Pharmacology Drug Classifications

• 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)
• antidepressant


  prevents or relieves symptoms of depression (Tofranil, Marplan, Nardil)
• antidiarrheal


  prevents or relieves diarrhea; inhibits peristalsis and reduces fecal volume (Keopectate, Lomotil, Pepto-Bismol)
• antidote


  counteracts poisons and their effects (Narcan)
• antiemetic


  prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting (Dramamine, Marinol, Phenergan, Reglan, Tigan)
• antifungal

  destroys or inhibits the action of histamine (Diflucan, Lamisil, Lotrimin, Monistat, Nizoral, Terazol)
• 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)
• anti-inflammatory


  prevents inflammation (Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn)
• antimanic


  used for treatment of manic episode of manic-depressive and bipolar disorder (lithium)
• 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)
• antipyretic


  reduces fever (Tylenol, aspirin)
• 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)
• 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
• 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)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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)