Medication Classifications Flashcards

Study Notes

Medication Classifications

Adrenergic: Constricts blood vessels and halts superficial bleeding; examples include epinephrine.
Analgesic: Reduces pain perception; commonly used medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Anesthetic: Induces insensibility to pain; examples include lidocaine and novacaine.
Anti-anxiety: Alleviates anxiety and tension; medications include alprazolam (Xanax), Valium, and diazepam.
Antibiotic: Kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms; examples include penicillins, erythromycin, gentamycin, and tetracycline.
Anticholinergic: Acts as a parasympathetic blocker, reducing spasms in smooth muscles; examples are Librax and scopolamine.
Anticoagulants: Delay or obstruct blood clotting; important medications include heparin and warfarin (Coumadin).
Antidepressant: Addresses symptoms of depression; common drugs include Zoloft and amitriptyline (Elavil).
Antiemetic: Targets nausea and vomiting by acting on the brain's hypothalamus; examples are Compazine, Tigan, and Reglan.
Antiepileptic: Also known as anticonvulsants; reduce excessive brain stimulation; examples include Dilantin, phenobarbital, and Tegretol.
Antifungal: Diminishes or halts the reproduction of fungi; representative drugs include Monistat and nystatin.
Antihistamine: Counteracts histamine effects, potentially inhibiting gastric secretions; examples include Benadryl and Phenergan.
Antihypertensive: Blocks nerve impulses constricting arteries, slows heart rate, and limits aldosterone; notable medications are atenolol, Cardura, and Lopressor.
Anti-inflammatory: Acts to reduce inflammation or rheumatism; includes NSAIDs, Advil, naproxen, and prednisone.
Antineoplastic: Targets cancer cells, inhibiting their growth or promoting their destruction; examples include interferon and hydrea.
Antispasmotic: Alleviates or prevents muscle spasms due to injury or inflammation; an example is methocarbamol.
Antitussive: Cough suppressants that act on the cough center of the brain; notable examples are codeine, dextromethorphan, and Robitussin.
Bronchodilator: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to ease breathing; examples include aminophylline, epinephrine, and albuterol.
Cathartic: Known as laxatives, they enhance peristalsis in the large intestine; examples include Dulcolax and Colace.
Contraceptive: Prevents conception; notable drugs include Depo-Provera and Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
Decongestant: Alleviates local tissue congestion; examples include ephedrine, Afrin, and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Diuretic: Promotes urination by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in kidneys; examples are Lasix and Dyrenium.
Expectorant: Increases mucus and secretions from bronchial tubes; commonly used expectorants include Benylin and guaifenesin (Robitussin).
Hemostatic: Controls bleeding, functioning as a blood coagulant; examples include Vitamin K and absorbable agents like Gelfoam.
Hypnotic: Sedatives that induce sleep and reduce brain activity; examples include Dalmane and Restoril.
Hormone Replacement: Supplements hormone deficiencies; notable examples are insulin, Synthroid, and estrogen.
Miotic: Causes pupil contraction in the eye; example includes Isopto Carbachol.
Mydriatic: Dilates the pupil; often associated with anticholinergics such as atropine sulfate.
Mucolytic: Reduces viscosity of respiratory secretions; an example is Mucomyst.
Antiflatulents: Prevents gas formation in the intestines and helps absorb mucus; examples include Mylicon and activated charcoal.
Corticosteroids: Inhaled to decrease airway inflammation in asthma patients; examples include Aerobid, betamethasone, and Azmacort.
Gallstone Dissolving Drugs: Suppress liver production of cholesterol and cholic acid; one example is Atigall, requiring careful monitoring due to potential toxicity.

Description

Test your knowledge on various medication classifications with these flashcards. Learn the definitions and examples of adrenergic, analgesic, anesthetic, and anti-anxiety medications. Perfect for students in pharmacology or anyone interested in medicine.