Notable Medication Classes (Groups) Flashcards
What is the purpose of alkalinizing agents?
increase serum or urine pH
What is the purpose of alkylating agents?
group of cancer medications that attack the DNA of cancer cells causing cell death
What is the purpose of antacids?
neutralize excess acids present in the stomach
What is the purpose of anthelminitics?
used to treat intestinal parasites
What is the purpose of antibiotics?
treat bacterial infection
What is the purpose of anticoagulants?
reduce efficacy of clotting factors present in the blood
What is the purpose of antidiarrheals?
decrease GI motility and alter GI secretion activity
What is the purpose of antidysrhythmics?
prevent or control various cardiac dysrhythmias
What is the purpose of antiemetics?
treat or prevent nausea and vomiting
What is the purpose of antiflatulents?
prevent or treat excess intestinal gas
What is the purpose of antifungals?
treat fungal infections
What is the purpose of antiglaucoma agents?
treat glaucoma
What is the purpose of antihistamines?
block histamine receptors, dry mucus membranes, and inhibit immune response in allergic reactions
What is the purpose of antihyperlipidemics?
decrease blood cholesterol and sequester cholesterol chemicals in bile
What is the purpose of antimetabolite agents?
cancer medications that mimic normal substances within a cell, disrupt cell metabolism, and kill cancer cells
What is the purpose of antipsychotics?
treat psychoses
What is the purpose of antitumor antibiotics?
antibiotic medications that have the additional ability to target and kill certain cancer cells
What is the purpose of antivirals?
treat viral infections
What is the purpose of barbiturates?
treat anxiety and seizures / provide sedation
What is the purpose of benzodiazepines?
treat anxiety and seizures / provide sedation
What is the purpose of beta agonists?
bronchodilation
What is the purpose of beta-blocking agents?
reduce heart rate and blood pressure
What is the purpose of calcium channel blockers?
reduce heart rate and blood pressure