Medicinal Actions Flashcards
Alterative
a gentle nutritive eliminative agent that alters function gradually toward health.
Analgesic
diminishes pain
Anodyne
relieves pain
Anthelmintic
expels/destroys intestinal helminths (worms)
Antibiotic
destroys the or arrests the growth of bacteria or protozoa
Antiemetic
relieves nausea and vomiting
Antipyretic
prevents or reduces fever
Antiseptic
inhibits the growth of bacteria
Antispasmodic
reduces the intensity of spasticity, tremor, or cramps
Antitussive
relieves coughing
Aperient
gentle stimulant to the bowels – mild laxative
Aphrodisiac
stimulates sexual desire or arousal
Astringent
contracts tissue, reducing bleeding or fluid exudate
Balsam
healing or soothing agent, usually made from a tree resin
Bitter
stimulates gastric, pancreatic, and gallbladder juices as well as motility due to its bitter taste
Cardiac
exerts an effect on the heart
Carminative
soothes digestive upset and helps to expel gas
Cathartic
very strong laxative
Cholagogue
increases the flow of bile into the intestines
Choleretic
increases the production of bile
Corrigent
a substance added to modify a medicinal preparation, usually by adding flavor
Demulcent
a mucilaginous substance that sooths tissue, particularly mucous membranes
Depurative
cleanses and purifies the system, particularly the blood
Diaphoretic
promotes perspiration
Diuretic
increases the output of urine
Emetic
induces vomiting
Emmenagogue
promotes menstrual flow
Emollient
moisturizes the skin
Expectorant
promotes discharge of mucous from the lungs
Galactagogue
activity of the production of milk by the mammary glands
Hemostatic
stops bleeding
Hypnotic
promotes sleep
Hepatic
affects the liver
Laxative
promotes defecation
Narcotic
relieves pain and induces sleep (generally has higher toxicity)
Nervine
calming or soothing to the nerves
Purgative
strong laxative
Restorative
restores normal physiological activity
Rubefacient
local irritant that increases circulation and, thus, erythema
Sedative
calming to the nerves with reduced alertness
Stimulant
enhances a physiologic process
Stomachic
has an effect on the function of the stomach
Styptic
astringent that stops bleeding
Tonic
strengthens an organ, organ system or the whole organism
Vermicide
destroys helminths
Vermifuge
stimulates the expulsion of helminths
Vulnerary
heals wounds