Pharmacology Quiz: Drug Classifications

Study Notes

Analgesics

Drugs classified as non-narcotic for mild pain relief and narcotic for severe pain relief.

Antacids

Neutralize stomach acid to alleviate indigestion and heartburn.

Antianxiety Drugs

Often referred to as anxiolytics, sedatives, or minor tranquilizers; they suppress anxiety and relax muscles.

Antiarrhythmics

Medications used to manage irregular heartbeats.

Antibacterials & Antibiotics

Antibacterials treat infections; antibiotics combat bacterial infections, with some being narrow-spectrum (targeting specific bacteria) and others broad-spectrum (effective against a wide range).

Anticoagulants and Thrombolytics

Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting while thrombolytics dissolve existing blood clots, useful in cases of arterial or venous thrombosis.

Anticonvulsants

Medications designed to prevent epileptic seizures.

Antidepressants

Classified mainly into three groups: tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Antidiarrheals

Relieve diarrhea, with two main types: adsorbent substances and drugs that slow bowel contractions.

Antiemetics

Used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Antifungals

Target fungal infections, commonly affecting hair, skin, nails, and mucous membranes.

Antihistamines

Primarily counteract the effects of histamine involved in allergic reactions.

Antihypertensives

Lower blood pressure; include diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, centrally acting antihypertensives, and sympatholytics.

Anti-Inflammatories

Reduce inflammation characterized by redness, heat, swelling; used in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Antineoplastics

Medications utilized in cancer treatment.

Antipsychotics

Used for severe psychiatric disorders; also known as major tranquilizers.

Antipyretics

Drugs that help reduce fever.

Antivirals

Treat viral infections or provide temporary protection against viruses, such as influenza.

Barbiturates

Known as sleeping drugs, used for inducing sleep.

Beta-Blockers

Reduce heart oxygen demand by decreasing heart rate.

Bronchodilators

Expand bronchial tubes; beneficial for easing breathing in asthma patients.

Cold Cures

No cure for colds exists; alleviation can be achieved with aspirin or acetaminophen combined with decongestants, antihistamines, and caffeine.

Corticosteroids

Serve primarily as anti-inflammatories in conditions like arthritis or asthma, also used to treat some cancers and adrenal insufficiencies.

Cough Suppressants

Soothe throat irritation; actual cough suppressants include codeine and dextromethorphan alongside mucolytics and expectorants which help manage phlegm.

Cytotoxics

Kill or damage cells; used as antineoplastics and immunosuppressives.

Decongestants

Reduce nasal mucous membrane swelling by constricting blood vessels, alleviating stuffiness.

Diuretics

Increase urine production to eliminate excess bodily fluid, beneficial for treating fluid retention and mild hypertension.

Expectorants

Stimulate saliva flow and promote coughing to clear phlegm from the respiratory tract.

Description

Test your knowledge on various drug classifications including analgesics, antacids, and antidepressants. This quiz covers the mechanisms of action and uses of different medications. Perfect for students in pharmacology courses or anyone interested in understanding common medications.

Pharmacology Quiz: Drug Classifications

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Questions and Answers

Analgesics are drugs that relieve ______.

Antacids are used to relieve indigestion and ______.

Antihistamines counteract the effects of ______.

Antidepressants can be categorized into tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, and ______.

Anticoagulants prevent blood from ______.

Antibiotics combat ______ infections.

Antineoplastics are drugs used to treat ______.

Antipyretics are used to reduce ______.

Antivirals are drugs used to treat ______ infections.

Beta-blockers reduce the oxygen needs of the heart by reducing ______ rate.

Bronchodilators help ease breathing in diseases such as ______.

Corticosteroids are primarily used as ______ in conditions like arthritis.

Cough suppressants can soothe throat irritation but do not actually suppress ______.

Diuretics are useful in treating mild cases of high blood ______.

Decongestants help relieve nasal stuffiness by reducing swelling of the mucous ______.

Expectorants stimulate the flow of saliva and promote ______ to eliminate phlegm.