CATEGORY

1-adrenergics
mimic the action of the sympathetic nervous system, which responds to stress
2-analgesics
alleviate pain
3-narcotic
decrease pain sensation in central nervous system; chronic use may lead to physical
4-nonnarcotic
act peripherally to inhibit prostaglandins (local hormones); they may also be anti-inflammatory
and antipyretic (reduce fever)
5-anesthetics
reduce or eliminate sensation
6-anticoagulants:
prevent coagulation and formation of blood clots
7-anticonvulsants:
suppress or reduce the number and/or intensity of seizures
8-antidiabetics:
prevent or alleviate diabetes.
9-Antiemetics
relieve symptoms of nausea and prevent vomiting(emesis)
10-antihistamines
prevent responses mediated by histamine: allergic and inflammatory reactions
11-antihypertensives
lower blood pressure by reducing cardiac output, dilating vessels, or promoting excretion of
water by the kidneys; see also calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and diuretics under
cardiac drugs, below.
12-anti-inflammatory drugs:
counteract inflammation and swelling.
13-Corticosteroids:
hormones from the cortex of the adrenal gland; used for allergy, respiratory, and blood
diseases, injury, and malignancy; suppress the immune system
14-nonsteroidal & anti-inflammatory drugs:
reduce inflammation and pain by interfering with synthesis of prostaglandins; also antipyretic
15-antibacterials:
effective against bacteria.
16-antifungals
effective against fungi.
17-Antineoplastic:
destroy cancer cells; they are toxic for all cells but have greater effect on cells that are actively
growing and dividing; hormones and hormone inhibitors also are used to slow tumor growth.
18-Antiarrhythmics:
correct or prevent abnormalities of heart rhythm. electrolytes by the kidneys;
19-Diuretics:
promote excretion of water, sodium, and other electrolytes by the kidneys;

20-antidiarrheals:
treat or prevent diarrhea by reducing intestinal motility or absorbing irritants and soothing the
lining.
21-Laxatives:
stool softeners bulk-forming agents
22-hypnotics
induce sleep.
23-antianxiety agents:
reduce or dispel anxiety; tranquilizers; anxiolytic agents.
24-Antidepressants:
relieve depression by raising brain levels of neurotransmitters(chemicals active in the nervous
system)
25-antitussives:
suppress coughing.
26-Bronchodilators:
prevent or eliminate spasm of the bronchi(breathing tubes) by relaxing bronchial smooth
muscle; used to treat asthma and bronchitis
27-expectorants:
induce productive coughing to eliminate respiratory secretions.
28-sedatives/hypnotics:
induce relaxation and sleep; lower (sedative) doses promote relaxation leading to sleep;
higher(hypnotic) doses induce sleep; antianxiety agents also used.
29-Tranquilizers:
reduce mental tension and anxiety; see antianxiety agents (above, under psychotropics).
30-Medriatic:
Widening the pupil of the eye.
31-Miotic:
Narrowing the pupil of the eye.

32-Vasodialator:
A drug that causes widening of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow.
33-Vasoconstrictor:
A drug that causes narrowing of blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow.
34-Anticoagulant:
A drug prevents clotting of the blood
35-Incontinence:
involuntary discharge of urine