Pharmacology

Flashcards for Pharmacology Lecture Review

Beta Blockers

Medications that help to reduce blood pressure; examples include acebutolol, nadolol, and nebivolol.

Analgesics

Medications used to relieve pain; examples include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bronchodilators

Medications that aid in dilation of the tubes, used to treat asthma; examples include albuterol and salmeterol.

Antacids

Medications that reduce the activity of acids in the stomach.

Decongestants

Medications that reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity; examples include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

Antibiotics

Medications used to combat bacterial growth; examples include penicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin.

Diuretics

Medications that increase the production of urine; common forms include thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.

Expectorants

Medications used to help a person cough/spit mucous from the lungs; examples include Robitussin.

Anticoagulants

Medications used to reduce the formation of blood clots; examples include aspirin, heparin, and warfarin.

Antidepressants

Medications used to combat depression; common forms include SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Antidotes

Medications used to counteract the effects of poison on the body.

Antifungals

Medications that aid in destroying fungus; examples include terbinafine and fluconazole.

Antihistamines

Medications that reduce the effects of histamines on the body; used to treat allergic reactions.

Anti-inflammatory agents

Agents that help to reduce inflammation; examples include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Antipyretics

Medications that help to reduce fever; examples include ibuprofen and aspirin.

Antivirals

Medications that aid in preventing virus reproduction; examples include amantadine and rimantadine.

Insulin

Medication that lowers the amount of sugar in the blood stream; primarily used to treat diabetes.

Laxatives

Medications, also known as stool softeners, which help loosen and eliminate feces from the body; examples include mineral oil and milk of magnesia.

Local Anesthetics

Medications used to numb an area of incision, commonly administered via needle; examples include lidocaine and nitracaine.

Sedatives

Medications used to calm and relax the body; examples include diazepam and clonazepam.

Statins

Medications that aid in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood stream; examples include atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and lovastatin.

Steroids

Medications primarily used to combat inflammation; common forms include corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.

Thrombolytics

Medications used to dissolve a blood clot that is already present in the body; examples include anistreplase, reteplase, and streptokinase.

Vaccines

Used to prevent a contagious disease from developing in a person; vaccines are commonly administered via intramuscular needle injection.

Adverse reactions

Unintended or unexpected effects of the administration of medication that may be harmful to the patient.

Contraindications

Circumstances when medications are inadvisable for certain people to use.

Absolute contraindication

When it is completely inadvisable for a patient to utilize a certain type of medication, because it may harm the patient.

Relative contraindication

Occurs when there is potential for a medication to be inadvisable for use by the patient, but may still be administered if it is necessary.