Classes of Medications + Examples

Thrombolytics — function, uses, risks, examples

Break down fibrin to dissolve existing clots. Uses: selected acute ischemic strokes, STEMI, and PE. Risks: major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage. Examples: alteplase (tPA), tenecteplase (TNK).

Anticoagulants — function, uses, risks, examples

Prevent clot formation or extension by interfering with the coagulation cascade. Uses: DVT, PE, stroke prevention in AF, and ACS. Risk: bleeding. Examples: heparin, enoxaparin, apixaban, warfarin.

Antilipidemics (statins) — function, uses, risks, examples

Lower LDL by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Used mainly for long-term cardiovascular risk reduction, including after MI or ischemic stroke. Examples: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin.

Diuretics — function, uses, risks, examples

Increase renal sodium and water excretion, reducing fluid volume. Uses: acute heart failure with fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Risks: hypotension, dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities. Examples: furosemide, bumetanide.

Cardiac glycosides — function, uses, risks, examples

Digoxin increases cardiac contractility and slows AV-node conduction. Uses: selected heart failure and AF cases. Risks: nausea, visual changes, arrhythmias from toxicity. Example: digoxin.

Antiplatelets — function, uses, risks, examples

Inhibit platelet activation or aggregation. Uses: ACS, coronary stents, and prevention of recurrent ischemic events. Risk: bleeding. Examples: aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor.

ACE inhibitors — function, uses, risks, examples

Reduce angiotensin II and aldosterone effects, relaxing vessels and lowering BP. Uses: hypertension, heart failure, kidney protection in selected patients. Risks: hypotension, hyperkalemia, angioedema. Examples: lisinopril, enalapril, captopril.

Antihistamines — function, uses, risks, examples

H1 blockade reduces itching, hives, and sneezing. Uses: allergic symptoms; adjunct in anaphylaxis only after epinephrine. Risks: sedation, impaired coordination, anticholinergic effects. Examples: diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine.

Mucolytics — function, uses, risks, examples

Thin or reduce the viscosity of secretions. Uses: thick respiratory mucus; dornase alfa in cystic fibrosis; acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose. Risks: nebulized acetylcysteine may cause bronchospasm. Examples: acetylcysteine, dornase alfa.

Bronchodilators — function, uses, risks, examples

Relax airway smooth muscle and improve airflow. Uses: asthma and COPD exacerbations with bronchospasm. Albuterol risks: tachycardia, tremors, low potassium. Ipratropium risks: anticholinergic effects. Examples: albuterol, ipratropium.

PPIs — function, uses, risks, examples

Block gastric proton pumps to reduce acid production. Uses: GERD and peptic ulcer disease; selected upper GI bleeding protocols. They do not neutralize existing acid. Examples: omeprazole, pantoprazole.

Antacids — function, uses, risks, examples

Chemically neutralize existing stomach acid for relatively rapid relief. Uses: heartburn and mild acid indigestion. Do not treat serious causes of chest pain. Examples: calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide.

Antiemetics — function, uses, risks, examples

Reduce nausea and vomiting by acting on relevant receptors. Ondansetron blocks 5-HT3 receptors. Uses: nausea and vomiting. Risk: QT prolongation and arrhythmias in susceptible patients. Examples: ondansetron, metoclopramide, promethazine.

Laxatives — function, uses, risks, examples

Promote bowel movements by retaining water or stimulating intestinal motility. Uses: constipation, including opioid-associated constipation. Avoid when bowel obstruction or an acute surgical abdomen is suspected. Examples: polyethylene glycol, senna, bisacodyl.

Opioid analgesics — function, uses, risks, examples

Activate opioid receptors, especially mu receptors, to reduce pain signaling. Uses: severe acute pain and traumatic injuries. Risks: respiratory depression, decreased consciousness, hypotension. Examples: morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone.

SSRIs — function, uses, risks, examples

Inhibit serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin availability at synapses. Uses: depression and several anxiety disorders. Risk: serotonin syndrome can occur in toxicity, especially with interactions or overdose. Examples: sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram.

Penicillins — function, uses, risks, examples

Inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins. Uses: susceptible bacterial infections, depending on the drug. Risk: allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Examples: penicillin G, amoxicillin, ampicillin.

Aminoglycosides — function, uses, risks, examples

Bind the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and inhibit protein synthesis. Uses: serious susceptible aerobic gram-negative infections. Risks: nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Examples: gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin.

Sulfonamides — function, uses, risks, examples

Sulfamethoxazole blocks bacterial folate synthesis; trimethoprim blocks a subsequent step. Uses: selected UTIs, skin infections including some MRSA, and Pneumocystis pneumonia treatment or prevention. Risks: severe skin reactions, allergy, hyperkalemia. Example: TMP-SMX (Bactrim).

Fluoroquinolones — function, uses, risks, examples

Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Uses: selected UTIs, kidney infections, and pneumonias when appropriate. Risks: tendon injury, neuropathy, CNS effects, QT prolongation. Examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin.

Sympathomimetics / adrenergic agonists — function, uses, risks, examples

Stimulate alpha and/or beta receptors to raise BP, support cardiac function, or dilate airways depending on the drug. Uses: anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, selected shock states, and some bradycardia protocols. Risks: tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, increased myocardial oxygen demand, tremors. Examples: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine.

Anticonvulsants / antiepileptics — function, uses, risks, examples

Control seizures through different mechanisms. Benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity; levetiracetam and phenytoin work through other mechanisms. Uses: active seizures and status epilepticus; some drugs prevent recurrence. Risks: sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension; rapid IV phenytoin can cause arrhythmias. Examples: midazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, levetiracetam, phenytoin.