Medication Classifications and Indications

For PTCE 2026

Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

hypertension, heart failure, post-heart attack

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

hypertension, heart failure, post-heart attack

Antiarrhythmic Agents

abnormal heart rhythm

Anticoagulants

prevent blood clots and reduce recurrent stroke risk

Antiplatelet Agents

reduce risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke, or angina

Beta Blockers

hypertension, angina, heart attack, arrhythmia

Calcium Channel Blockers

hypertension, angina, arrhythmia

Cardiac Glycosides

heart failure, arrhythmia

Cholesterol-lowering Drugs

high cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, reduce rick of recurrent heart attack, stroke, or angina

Diuretics

increase urine production for edema-related hypertension

Vasodilators

angina, hypertension, heart failure

Antacids

GERD, PUD, indigestion

Anti-diarrheal Agents

diarrhea

Anti-gas Agents

flatulence, gas pain

Anti-inflammatory drugs for gastrointestinal (GI) tract (5-aminosalicylates)

ulcerative colitis, Crohn's

Anti-nausea Agents

nausea, vomiting, motion sickness

Digestive Enzymes

digestive intolerances

H2 Receptor Antagonists

GERD, PUD

Laxative Agents

constipation

Mucosal Protectants

PUD from NSAIDs, maintenance therapy for ulcers

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

GERD, erosive esophagitis, H. pylori

Insulin

T1 and T2 DM

Biguanides

prediabetes, T2DM

Sulfonylureas

T2DM

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors

T2DM

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists

T2DM

Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors

T2DM

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

hormone deficiency, development of secondary sex characteristics

Hypothyroidism

hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

hyperthyroidism

Antibiotics

bacterial infections

Antifungal Agents

fungal infections

Antineoplastics (chemotherapy)

cancer

Antiviral Agents

viral infections

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

HIV

Biologics, Monoclonal antibodies

reduce inflammation

Steroids

autoimmune disorders, asthma, urticaria

Bisphosphonates

osteoporosis

Muscle Relaxants

muscle spasm

Acetaminophen

pain, fever

COX-2 Inhibitors

acute/chronic pain, arthritis

Narcotic Analgesics

acute/chronic pain (unrelieved by other treatment types)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

pain. fever, inflammation

Salicylates

pain, fever, inflammation

Local Anesthetics

numb a select area before a procedure

General Anesthetics

induce sedation before a procedure

Anticonvulsants/Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)

epilepsy, seizure, fibromyalgia, BPD

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

depression, anxiety, EDs

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, EDs

Tricyclic antidepressants

depression, EDs, migraines

Benzodiazepines

anxiety, agitation, alcohol withdrawal, seizures, insomnia

Migraine Treatments

migraine headaches

Sedatives

insomnia

Stimulants

ADHD, narcolepsy

Beta-blockers (ophthalmic)

glaucoma

Prostaglandin analogs

glaucoma

Oral Contraceptives

prevent pregnancy

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors)

erectile dysfunction

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

fertility treatment, breast cancer, osteoporosis

Antihistamines

allergies

Antitussives

acute cough

Decongestants

nasal or sinus congestion

Inhaled beta-agonists

asthma, COPD

Inhaled Anticholinergics

COPD

Inhaled/nasal corticosteroids

asthma, COPD

Leukotriene Modifiers

asthma, allergies

Alpha-blockers

hypertension, BPH

Anticholinergic/antimuscarinic drugs for overactive bladder (OAB)

OAB, urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence