GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL TERMS

Adsorbent

chemically inert powder used to adsorb gases, toxins and bacteria

Amebicide/Amoebicide/Amoebacide

drug used to treat both intestinal and extra-intestinal forms of amebic infections; ideally capable of eliminating amebic cysts from the intestines

Fungicide

agent that kills both pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi

Amenorrhea

failure of menstruation

Dysmenorrhea

painful or difficult menstruation

Analeptic

central nervous system (CNS) stimulant employed primarily to counteract drug-induced respiratory depression by direct stimulation of the respiratory center

Anorexia

lack of desire for food

Anorexic/Anorectic

drug that induces loss of appetite for food

Bitters

substance used to increase salivary and gastric secretions, and to improve appetite

Cholagogue

medication used to increase the flow of bile

Galactagogue

agent that promotes the secretion of milk

Antibiotic

medical preparation containing chemical substances produced by microorganism or artificially synthesized which can inhibit or destroy bacteria in dilute solution

Antimicrobial Agent

agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their multiplication or growth

Antimalarial

drug used in the treatment of malaria caused by several species of the protozoa, Plasmodium

Antidote

substance given to counteract a poison

Antiarthritic

medication used to combat/relieve the distress and pain associated with arthritis (inflammation of the joints)

Antispasmodic

agent that relieves or prevents spasms

Antiflatulent

agent that relieves/prevents flatulence

Antipruritic

substance that relieves itching

Antiphlogistic

substances like alcohol and creams that cool by evaporation

Antipyretic

drug that relieves fever

Aphrodisiac

agent that stimulates sexual desire

Astringent

agent that causes contraction or constriction of tissues

Contraceptive

agent that prevents the passage of active spermatozoa from the vagina into the uterus

Ataractic/Tranquilizer

agent capable of producing ataraxia (perfect peace or calmness)

Bronchitis

inflammation of the lungs

Colitis

inflammation of the colon/large intestines

Conjunctivitis

inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the inner surfaces of the eyelids and covering part of the eyeball

Cystitis

inflammation of the urinary bladder

Dermatitis

inflammation of the skin

Gastritis

inflammation of the stomach

Gingivitis

inflammation of the gums

Meningitis

inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and the spinal cord

Nephritis

inflammation of the kidney

Neuritis

inflammation of the nerves

Phlebitis

inflammation of the veins

Rhinitis

inflammation of the nose

Stomatitis

inflammation of the mouth

Cataplasm/Poultice

soft, semi-liquid external preparation used to either stimulate a body surface or alleviate an inflamed area by supplying medicated substance in the presence of heat and moisture

Caustic/Corrosive

topical agent that causes destruction of tissues at the site of application

Demulcent

protective agent employed to alleviate irritations, particularly of the mucous membranes or abraded tissues; often applied on the skin

Emollient

bland, fatty or oleaginous substance applied locally on the skin, mucous membranes or abraded tissues

Deodorant

substance that masks offensive odors

Depilatories

preparation used to remove hair from the body

Diaphoretic

agent used to promote sweating or perspiration

Enzymes/Biocatalysts

proteins whose biological functions is to catalyze highly specific chemical reactions in living systems

Expectorant

drug that increases respiratory tract secretions, lowers their viscosity, and promotes their removal

Hematinic

agent that increases the hemoglobin content of the blood through erythrocytes

Infection

invasion and multiplication of a pathogenic organism inside the body of humans or animals

Insomnia

sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep

Oxytocics

drugs that stimulate the smooth muscles of the uterus

Palliative

medication or treatment used to relieve rather than cure a disease