-
analgesic:
agent that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin)
-
anesthetic:
produces lack of feeling either local or general depending upon type and how administered (lidocaine, Xylocaine, Novocain)
-
antacid:
neutralizes acid (Amphojel, Gelusil, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia)
-
anthelmintics:
used to treat worm infections
-
anti-impotence:
used to treat erectile dysfunction
-
anti-infective:
kills and inhibits growth of bacteria
-
anti-inflammatory:
prevents inflammation (Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn)
-
antianemic:
prevents or cures anemia
-
antianginal:
prevents or relieves angina attacks
-
antianxiety:
relieves anxiety and muscle tension (Librium, Valium)
-
antiarrhythmic:
controls cardiac arrhythmias (lidocaine HCl, Xylocaine, Inderal)
-
antibiotic:
destroys or inhibits growth of microorganisms (Kelfin, Rocephin, Pentids, penicillins, Augmentin)
-
anticholinergic:
blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses; decreases oral and respiratory secretions (atropine, Artane)
-
anticoagulant:
prevents or delays blood clotting (heparin, warfarin, Coumadin)
-
anticonvulsant:
prevents or relieves convulsions / seizures (Tegretol, Zarontin, Dilantin)
-
antidepressant:
prevents or relieves symptoms of depression (Tofranil, Marplan, Nardil)
-
antidiabetic:
used to manage diabetes
-
antidiarrheal:
prevents or relieves diarrhea; inhibits peristalsis and reduces fecal volume (Keopectate, Lomotil, Pepto-Bismol)
-
antidote:
counteracts poisons and their effects (Narcan)
-
antidysrhythmic:
controls and prevents cardiac dysrhythmias
-
antiemetic:
prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting (Dramamine, Marinol, Phenergan, Reglan, Tigan)
-
antiflatulent:
relieves gas and bloating in GI tract
-
antifungal:
destroys or inhibits the action of histamine (Diflucan, Lamisil, Lotrimin, Monistat, Nizoral, Terazol)
-
antifungal:
kills or inhibits growth of fungi
-
antigout:
inhibits production of uric acid
-
antihistamine:
acts to prevent the action of histamine (allergies) (Allegra, Benadryl, Dimetane)
-
antihyperlipidemic:
used to lower abnormally high blood levels of fatty substances (lipids). (Lipitor, Lopid, Mevacor, Nicobid, Zocor)
-
antihypertensive:
prevents or controls high blood pressure (Catapres, Aldomet, Lopressor)
-
antimanic:
used for treatment of manic episode of manic-depressive and bipolar disorder (lithium)
-
antimigraine:
causes vasoconstriction in large intracranial arteries
-
antineoplastic:
prevents the replication of neoplastic cells; used to treat tumors (Myleran, Cytoxan)
-
antiparkinsonian:
used for palliative relief of major symptoms of Parkinson disease (L-Dopa, Requip, Symmetrel, Tasar)
-
antiprotozoal:
destroys protozoa
-
antipsychotic:
used to treat psychotic disorders
-
antipyretic:
reduces fever (Tylenol, aspirin)
-
antiretroviral:
used to manage HIV infections
-
antispasmodic:
controls hypermotility in IBS
-
antituberculosis:
used in treatment of tuberculosis; inhibits growth of mycobacteria (INH, Myambutal, Mycobutin, Priftin, PZA, Rifadin, Streptomycin)
-
antitumor necrosis factor: seems to slow if not halt altogether the destruction of joints by disrupting the activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (Enbrel)
-
antitussive:
prevents or relieves cough (codeine, dextrometorphan)
-
antiulcer:
used in treatment of active duodenal ulcer and for pathological hypersecretory; controls stomach acid (Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac)
-
antiviral:
combats a specific viral disease (e.g. herpes) (Denavir, Famivir, Relenza, Retrovir, Tamiflu, Zovirax)
-
bone resorption inhibitor:
treat and prevent osteoporosis
-
bronchodilator:
dilates the bronchi (Proventil, Isuprel)
-
cardiac glycoside:
exerts a positive inotropic effect on the heart; increases strength and force of contractions and slows heart rate (Digitalis preps)
-
contraceptive:
device, method or agent that prevents conception
-
corticosteroid:
supresses inflammation and modifies normal immune response
-
COX-2 Inhibitor:
inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-2) enzyme found in joints and other areas affected by inflammation
-
decongestant:
reduces nasal congestion and/or swelling; produces vasoconstriction (Afrin, Sudafed)
-
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs):
may influence the course of disease progression of rheumatoid arthritis (Arava, Cuprimine, Cytoxan, Rheumatrex, Ridaura)
-
diuretic:
increases the excretion of urine (Diuril, Lasix, Osmitrol)
-
electrolyte replacement:
treats or prevents electrolyte depletion
-
emetic:
used to induce vomiting (Apomorphine HCl, Ipecac syrup)
-
expectorant:
facilitates removal of secretion from broncho-pulmonary mucous membrane (Robitussin, Mucinex)
-
gastric acid-pump inhibitor:
supresses gastric acid secretions; also used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (Aciphex, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix)
-
hemostatic:
controls or stops bleeding (Amicar, Humafac, vitamin K)
-
hormone replacement (HRT):
treat vasomotor symptoms of menopause
-
hypnotic:
produces sleep or hypnosis; depresses CNS (chloral hydrate, Placidyl, Seconal)
-
hypoglycemic:
lowers blood glucose level (Diabinese, insulin)
-
immunologic:
induces immunity and prevents infectious diseases; stimulates body to produce antibodies (DTP, MMR, Engerix-B, Varivax)
-
immunosuppressant:
treat and prevent rejection of transplanted organs
-
laxative:
loosens and promotes normal bowel elimination; relieves constipation (Dulcolax, Metamucil)
-
leukotriene receptor antagonist blocker:
used for treatment and management of asthma (Singulair, Zyflo, Accolate)
-
lipid-lowering agent:
lowers cholesterol
-
mucolytic:
breaks chemical bonds in mucus, lowering the viscosity (Mucomyst)
-
muscle relaxant:
produces relaxation of skeletal muscle (Norflex, Paraflex, Robaxin, Skelaxin, Valium)
-
neuroleptic:
modifies psychotic behavior (Risperdal, Zyprexa, Stelazine)
-
ophthalmic anti-infective:
treat eye infections
-
otic preparations:
treat ear conditions
-
platelet inhibitor:
inhibits the ability of platelets to adhere to each other; similar to coagulant
-
sedative:
produces calming effect without causing sleep; depresses CNS (Amytal, Buticaps, phenobarbital)
-
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake and results in potentiation of serotonergic neurotransmissions (Luvox, Paxilo, Prozac, Zoloft)
-
serotonin nonselective reuptake inhibitor (SNRI):
inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine (Effexor)
-
smoking deterrent:
used to manage nicotine withdrawl
-
thrombolytic:
dissolves an existing thrombus (clot) when administered soon after its occurence (Abbokinase, Activase, Eminase, Kabikinase, Streptase)
-
thyroid hormone:
increases basic metabolic rate
-
vasodilator:
produces relaxation of blood vesels; lowers BP (Isordil, nitroglycerin)
-
vasopressor:
produces contraction of muscles of capillaries and arteries; elevates BP; used to treat allergic reactions (Aramine, Levophed)
-
weight control agent:
used to manage obesity
|
|