DRUG CLASSIFCATIONS

Analegistic

Relieves pain

Ex. Tylenol (acetaminophen), Bayer (aspirin), Advil, Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Anesthetic

Produces a lack of feeling
Ex. Novacaine (procaine HCL)
Xylocaine (lidocaine HCL)

Antacid

Neutralizes stomach acid

Antianxiety

Relieves anxiety and muscle tension

Antiarrhythmic

Controls cardiac arrhythmias

Antibiotic

Inhibits or destroys bacteria

Anticholinergic

Blocks parasympathetic nerve impulses

Anticoagulant

Prevents or delays blood clotting

Anticonvulsant

Prevents or relieves convulsions

Antidepressant

Prevents or relieves symptoms of depression

Antidiarrheal

Prevents or relieves diarrhea

Antidote

Counteracts poisons and their effect

Antifungal

Kills fungi and yeast

Antimanic

Treats the manic episode of manic-depressive disorder

Antineoplastic

Kills malignant cells

Antipsychotic

Treats psychotic symptoms

Antitussive

Relieves cough

Bronchodilator

Dilates the bronchi

Contraceptive

Prevents conception and pregnancy

Diuretic

Increases urination

Expectorant

Increases removal of bronchopulmonary mucous secretions

Hemostatic

Controls bleeding

Hypnotic

Produces sleep

Hypoglycemic

Lowers blood glucose level

Laxative

Loosens stools and encourages bowel elimination

Muscle relaxant

Relaxes muscle

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Relieves fever, pain, and inflammation

Sedative

Produces a calming effect

Tranquilizer

Reduces tension and anxiety

Vasodilator

Lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels

Vasopressor

Elevates blood pressure by constricting blood vessels