click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Pharmacology classes
Classification of drugs
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Analgesic | Relieves pain |
Anesthetic | Produces a lack of feeling |
Antacid | Neutralizes stomach acid |
Antianxiety | Relieves anxiety and muscle tension |
Antiarrhythmic | Controls cardiac arrhythmias |
Antibiotic | Inhibits or destroys bacteria |
Anticholinergic | Blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses |
Anticoagulant | Prevents or delays blood clotting |
Anticonvulsant | Prevents or relieves convulsions |
Antidepressant | Prevents or relieves the symptoms of depression |
Antidiarrheal | Prevents or relieves diarrhea |
Antidote | Counteracts poisons and their effect |
Antifungal | Kills fungi and yeast |
Antimanic | Treats the manic episode of manic‐depressive disorder |
Antineoplastic | Kills malignant cells |
Antipsychotic | Treats psychotic symptoms |
Antitussive | Relieves cough |
Bronchodilator | Dilates the bronchi |
Contraceptive | Prevents conception and pregnancy |
Diuretic | Increases urination |
Expectorant | Increases removal of bronchopulmonary mucous secretions |
Hemostatic | Controls bleeding |
Hypnotic | Produces sleep |
Hypoglycemic | Lowers blood glucose level |
Laxative | Loosens stools and encourages bowel elimination |
Muscle relaxant | Relaxes muscle |
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) | Relieves fever, pain, and inflammation |
Sedative | Produces a calming effect |
Tranquilizer | Reduces tension and anxiety |
Vasodilator | Lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels |
Vasopressor | Elevates blood pressure by constricting blood vessels |