med classes

Opioids (-one, outlier: morphine)

binds to opioid receptors in the brain → analgesic, sedative, and euphoric effect

Statins (HMG-COA Reductase Inhibitors) (-statin)

inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA Reductase

ACE Inhibitors (-pril)

inhibits RAAS Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System

Calcium Channel Blockers (-dipine)

blocks movement of calcium

Warfarin

interferes w/ production of vitamin K

Heparin

inhibits the formation of fibrin clots, inhibits the conversion of fibrogen to fibrin (inactivating factors needed for the clotting)

Nitroglycerin

vasodilator → decreases blood pressure, cardiac workload, and oxygen consumption

Corticosteroids (-sone)

anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the number of mast cells in the airway

Bronchodilators (Beta2-Agonists) (-terol)

dilates/opens up the bronchi

Cholinergic Blocking (Anticholinergic)

blocks the parasympathetic nerve that causes the airway to constrict

Bisphosphonates (-dronate)

bone resorption inhibitors

Loop Diuretics (-ide)

inhibits reabsoprtion of Na+ in the thick region of the loop of henle

Benzodiazepines (-zepam)

anti-anxiety drug which binds to receptors enhancing effect of GABA

First-Generation Antipsychotics

inhibits dopamine from being released in the brain → lessens positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Second-Generation Antipsychotics

acts on serotonin and dopamine → lessening positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) (-oxetine, -talopram, -zodone)

inhibits uptake of serotonin, used for depression

Osmotic Diuretics

inhibits reabsorption of water, encourages excretion of Na+ and Cl-

Potassium-sparing Diuretics (-actone)

blocks aldosterone, excreting sodium and water but holding potassium in the body

antifungals (-azole)

attacks current infections caused by fungus in the body → prevents new growth

Antivirals (-vir)

attacks current viruses in the body → prevents expansion of effects

Antibiotics

attacks current bacterial infections in the body → prevents new growth

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (-triptyline, -pramine)

blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the body

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

blocks monoamine oxidase → causing stimulation of the CNS

Cardiac Glycosides (Digoxin)

positive inotropic activity causing increased contractility (more forceful contractions) while lowering the heart rate

Lithium Carbonate

long-term treatment for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder

Angiotensin II Receptor Agonists

blocks angiotensin II → causing vasodilation (opening the blood vessels)

Thrombolytics (clot-buster) (-teplase)

dissolves clots which have formed in the blood vessels

Barbiturates (-barbital)

inhibits and slows the central nervous system → causing sedative and hyponotic effect

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors (-afil)

inhibits phosphodiesterase → causing relaxation of smooth muscle

Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

prevent rapid reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine → causing stabilization of neurotransmitters

Tocolytics

used to STOP or SLOW contractions/progression of labor, anti-contraction medication

Uterotonics

used for induction of labor or to strengthen contractions of the uterus, can be used after labor to prevent hemorrhage as well

Insulin

controls blood glucose levels by helping the cells to store glucose appropriately (use what it needs, store the remaining)