MED 115a - Drug Categories

Question 1

Analgesic

Answer 1

A drug that selectively suppresses pain without producing sedation

Question 2

Analgesic (Narcotic)

Answer 2

A drug that inhibits severe pain - can produce tolerance and dependency

Question 3

Anesthetic

Answer 3

A drug that eliminates pain voluntary muscle control by inducing unconsciousness

Question 4

Antacid

Answer 4

A drug that neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the GI tract

Question 5

Antibiotic/Antibacterial (Abx)

Answer 5

A drug used to treat infections by killing pathogenic bacteria

Question 6

Antianxiety

Answer 6

A drug used to relieve conditions involving anxiety, tension, or nervousness

Question 7

Antiarrhythmic

Answer 7

Increases the force and efficiency of the heartbeat

Question 8

Anticoagulants

Answer 8

There are drugs that slow the blood clotting process. Regular blood tests (INR/PTT) are done on a regular basis to remain within safe limits

Question 9

Anticonvulsant

Answer 9

A drug used to prevent seizures

Question 10

Antidepressant

Answer 10

A psychotherapeutic drug that produces mood elevations

Question 11

Antidiarrheal

Answer 11

A drug that reduces diarrhea

Question 12

Antiemetic

Answer 12

A drug that reduces nausea and therefore prevents vomiting

Question 13

Antiepileptic

Answer 13

Used to prevent seizures

Question 14

Antifungal

Answer 14

A drug used to treat fungal infections

Question 15

Antihistamine

Answer 15

A drug used to decrease the symptoms of inflammation caused by histamine released during an allergic reaction

Question 16

Antihypertensive

Answer 16

A drug that lowers high blood pressure

Question 17

Anti-inflammatory Analgesics

Answer 17

A drug used to decrease the symptoms of inflammation by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins

Question 18

Antineoplastic

Answer 18

A drug used to treat cancer

Question 19

Antipsychotic

Answer 19

A drug used to treat various forms of psychotic disorders

Question 20

Antipyretic

Answer 20

A drug that reduces fever

Question 21

Antispasmodic

Answer 21

A drug used to stop spasms of voluntary or involuntary muscles

Question 22

Antitussive

Answer 22

A drug that suppresses coughing

Question 23

Antivertigo

Answer 23

A drug that reduces episodes of recurrent vertigo

Question 24

Antiviral

Answer 24

A drug used in the treatment of viral infections (HIV, herpes)

Question 25

Bronchodilator

Answer 25

A drug that dilates the bronchi of the lungs to increase airflow

Question 26

Corticosteriods

Answer 26

Topical, oral, or inhaled drugs used to decrease inflammation

Question 27

Decongestant

Answer 27

A drug that decreases congestion of the mucous membranes of the sinuses and nose

Question 28

Diuretics

Answer 28

A drug used to treat edema and hypertension by causing the kidneys to excrete more water and with it also sodium and potassium. Regular blood tests (electrolytes) are ordered to make sure normal blood values are maintained.

Question 29

Expectorant

Answer 29

A drug that thins mucus in the respiratory tract to make it easier to cough up

Question 30

GI Motility Modifier

Answer 30

Stimulates the upper GI tract smooth muscle without increasing acid secretion

Question 31

H2 Receptor Antagonist

Answer 31

A medication that inhibits gastric acid secretion

Question 32

Immunosuppressants

Answer 32

Medications which are used after organ transplants

Question 33

Insulins

Answer 33

Medications that stimulate carbohydrate metabolism by increasing the movement of glucose into the cells

Question 34

Laxative

Answer 34

A drug that relieves constipation

Question 35

Narcotic Antagonist

Answer 35

A drug that reverses life-threatening respiratory depression due to incorrect or excessive narcotic dosage

Question 36

Oral Hypoglycemic

Answer 36

A drug used to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic cells

Question 37

Parasympatholy

Answer 37

Medications which have several effects on the GI tract. They decrease GI motility and spasm and decrease secretions

Question 38

Prophylactic

Answer 38

From a Greek word meaning to keep guard before. A drug which is administered before the onset of disease or other condition to prevent its occurence (birth control pill, flu shots etc)

Question 39

Sedative/Hypnotic

Answer 39

A drug that produces sleep

Question 40

Stimulant

Answer 40

A drug that stimulates physical motor and mental activity

Question 41

Topical Anesthetic

Answer 41

Anesthetics that aid itching, deaden nerve endings, and can provided local pain relief to the skin.

Question 42

Topical Antibacterials

Answer 42

Used to clean skin prior to surgery

Question 43

Vasodilator

Answer 43

A drug that relaxes and dilates the smooth muscle of blood vessels to improve blood flow

Question 44

Vasopressor

Answer 44

A drug that constricts smooth muscle of blood vessels to increase blood pressure