Medical Class Glossary

Medication classes available in Body Interact scenarios

Antihistamines

Medications that treat allergies and reduce symptoms like itching and sneezing by blocking histamines, the substance in the body that causes these symptoms.

Antihypertensives

Medications used to lower and control high blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatories

Medications that reduce inflammation. The variouis groups of anti-inflammatory drugs that act against one or more of the mediators that intiate or maintain inflammation.

Analgesics

Medications that relieve pain.

Antibiotics

Medications that help fight infections caused by bacteria. They work by either killing or slowing down the growth of the bacteria, allowing your body to get rid of the infection.

Anticoagulants

Medications that help prevent blood from clotting.

Anticonvulsants

Medications that treat seizures.

Antidepressants

Medications that treat mood disorders like depression.

Antidotes

Medications that negate the effects of a poison or toxin.

Antiemetics

Medications that prevent nausea and vomitting.

Antiplatelets

Medications used to prevent blood cells called platelets from clustering and forming blood clots.

Antipyretics

Medications that reduce fever by lowering the body temperature. Several analgesic drugs have antipyretic activity.

Antivirals

Medications that treat viral infections.

Anxiolytics

Medications that treat anxiety.

Medication to treat Bradyarrhythmia

Medications that treat a heart rhythm that is slow or irregular (also known as arrhythmias) by increasing the heart rate.

Bronchodilators

Medication that eases breathing by relaxing the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes.

Corticosteroids

Medications used to treat allergic reactions and inflammation. They are used to mimic the hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands.

Diuretics

Medications that stimulate diuresis (process in which kidneys filter extra fluid and produce and pass more urine)

Fibrinolytic

Medications that are capable of breaking down the protein fibrin, which is the main constituent of blood clots, and is therefore used to disperse blood clots (thrombus) that have formed within the circulation.

Fluids and Electrolytes

Medications that increase blood flow, thereby raising blood pressure, and treat dehydration. Electrolytes carry an electrical charge, which is essential for many physiological functions, such as muscle contraction and fluid balance.

Medications to treat Hyperglycemia

Medications that decrease blood glucose.

Medications to treat Hypoglycemia

Medications that increase blood glucose.

Mood stabilizers

Medications that are prescribed in psychiatry to protect against mood swings.

Procoagulants

Medications that promote blood clotting or coagulation. When a blood vessel is injured, procoagulants are activated to form a blood clot.

Relaxants

Medications that reduce tension and strain in muscles

Sedatives

Medications used for their calming effect, to reduce anxiety and tension; at high doses, it induce sleep.

Medication to treat Tachyarrhythmia

Medications that prevent and treat a heart rhythm that is too fast or irregular (also known as arrhythmias) by decreasing the heart rate.

Tocolytics

Medications that treat preterm labour by stopping uterine contractions long enough to enhance fetal lung maturity or to enable transfer to a unit with adequate neonatal facilities