Drug Class Actions

Ca+ channel blocker

slow movement of calcium into smooth-muscle cells, resulting in arterial dilation and decreased blood pressure

erectile dysfunction

enhances effect of nitric oxide to promote relaxation of penile muscles, allowing increased blood flow to produce an erection

anesthetics

blocking nerve signals or by affecting the brain's ability to process sensory information

ACE inhibitors

block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II

benzodiazepine

central nervous system depressants, enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve impulses

antilipidemic

lowering low-density lipoprotein levels and increasing high density lipoprotein

corticosteroid

reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, replicating the adrenal glands

beta blocker

inhibit simulation of receptor sites, resulting in decreased cardiac excitability, cardiac output, myocardial oxygen demand

lower blood pressure by decreasing release of renin in the kidney

penicillin

combats bacterial infections by interfering with the bacteria's ability to build and maintain their cell walls

oral hypoglycemic

used with diet and exercise to control glucose levels in DM2 patients

proton pump inhibitor

to inhibit the hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump, a crucial enzyme responsible for secreting acid in the stomach

antiviral

targets specific stages of the viral life cycle, such as blocking viral entry, interfering with replication, or preventing the production of necessary proteins. 

thrombolytic

activates the process of fibrinolysis, which dissolves the clot

antiemetic

affect “vomiting center” of the brain to reduce nausea/vomiting

bronchodilator (beta 2 adrenergic agonists)

promote bronchodilation by activating beta, receptors in bronchial smooth muscle

anticoagulant

modify coagulant by altering the clotting cascade

antiulcer

reducing or neutralizing stomach acid, protecting the gut lining, or acting as a physical barrier over the ulcer

antihistamine

decreased allergic response by competing for histamine receptor sites

antibiotic

inhibit or kill bacterial growth

aminoglycoside

bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, which inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and ultimately leads to cell death

tricyclic antidepressants

blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin

SSRIs

inhibits serotonin reuptake