Reproductive, Sensory, and Respiratory Medications: Definitions, Side Effects, Contraindications

Estrogens

Hormones that regulate the female reproductive system; side effects may include nausea, headaches, and increased risk of blood clots; contraindications include history of thromboembolic disorders.

Progesterone

A hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy; side effects can include mood changes and bloating; contraindications include undiagnosed vaginal bleeding and liver disease.

Hormonal contraceptives

Medications used to prevent pregnancy by regulating hormones; side effects may include weight gain and mood swings; contraindications include smoking in women over 35 and certain cancers.

Androgens

Male hormones that promote male characteristics; side effects can include acne and liver damage; contraindications include prostate cancer and severe liver disease.

Timolol

A non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker used to treat glaucoma; side effects may include fatigue and bradycardia; contraindications include asthma and severe COPD.

Brimonidine

An alpha2 adrenergic agonist used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma; side effects can include dry mouth and fatigue; contraindications include hypersensitivity to the drug.

Meclizine

An antihistamine used to treat motion sickness and vertigo; side effects may include drowsiness and dry mouth; contraindications include asthma and glaucoma.

Penicillin

An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections; side effects can include allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset; contraindications include history of penicillin allergy.

Cephalosporins

A class of antibiotics used for bacterial infections; side effects may include diarrhea and allergic reactions; contraindications include severe allergic reactions to penicillin.

Tetracyclines

Antibiotics used for a variety of infections; side effects can include photosensitivity and gastrointestinal upset; contraindications include pregnancy and children under 8 years.

Erythromycin

A macrolide antibiotic used to treat infections; side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances; contraindications include liver disease and certain drug interactions.

Gentamicin

An aminoglycoside antibiotic used for serious infections; side effects can include nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity; contraindications include pre-existing kidney issues.

Albuterol

A short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used for asthma relief; side effects may include tremors and tachycardia; contraindications include hypersensitivity to the drug.

Salmeterol

A long-acting beta agonist (LABA) used for asthma and COPD; side effects can include headache and palpitations; contraindications include acute asthma attacks.

Theophylline

A methylxanthine used for asthma and COPD; side effects may include nausea and insomnia; contraindications include seizure disorders and peptic ulcer disease.

Ipratropium

An inhaled anticholinergic used for respiratory conditions; side effects can include dry mouth and cough; contraindications include hypersensitivity to atropine.

Beclomethasone

A glucocorticoid used to reduce inflammation in asthma; side effects may include oral thrush and hoarseness; contraindications include untreated fungal infections.

Ribavirin

An antiviral used to treat certain viral infections; side effects can include anemia and fatigue; contraindications include pregnancy and severe heart disease.

Epoetin alfa

A growth factor used to stimulate red blood cell production; side effects may include hypertension and headache; contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension.