Medication Categories Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing medication categories and their definitions.

Analgesic

Drugs that relieve pain. Examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil)

Antibiotic

Drugs that inhibit growth or kill bacteria. Examples: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin

Anticoagulants

Drugs that prevent or slow coagulation (thin the blood). Examples: Heparin, Apixaban (Eliquis), Warfarin

Antidepressant

Drugs used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some chronic pain conditions. Examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline

Antidiabetic

Treating or preventing diabetes. Examples: Insulin, Metformin, Glipizide

Antidiarrheals

Drugs that treat or prevent diarrhea. Examples: Loperamide (Imodium), Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Antiemetic

Drugs that relieve or prevent nausea and vomiting. Examples: Ondansetron (Zofran), Promethazine, Metoclopramide

Antihistamine

Drugs that block or decrease histamine activity. Examples: Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Anti-infective Agents

Drugs that fight infections (Antibiotics, Antifungals, Antivirals). Examples: Amoxicillin (antibiotic), Fluconazole (antifungal)

Antilipidemics

Drugs that lower fat levels in the blood. Examples: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Simvastatin

Antipsychotic

Drugs treating some forms of mental illness. Examples: Olanzapine, Atorvastatin

Antipyretic

Fever-reducing drugs. Examples: Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen

Antitussive

Drugs that relieve or prevent coughing. Examples: Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), Codeine

Beta Blocker

Drugs that block beta-adrenergic actions. Examples: Metoprolol (Lopressor), Propranolol

Bronchodilators

Drugs that dilate the bronchi of the lungs. Examples: Salmeterol, Albuterol

Corticosteroids

Steroid drugs used to treat inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Examples: Hydrocortisone, Prednisone

Decongestants

Drugs that relieve or reduce upper respiratory nasal swelling and congestion. Examples: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Oxymetazoline

Diuretics

Drugs that increase urine production and output. Examples: Furosemide (Lasix), Spironolactone

Emetic

Drugs or substances that cause vomiting. Example: Ipecac syrup (rarely used)

Hypnotic

Drugs used to induce, extend, or improve the quality of sleep. Examples: Zolpidem (Ambien), Temazepam

Laxative

Substances that loosen stools, increase bowel movements, and treat constipation. Examples: Polyethylene glycol, Bisacodyl

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs)

Non-steroid drugs that decrease pain, inflammation, fever, and blood clots. Examples: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen

Sedative

Drugs that induce relaxation, decrease irritability, and excitability. Examples: Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan)

Herbals

Plant-based substances used for treatment or prevention of disease. Examples: St. John's Wort, Echinacea, Melatonin

Vitamins

Organic micronutrient compounds that the body needs for proper metabolism. Examples: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C