Medication Classifications: Indications and Examples CCMA

Analgesics

In: relieve pain

Ex: acetaminophen, hydrocodone, codeine

Antacids/anti-ulcer

In: gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD)

Ex: esomeprazole, calcium carbonate, famotidine

antibiotics

In: bacterial infections

Ex: amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole

Anticholinergics

In: smooth muscle spasms

Ex: ipratropium, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

Anticoagulants

In: delay blood clotting

Ex: warfarin, apixaban, heparin

Anticonvulsants

In: prevent or control seizures

Ex: clonazepam, phenytoin, gabapentin

Antidepressants

In: relieve depression

Ex: doxepin, fluoxetine, duloxetine, selegiline

antidiarrheals

In: reduce diarrhea

Ex: bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide, dipehnoxylate/atropine

antiemetics

reduce nausea and vomiting

Ex: metoclopramide, ondansetron

Antifungals

fungal infections

Ex: fluconazole, nystatin, miconazole

Antihistamines

relieve allergies

Ex: diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine

antihypertensives

lower blood pressure (metoprolol, lisinopril, valsartan, clonidine)

anti-inflammatories

reduce inflammation (ibuprofen, celecoxib, naproxen)

antilipemics

Lower cholesterol (Atorvastatin, fenofibrate, cholestyramine)

antimigraine agents

Relieve migraine headaches

Ex. Topiramate, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan

anti-osteoporosis agents

Improve bone density

Ex. Alendronate, ibandronate, calcitonin

antipsychotics

psychosis (quetiapine, haloperidol, risperidone)

antipyretics

Reduce fever

Ex: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin

skeletal/muscle relaxants

Reduce or prevent muscle spasms

ex: Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, carisoprodol

antitussives/expectorants

Control cough, promote elimination of mucus

Ex: dextromethorphan, codeine, guaifenesin

antivirals

viral infections (acyclovir, interferon, oseltamivir)

anxiolytics

Reduce anxiety

Ex. Clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam

bronchodilators

relax airway muscles

ex: albuterol, isoproterenol, theophylline

central nervous system stimulants

Reduce hyperactivity; ex:

Methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine

contraceptives

Prevent pregnancy

Ex. Medroxyprogesterone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone

decongestants

Relieve nasal congestion

Ex: pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline

diuretics

eliminate excess fluid

Ex: furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide

hormone replacements

Stabilize hormone deficiencies

Ex. Levothyroxine, insulin, desmopressin, estrogen

Laxatives/Stool Softeners

promote bowel movements (magnesium hydroxide, bisacodyl, docusate sodium)

oral hypoglycemics

Reduce blood glucose

Ex. Metformin, pioglitazone, glyburide

sedative-hypnotics

Induce sleep/relaxation

Ex. Zolpidem, temazepam, eszopiclone