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alkylates
treat certain types of malignancies
Alkylates break DNA strands in the cancerous cell by substituting an alkyl group for a hydrogen molecule in DNA
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analgesics
relieve minor to sever pain
analgesics include nonprescription drugs, such as aspirin & other NSAID agents, and those classified as controlled substances and available only by prescription
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angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
lower BP by inhibiting conversion of angiotensin I (inactive enzyme) to angiotensin II (a vasoconstrictor)
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androgens
increase testosterone levels
hyposecretion of testosterone may be due to surgical removal of testes or decreased levels of LH from the anterior pituitary gland
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anesthetics
produce partial or complete loss of sensation, with or without loss of consciousness
general anesthetics act upon the brain to produce complete loss of feeling with loss of consciousness. Local anesthetics act upon nerves or nerve tracts to affect a local area only
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antacids
neutralize excess acid in the stomach and help relieve gastritis and ulcer painantacids also are used to relieve indigestion & refulx esophagitis (heartburn)
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relieve angina pectoris by vasodilation
antianginals
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reduce anxiety and neurosis
antianxiety drugs are classified as minor tranquilizers and anxiolytics
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treat cardiac arrhythmias by stabilizing the elctrical conduction of the heart
antiarrhythmics
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inhibits growth of or destroy microorganisms
antibiotics are used extensively in treatment of infection diseases
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prevent or delay blood coagulation
anticoagulants prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and postoperative clot formation & decrease the risk of stroke
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prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic or other convulsive seizures;
anticonvulsants; also called (antiepileptics)
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regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression by affecting the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain
antidepressants
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stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin & decrease peripheral resistance to insulin
antidiabetics are taken orally to treat type 2 diabetes
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control loose stools and relieve diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the bowel or slowing peristalsis in the intestinal tract
Antidiarrheals
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reduce the production of urine
antidiuretics
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prevent or suppress vomiting
antiemetics antiemetics are also used in the treatment of vertigo, motion sickness, and nausea
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alter the cell wall of fungi or disrupt enzyme activity, resulting in cellular death
antifungals
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counteract the effects of a histamine
antihistamines inhibit allergic reaction of inflammation, redness, and itching, especially hay fever and other allergic disorders of the nasal passages
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lower lipid levels in the bloodstream
antihyperlipidemics reduce the risk of heart attack by lowering lipid levels
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lower BP
antihypertensive
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treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection
anti-impotence
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eliminate or inhibit bacterial or fungal infections
anti-infectivies, antibacterials, antifungals can be administered either topically or systemically
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Anti-inflammatories
- relieve the swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain of inflammation
- -can be classified as steroidal (corticosteroids) or nonsteroidal
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corticosteroids (glucocorticoids)
(classification of anti-inflammatory)
relieve inflammation and replace hormones for adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)
corticosteroids are widely used to suppress the immune system's inflammatory response to tissue damage, controlling allergic reactions, reducing the rejection process in tissue and organ transplantation, and treating some cancers.
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nonsteroidals (NSAIDS)
relieve inflammation associated with arthritis & related disorders
-
interfere with the use of enzymes required for cell division
antimetabolites block folic acid, a B vitamin required for synthesis of some amino acids in the DNA of cancerous cells
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Destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, depending on the particular drug, generally by interfering with the functions of their cell membrane or their reproductive cycle
antimicrobials
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control tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain
antiparkinsonians
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prevent or relieve itching
antipruritics
-
treat psychosis, paranoia, and schizophrenia by altering chemicals in the brain, including the limbic system (group of brain structures), which controls emotions
antipsychotics
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topically applied agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria, preventing infection in cuts, scratches, and surgical incisions
antiseptics
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act on the autonomic nervous system to reduce spasms in the bladder or GI tract
antispasmodics
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treat hyperthyroidism by impeding the formation of T3 & T4 hormone
antithyroids
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Used in the treatment of tuberculosis
antituberculars
several of these drugs are used in combination to produce effective treatment
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relieve or suppress coughing by blocking the cough reflex in the medulla of the brain
antitussives
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prevent replication of viruses with host cells
antivirals are used in treatment of HIV/AIDS
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shrink the blood vessels locally, dry up secretions from seeping lesion, and lessen skin sensitivity
astringents
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treat cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, and hypertension and improve outcomes after myocardial infactions
beta-adrenergic blockers (also called beta blockers)
block the effect of epinephrine on beta receptors, slowing the nerve pulses that pass through the heart, thereby causing a decrease in heart rate and contractility. Some beta-adrenergic blockers are also used to treat glaucoma
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inhibit breakdown of bone
bone resorption inhibitors are used to treat osteoperosis
-
stimulate bronchial muscles to relax, thereby expanding air passages and resulting in increased air flow to the lungs
bronchodilators
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selectively block movement of calcium (required for blood vessel contraction) into myocardial cells and arterial walls, causing heart rate and BP to decrease
calcium channel blockers
used to treat angina pectoris, arrythmias, heart failure, and hypertension
-
treat certain diseases with gold compounds
chrysotherapy (aka gold therapy)
used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
-
prevent conception or ovulation
contraceptives
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birth control patch (contraceptive)
delivers 2 synthetic hormones, progestin & estrogen, through a transdermal patch, impeding pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) and thickening the cervical mucus
the patch is applied directly to the skin (buttocks, abs, upper torso, upper outer arm) 95% effective
-
injectable contraceptive
delivers a synthetic drug similar to progesterone through an injection administered 4 times per year that prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) and thickens the cervical mucus
when used as directed an injectable contraceptive may prevent pregnancy more than 99% of the time
-
Oral contraceptive - OC
(birth control pills)
inhibits ovulation and pituitary secretion of LH, causing changes in cervical mucus that render it unfavorable to penetration by sperm and altering the nature of the endometrium.
