Drug Categories
Rows Returned: 110
| Drug | Definition | Translation | Sound Clip |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE inhibitor | Angiotensin Converting Enzyme - drugs that block the formation of angiotensin, a naturally occurring substance produced by the body to constrict blood vessels. Used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) reduce the retention of salt and water in the body in congestive heart failure, slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease and protect kidney function in other forms of mild kidney disease.. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -pril, -prilat | ||
| Acetylsalycylic Acid (aspirin) | a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever and inflammation | ||
| Alcohol Agonist | Drug which interferes with the metabolism of alcohol and causes unpleasant effects when it is consumed | ||
| Alzheimer’s Drug | Drugs that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease | ||
| Analgesic | Drug that selectively suppresses pain perception without inducing unconsciousness. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -adol, -adol-, -erdine, -profen | ||
| Anesthetic | Drug that eliminates pain perception. See General Anesthetic and Local Anesthetic. | ||
| Antacid | Drug that neutralizes excess gastric acid. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -aldrate | ||
| Anti-inflammatory | Drug which counteracts or suppresses inflammation and produces suppression of pain, heat, redness and swelling of inflammation. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -ac, -butazone, -fenamic acid, -metacin, -nixin, -profen, -sal, -sal-, sal- | ||
| Antianginal | Agents used to treat angina pectoris. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -sidomine | ||
| Antianxiety Agent | Drugs used to treat anxiety. See Sedative, Hypnotic. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -azepam, -perone | ||
| Antiarrhythmic | Agent used to treat cardiac arrhythmia. See also beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -afenone, -aj, -ilide, -isomide | ||
| Antiarthritic | Agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus | ||
| Antiasthmatic | Agent that relieves spasms of asthma. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -ast, -atadine, -tibant | ||
| Antibiotic | Agent which destroys or inhibits the growth of microbes. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -carbef, -cidin, -cycline, -gillin, -kacin, -micin, -monam, -mycin, -oxef, -parcin, rifa-, tricin | ||
| Anticholesteremic | Drug that lowers blood cholesterol levels | ||
| Anticholinergic | Drug that blocks the affects of acetylcholine, which is responsible for certain parasympathetic central nervous system activities; inhibits the secretion of acid in the stomach, slows the passage of food through the digestive system, inhibits the production of saliva, sweat, and bronchial secretions, and increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Also called parasympatholytic. | ||
| Anticoagulant | Drug that inhibits clotting of circulating blood or prevents the clotting of collected blood. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -arol, -irudin | ||
| Anticonvulsant | Drug that selectively prevents epileptic seizures; central nervous system depressant used to arrest convulsions by inducing unconsciousness. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -bersat | ||
| Antidepressant | Drugs that elevate the mood. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -oxetine, -pramine -tryptyline, -zodone. | ||
| Antidiabetic | Drug used to treat diabetes mellitus. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -gliptin, -glitazar, -glitazone | ||
| Antidiarrheal | Agent that prevents diarrhea | ||
| Antidiuretic | Agent that suppresses urine formation | ||
| Antidyskinetic | Agent used to treat Parkinson's disease | ||
| Antiemetic | Drug that prevents vomiting . Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -setron. | ||
| Antiepileptic | Drugs that prevent epileptic seizures. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category. -tolin | ||
| Antiflatulent | Drug that inhibits formation of gas in stomach and intestines | ||
| Antifungal | Drug that is used to treat fungal infections of hair, skin, nails or mucous membranes. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -conazole, -fungin | ||
| Antiglaucoma Drug | Agent used to treat glaucoma | ||
| Antigout | Agent used to treat gout | ||
| Antihistamine | Drug that prevents allergic reactions. Some have the effect of antinauseants or sedatives or may be used to treat duodenal ulcers. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -astine, -azoline, -iramine | ||
| Antihyperlipidemic | Drug that lowers blood lipid levels. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -fibrate, -vastatin | ||
| Antihypertensive | Drug that lowers blood pressure, especially diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. See ACE Inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -azosin, -drazaline, -guan, -pril, -prilat | ||
| Antihyperuricemic | Drug used to treat gout | ||
| Antimetabolite | Drug used in cancer treatment to interfere with DNA production and therefore cell division and the growth of tumors | ||
| Antimicrobial | Agent which inhibits growth of microbes. See Antibiotic. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -ganan, -sulfa | ||
| Antimyasthenic | Drug used to treat myasthenia gravis or other nerve-muscle disease | ||
