Medication Class Glossary

Vocabulary flashcards defining various classes of medications based on the Body Interact High School & CTE glossary.

Analgesics

Medications that relieve pain.

Antibiotics

Medications that help fight infections caused by bacteria by either killing the bacteria or slowing down their growth, allowing the body to get rid of the infection.

Anticoagulants

Medications that help prevent blood from clotting.

Anticonvulsants

Medications that treat seizures.

Antidepressants

Medications that treat mood disorders, such as depression.

Antidotes

Medications that negate the effect of a poison or toxin.

Antiemetics

Medications that prevent nausea and vomiting.

Antihistamines

Medications that treat allergies and reduce symptoms such as sneezing and itching by blocking histamine.

Antihypertensives

Medications used to lower and control high blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatories

Medications that reduce inflammation by acting against one or more of the mediators that initiate or maintain inflammation.

Antiplatelets

Medications used to prevent blood cells called platelets from clustering and forming blood clots.

Antipyretics

Medications that reduce fever by lowering the body temperature.

Antivirals

Medications that treat viral infections.

Anxiolytics

Medications that treat anxiety.

Medication to treat Bradyarrhytmia

Medications that prevent and treat a heart rhythm that is too slow or irregular by increasing the heart rate.

Bronchodilators

Medication that eases breathing by relaxing the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes.

Corticosteroids

Medications used to treat allergic reactions and inflammation, made to mimic hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands.

Diuretics

Medications that stimulate diuresis.

Fibrinolytic

Medications capable of breaking down the protein fibrin, used to disperse blood clots (thrombus) formed within the circulation.

Fluids and electrolytes

Medications that increase blood flow, thereby raising blood pressure, and treat dehydration.

Medication to treat Hyperglycemia

Medications that decrease blood glucose.

Medication to treat Hypoglycemia

Medications that increase blood glucose.

Mood stabilizers

Medications prescribed in psychiatry to protect against mood swings.

Procoagulants

Medications that promote blood clotting or coagulation.

Relaxants

Medications that reduce tension and strain in muscles.

Sedatives

Medications used for their calming effect to reduce anxiety and tension, which induce sleep at high doses.

Medication to treat Tachyarrhythmia

Medications that prevent and treat a heart rhythm that is too fast or irregular by decreasing the heart rate.

Tocolytics

Medications that treat preterm labour by stopping uterine contractions long enough to enhance fetal lung maturity or enable transfer to a neonatal facility.

Vasoactive agents

Medications that can affect the diameter of blood vessels, altering blood flow and blood pressure by constriction.

Vasodilators

Medications that cause the widening of the blood vessels, permitting a freer flow of blood.

Vitamins

Organic compounds essential for the normal growth, development, and functioning of the body.