset, peak, and duration
R-Lispro
S-Regular
I-NPH (cloudy)
L-Lantus
Glycemic Agent
Helps rapidly raise blood glucose levels in severe cases of hypoglycemia (for unresponsive clients)
Thyroid Hormone
Stimulates metabolism of all body systems by accelerating the rate of cellular oxygenation
Thyroid Hormone Antagonist
Blocks or reduces the effects of thyroid hormones in the body (inhibits synthesis of thyroid hormone)
Anterior Pituitary / Growth Hormone
Increase production of insulin like growth factor throughout the body
Posterior Pituitary Hormones / Antidiuretic Hormones
Promote reabsorption of water with the kidneys; vasoconstriction of vascular smooth muscle.
Adrenal Hormone Replacement
Replace or supplement the hormones that the adrenal gland aren’t able to produce in sufficient amounts . Treatment is used when adrenal gland are underactive or damaged, like in addison’s disease.
Iron preparations
Treat iron deficiency
Anticoagulant
Known as blood thinners that prevent blood clot formation or reduce the size of existing clots
-warfarin : inhibit vitamin k clotting factors
Anti-platelet Medication
Prevent platelets from clumping together by inhibiting enzyme factors that normally promote clotting.
Thrombolytic Meedications
Dissolve clots that have already been formed by destroying fibrinogen and other clotting factors
Antacids
Neutralize gastric acid and inactivate pepsin to replace an acidic environment and neutralize stomach acid.
Antisecretory / Blocking Agents
Reduce or inhibit the secretion of stomach acid or other digestive fluids. Helps with excessive acid production that causes discomfort or damage.
Mucosal Protectants
Protect the lining of the stomach and intestines from the damages of stomach acid by forming a protective barrier over mucosal lining.
Antiemetics
Prevent nausea/vomiting
Antidiarrheals
Used to reduce or stop diarrhea
Stool Softners/Laxatives
Facilitates peristalsis and bowel movements.
Diuretics
Increase amount of fluid excretion via renal system.
Osmotic Diuretics
removes excess fluid from the body by increasing the osmolarity of the blood or the kidneys.
Anticholinergic Medications
Block acetylcholine which normally helps the bladder contract and release urine.
Sexual Dysfunction Medications
Increase blood flow to penis to help achieve and maintain an erection.
Antimicrobials
Kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Antibiotics
Antimicrobial specifically designed to target and treat bacterial infections
Antivirals
treat infections caused by viruses
Antifungals
treat infections caused by fungi
Bisphosphonates
Help treat bone-related conditions particularly those involving bone loss or weakening.
Antirheumatics
treat disorders that affect the joins, muscles, and connective tissues by reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and slowing disease progression.
Glucocorticoids
Provide symptomatic relief of inflammation and pain.
NSAID’s
Provide rapid and relief of inflammation and pain.
Antipsychotic Medications
Block dopamine, acetylcholine, histamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain.
Bipolar Disorder Medications
Produce neurochemical changes in the brain to control acute mania, depression, and incidence of suicide.
St. Johns Wort
-Depression
-Seasonal affective disorder
-Anxiety
Echinacea
-Prevents and treats common cold
-Promotes wound healing
Garlic
-Blocks LDL cholesterol
-Raises HDL cholesterol
-Disrupts coagulation
-Acts vasodilator (lowers blood pressure)
Ginger Root
-Relieves vertigo and nausea
-Increases gastric mucus production
-Suppresses platelet aggregation
-Decreases pain from rheumatoid arthritis
-Treats morning sickness and motion sickness
Ginko
-Treats dementia and memory loss
-Decreases pain with walking in clients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Glucosamine
-Relives osteoarthritis
-Promotes joint health
Melatonin
Treats insomnia and jet lag