| Antineoplastic | Drug which is selectively toxic to rapidly multiplying cells; destroys malignant tumors. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -arabine, -bulin, -fulvin, -mestane, -mustine, -mastat, -sulfan, -trexed, -tecan, -tinib, -platin, -racil, -rubicin, -uridine, -vudine, -(x)antrone | ||
| Antiparkinsonian | Agent used to treat Parkinson's disease | ||
| Antiplatelet | Drug that delays or prevents platelet formation | ||
| Antipruritic | Drug that prevents, relieves itching | ||
| Antipsychotic | Drugs used to manage psychotic conditions, nausea, vomiting, stress, anxiety. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -peridol, -peridone, -tiapine, -troline | ||
| Antipyretic | Drug used to reduce fever | ||
| Antirheumatic | Drug that alleviates inflammatory symptoms of arthritis and related connective tissue disease. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -arit | ||
| Antiseptic | Substance that will inhibit growth and development of microorganisms without destroying them. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -butan | ||
| Antispasmotic | Agent that prevents smooth muscle spasms | ||
| Antithrombus | Drug that prevents or destroys thrombi. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -parcil, -parinux, -paroid, -troban, -xaban | ||
| Antithyroid | Drug used to inhibit or prevent functioning of the thyroid | ||
| Antitubercular | Used to treat tuberculosis | ||
| Antitussive | Drug that suppresses coughing | ||
| Antiulcer | Drugs that prevent ulcers. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -prazole | ||
| Antiviral | Agent destructive to viruses. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -camra, -citabine, -cyclovir, -mantadine, -mantine, -motine, unidine, -virenz, -virsen, -vudine, -viridine, -vir | ||
| Barbiturates | One of two main groups of drugs that induce sleep (the other is benzodiazepines). Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -barb, -barb- | ||
| Benzodiazepine | Drugs prescribed for nervousness and sleeping problems and to relax muscles and control seizures. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -azenil, -zolan | ||
| Beta locker | drugs that reduce oxygen needs of the heart by reducing heartbeat rate. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -olol | ||
| Bone Metabolism Regulator | Drug that inhibits bone resorption | ||
| Bronchodilator | Drug which can dilate the air passages of the lungs. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -terol | ||
| Calcitonin | Hormone normally produced by thyroid that regulates blood calcium and stimulates bone mineralization | ||
| Calcium Channel Blocker | Drugs used in treating hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain arrhythmias. They cause blood vessel walls to relax and blood to flow more freely to the heart, lowering blood pressure and relieving anginal pain. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -dipine, -fradil, -tiazem | ||
| Calcium Regulator | Agent used to treat vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -calcet, -dronate | ||
| Cardiotonic | Agents which increase the efficiency of contractions of the heart. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -rinone | ||
| Cathartic | Drug that promotes defecation | ||
| Chemotherapeutic | Chemical agent used to treat disease, usually cancer | ||
| Cholinergic | Agent that produces the effect of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the primary transmitter of nerve impulses within the parasympathetic nervous system. Their effects include stimulating secretions of the salivary glands, tear ducts, and bronchi, slowing the heart rate, increasing movements of the bowel, contracting the bladder, and constricting the iris of the eye and thus reducing the size of the pupil Also called parasympathomimetic. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -meline | ||
| Coagulant | Drug that replaces deficient blood factor necessary for coagulation; clotting factor. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -cog | ||
| Contraceptive | Prevents or reduces likelihood of pregnancy; birth control pills and spermicides | ||
| Corticosteroids | Drugs that are synthetic equivalents of steroids produced by the adrenal cortex and used to treat allergic, immune and inflammatory disorders. Word endings and prefixes which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -osone, -cort, -olone, -onide, pred- | ||
| Cytotoxic | Drug which inhibits the production of cells I the body, destroying abnormal cells and sparing as many normal cells as possible | ||
| Decongestant | Drug which reduces congestion caused by accumulation of blood | ||
| Diuretic | Drug that promotes renal excretion, increasing urine volume. Used to treat edema in urinary disorders, in combination with antihypertensive drugs to treat hypertension, and glaucoma. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -crinat, -etanide, -pamide, -semide, -thiazide | ||
| Emetic | Drugs taken to induce vomiting | ||
| Erectile Dysfunction Drug | Drug taken for problems associated with erectile dysfunction | ||
| Expectorant | Drug that enhances secretion of sputum by air passages so it is easier to cough up; may induce vomiting in higher dosages | ||
| General Anesthetic | Drug that eliminates pain perception by inducing unconsciousness. Word endings which endicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -flurane. See Anesthetic Local Anesthetic. | ||
| Histamine | Drugs that constrict bronchial smooth muscle and dilate capillaries. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -isant | ||
