Drug Class

ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors

Lowers blood pressure; side effects: dry cough + elevated potassium lvls; used for: hypertension + heart failure

ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)

Similar to ACE; used for: hypertension + diabetic nephropathy

Beta Blockers

Slows down heart rate + reduce workload on heart; used for: hypertension, arrhythmias, post-MI management

Calcium Channel Blockers

Relax blood vessels; used for: hypertension + angina

Diuretics

Remove excess; used for: hypertension, edema, heart failure

Statins

Lower cholesterol + reduce blood pressure; used for: hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis prevention

Biguanides

Decrease hepatic glucose output + improve insulin sensitivity; used for: Type 2 Diabetes

Sulfonylureas

Stimulate pancreas to produce more insulin; used for: Type 2 Diabetes

Insulins

Directly replace + supplement the body's insulin; used for: Type 1 + advanced Type 2 Diabetes

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Increase serotonin availability in the brain; used for: depression, anxiety disorders

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

Block reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine; used for: depression, generalized anxiety, chronic pain

Benzodiazepines

Enhance GABA activity, producing a calming effect; used for: anxiety, panic attacks, seizures

Antipsychotics

Block dopamine receptors; used for: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder

PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)

Inhibit gastric acid secretion; used for: GERD, ulcers

H2 Blockers

Reduce stomach acid; works faster than PPIs but shorter duration; used for: GERD, heartburn, ulcers

Antiemetics

Block dopamine or serotonin in the GI tract/brain; used for: nausea,

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Block COX enzymes to reduce inflammation and pain; used for:

Opioids

Bind to opioid receptors to block pain signals; used for: moderate to severe pain

Muscle Relaxants

Depress CNS activity; used for: muscles spasms, tension

Penicillins

Interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis; used for: bacterial infections

Cephalosporins

Similar to penicillins but with broader spectrum; used for: respiratory, urinary, skin infections

Macrolides

Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis; used for: respiratory infections, STDs

Fluoroquinolones

Inhibit bacterial DNA replication; used for: UTIs, respiratory infections

Antifungals

Disruption fungal cell membranes; used for: Yeast Infections, atheley’s foot