classification of drugs

analgesic

A type of medication used to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. Analgesics can be classified as either non-opioid or opioid.

analgesic narcotic/opioids examples

oxycontin, hydrocodone

analgesic non-narcotic/non-opioids examples

ibuprofen. Acetaminophen, Tylenol

general anesthetic

acts on the whole body or part of it by depressing the central nervous system and causing loss of consciousness

general anesthetic examples

propofol, versed, fentanyl

local anesthetic examples

xylocain, benzocaine (oral gel)

anti anxiety drugs

calm the patient to elevate mood, relieve muscle spasms, may cause dependence or withdrawal

anti anxiety drugs examples

Ativan, xanax

antiarrhythmic

used to treat variations in the normal rhythm of the heart

antibiotic or antimicrobial

used to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. allergic reactions are common.

antibiotic or antimicrobial examples

Keflex, amoxicillin, tetracycline

anticoagulant

inhibit clotting of the blood or increase the coagulation time. used to treat thromboembolic disorders

anticoagulant examples

heparin, Coumadin, lovenox ,eliquis

antiemetic

used to prevent nausea and vomiting

antiemetic examples

Phenergan, zofran, compazine, dramamine

antihistamine

used to treat allergic disorders reactions and respiratory tract infections . cause drowsiness

antihistamine examples

Benadryl, Claritin, allegra

anti-inflammatory agent

used to treat inflammation, includes drugs such as Motrin. NSAIDs

antipyretic

used to reduce fevers

antipyretic examples

acetaminophen - Advil

anti ulcer agent

treat peptic ulcers and excessive acid secretion. GERD

anti ulcer agent

Tagamet, Prilosec, Nexium

corticosteroids

reduce chronic inflammation, may cause long term effects

corticosteroids examples

hydrocortisone, prednisone, depo-medrol pack (insomnia)

diuretic (water pill)

increase urine output, used in cases of edema , especially CHF with hypertension

diuretic examples

lasix, bumex(40x stronger than lasix)

emetic

used to induce vomiting especially those who ingested a poison

emetic examples

activated charcoal

hormone

increases the functioning activity of a gland or organ

hormone examples

premarin/estrogen, testosterone

laxative examples

dulcolax, miralax