OCs contain estrogen & progestin in various levels of strength. nearly 100% effective
-
paralyze the ciliary muscles, resulting in pupil dilation
cycloplegics
used to dilate the pupils to facilitate certain eye examinations and surgical procedures
-
disrupt nucleic acid and protein synthesis, causing immunosuppression and cancer cell death
cytotoxics are used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and systemic vasculitis. The are also used to prevent rejection in transplant recipients
-
decrease congestion of mucous membranes of sinuses and nose
decongestants are used for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis
-
act on the kidney to promote the excretion of sodium & water
diuretics are used to treat edema and hypertension
-
used to induce vomiting, especially in cases of poisoning
emetics
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used in estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) during menopause to correct estrogen deficiency and as chemotherapy for some types of cancer, including tumors of the prostate
estrogen hormone
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liquefy respiratory secretions so that they are more easily dislodged during coughing episodes
expectorants
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trigger the body to produce plasmin, an enzyme that dissolves clots
fibrinolytics are used to treat acute pulmonary embolism and, occasionally, deep vein thrombosis
-
raise sperm count in infertility cases
gonadotropins
-
increase skeletal growth in children & growth hormone deficiencies in adults
growth hormone replacements
-
block histamine-2 (H2) receptors in the stomach to decrease the release of hydrochloric acid
H2 blockers are used to treat peptic ulcers
-
prevent or control bleeding
hemostatics are used to treat blood disorders and certain bleeding problems associated with surgery
-
depress the CNS to induce or maintain sleep
hypnotics
-
increase the efficiency of contractions of the heart muscle
inotropics, cardiotonics are used to treat cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac failure
-
synthetic form of insulin hormone for diabetes administered by injection to lower the glucose level in the blood
insulins
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destroy and soften the outer layer of skin so that it is sloughed off or shed
strong keratolytics are effective for removing warts and corns. Milder preparations are used to promote the shedding of scales and crusts in eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Weak keratolytics irritate inflamed skin, acting as tonics that speed up the healing process
-
induce bowel movements or loosen stool
laxatives (cathartic, purgative)
when used in smaller doses, laxatives relieve constipation. When used in larger doses, they evacuate the entire GI tract; for example, as preparation for surgery or intestinal examinations
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constrict the pupil of the eye
miotics are used the the treatment of glaucoma
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liquefy sputum or reduce its viscosity so that it can be coughed up more easily
mucolytics
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dilate the pupil and paralyze the muscles of accommodation of the iris
mydriatics
used to prepare the eye for internal examination and to treat inflammatory conditions of the iris
-
treat angina pectoris by dilating arteries and increasing blood flow to the myocardium
nitrates
-
relieve pain
opiates
contain opium or its derivative. They are commonly prescribed on a short-term basis due to their strong addictive property
-
destroy systemic parasites, such as pinworm or tapeworm, in oral form, or insect parasites, such as mites and lice, in topical form
parasiticides
-
increase the potassium level of the blood
potassium supplements
can be administered orally or IV when dangerously low levels occur. It is used as a replacement for potassium loss due to diuretics
-
used to induce labor, terminate pregnancy, or treat erectile dysfunction, patent ductus arteriosis, or pulmonary hypertension
prostoglandins
-
function by covering, cooling, drying, or soothing inflamed skin
protectives do not penetrate or soften the skin by form a long-lasting film that protects the skin from air, water, and clothing during the natural healing process
-
block the final stage of hydrochloric acid production in the stomach
proton pump inhibitors are used to treat peptic ulcers & GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
-
alter chemical balance in the brain, causing changes in perception, mood, and behavior
psychotropics
commonly employed in the management of the psychiatric disorders
-
reduce tension, causing relaxation of muscles or bowel
relaxants
-
relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation
salicylates
-
exert a calming or tranquilizing effect
sedatives
-
relieve muscle spasms and stiffness
skeletal muscle relaxants
-
chemically destroy sperm
spermicides
consist of jellies, creams, and foams and do not require a prescription. They are commonly used within the woman's vagina for contraceptive purposes
-
lower cholesterol in the blood and reduce its production in the liver by blocking the enzyme that produces it
statins
-
dissolve blood clots by destroying their fibrin strands
thrombolytics
used to break apart, or lyse, thrombi.
-
replace or supplement thyroid hormones
thyroid supplements
-
block sensation of pain by numbing the skin layers and mucous membranes
topical anesthetics are applied directly in spays, creams, gargles, suppositories, and other preparations. They are also used to numb the skin to make the injection of medication more comfortable
-
calm anxiousness or agitation without decreasing consciousness
tranquilizers
-
increase urinary excretion or uric acid, reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood
uricosurics
used to treat gout
-
induce labor at term, control postpartum hemorrhage, induce therapeutic abortion
uterine stimulants (aka oxytocic agents)
oxytocin is pharmaceutically prepared chemical that is similar to the pituitary hormone. Uterine stimulants are also used to treat infertility in females
-
narrow or constrict the diameter of blood vessels
vasoconstrictors
used to decrease blood flow and increase BP
-
dilate the diameter of blood vessels
vasodilators are used in treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension
-
treats pernicious anemia
vitamin B12
delivered by nasal spray or intramuscular (IM) injection
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