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 |