Pharmacology Quiz: Drug Classifications

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.