| Hormone | Synthetic equivalent of chemicals produced naturally by the endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenal, ovary, testis, pancreas, parathyroid) | ||
| Hypnotic | Central depressant, induces sleep. See Antianxiety, Sedative. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -pidem, -plon | ||
| Hypoglycemic | Drugs that lower the level of blood glucose. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -formin, -gli | ||
| Immunosuppressant | Agent which inhibits the formation of antibodies to antigens. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -imus, -spirone, -sporin | ||
| Insulin | Insulin controls the use of glucose, fats, and lipids by the body | ||
| Keratolytic | A substance that unclogs pores | ||
| Laxative | Gentle purgative; mild cathartic | ||
| Lipase Inhibitor | Drug that promotes loss of weight by preventing the digestion and absorption of fat in food | ||
| Local Anesthetic | Drug that eliminates pain perception in a limited area. Word endings which indicate various generic names or drugs in this category - caine. See Anesthetic, General Anesthetic. | ||
| Miotic | Agents which constrict the pupil of the eye; used to treat glaucoma | ||
| Muscle Relaxant | Drugs that relieve muscle spasms | ||
| Mydriatic | Drug that dilates the pupil of the eye; used to treat glaucoma | ||
| Narcotic | Drug which produces insensibility or stupor. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -nal, -orphan | ||
| Narcotic Analgesic | Drugs used to relieve mild to severe pain, treat diarrhea, relieve cough, treat acute pulmonary edema. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -azacine, -fentanil, -one | ||
| Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | NSAIDS are drugs used fight inflammation, pain and stiffness in a variety of conditions such as muscle and joint pain, dental pain and menstrual cramps. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -bufin, -fenac, -nidap -profen | ||
| Oxytoxic | Drug used to induce labor or to control of postpartum hemorrhage. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -tocin | ||
| Parasympatholytic | See Anticholinergic | ||
| Parasympathomimetic | See Cholinergic. | ||
| Protease Inhibitors | Taken for Human Immunodeficiency Virus | ||
| Salicylate | See Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs | ||
| Sedative | Central depressant which induces mild relaxation; useful in treating tension. See Antianxiety Agent, Hypnotic. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -pidem, -plon. | ||
| Spermicide | Contraceptive agent that kills sperm | ||
| Sympatholytic | Agent that inhibits adrenergic nerve activity; used to treat high blood pressure or circulatory disorders. | ||
| Sympathomimetic | Agent that mimics the effect of stimulating organs/structures of the central nervous system; used as decongestants, bronchodilators, cardiac stimulants and to maintain normal blood pressure during surgery. | ||
| Tranquilizer | Psychotherapeutic drug which induces emotional response without significant sedation. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -bamate, -clone. | ||
| Vasoconstrictor | Adrenergic drug used locally in the nose to constrict blood vessels and reduce tissue congestion | ||
| Vasodilator | Drug which relaxes blood vessels and increase blood flow. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: dil-, -dil-, -dil, -dipine, -pamil | ||
| Vasopressor | Adrenergic drug used systemically to constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Word endings which indicate various generic names for drugs in this category: -pressor | ||
| Vitamin | organic compound necessary for normal physiologic and metabolic functioning of the body. See Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin H and Vitamin K | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin A fights infection, necessary for skeletal growth and visual acuity. Vitamin A1 is needed for healthy vision and skin epithelium. | ||
| Vitamin B | Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is essential for normal metabolism and health of cardiovascular and nervous systems. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) assists oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and prevents some visual disorders such as cataracts. Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) assists synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, production of antibodies, formation of heme in hemoglobin, formation of hormones important in brain function, absorption of vitamin B12, regulation of body fluids and functioning of nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is involved in metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates, normal blood formation and neural function. Vitamin B12 (Laetrile) fights cancer. | ||
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is essential for formatin of teeth, bones, cartilage, connective tissue, skin and capillary walls. | ||
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D is essential for normal formation of bones, teeth and absorption of calcium and phosphorous from the digestive tract. Word endings which indicate vitamin D: -calci. | ||
| Vitamin E | Vitamin E is essential for normal reproduction, muscle development and resistance to hemolysis. | ||
| Vitamin H | Vitamin H (Biotin) assists fatty acid production and oxidation of fatty acids | ||
| Vitamin K | Vitamin K (Quinones) are necessary for synthesis of prothromin in the liver and of several related proteins involved in clotting. |