Drug Classifications and Effects

Drug Classifications According to Effect on Tissue, Organ, or System

  • DIURETIC   - These agents are designed to increase the rate of urine flow and sodium excretion to adjust the volume and composition of body fluids. They are frequently used to treat conditions like hypertension and edema.

  • CARDIOTONIC   - A classification of drugs that exert a tonic or strengthening effect on the heart. They increase the efficiency of heart muscle contractions and are often indicated in the treatment of heart failure.

  • LAXATIVE   - Substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are primarily used to treat or prevent constipation.

  • EMETIC   - A type of medication used specifically to induce vomiting. This is typically indicated in specific cases of poisoning or drug overdose to clear the stomach contents.

  • ANTIBIOTIC   - A substance or compound that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria. These are used to treat infections caused by microorganisms and are not effective against viruses.

  • VASODILATOR   - Medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. They affect the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins, preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing, which allows blood to flow more easily.

  • ANTICONVULSANT   - Also known as antiepileptic drugs, these are used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. They work by suppressing the excessive rapid firing of neurons during a seizure.

  • HYPOGLYCEMIC   - An agent that lowers the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. These are essential for managing blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.

  • BRONCHODILATOR   - A substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. These are commonly used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • ANTI-INFLAMMATORY   - A drug or substance used to reduce inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness). This category includes both steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

  • DECONGESTANT   - A type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. They work by shrinking the swollen blood vessels and tissues in the nose.

  • HYPNOTIC   - A class of psychoactive drugs whose primary function is to induce sleep and to treat insomnia.

  • ADRENERGIC (Also called SYMPATHOMIMETIC)   - Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. They mimic the effects of endogenous agonists of the sympathetic nervous system such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

  • ANTI-ADRENERGIC (Also called SYMPATHOLYTIC or ADRENERGIC BLOCKER)   - Medications that inhibit the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. They work by blocking the binding of agonists to adrenergic receptors.

  • ACE-INHIBITOR (ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR)   - A pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. They function by causing relaxation of blood vessels as well as a decrease in blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart.

  • MYDRIATIC   - An agent that induces dilation of the pupil. These are often used during eye examinations to allow for a better view of the retina.

  • MIOTIC   - A substance that causes the constriction of the pupil of the eye. These are used in the treatment of conditions like glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure.

  • HEMATINIC   - A nutrient or drug required for the formation of blood or to increase the hemoglobin content of the blood. These are generally used to treat various types of anemia.

  • MUCOLYTIC   - Agents designed to help loosen and clear mucus from the airways by breaking down the chemical structure of mucus molecules, making the mucus thinner and easier to cough up.

  • ANTINEOPLASTIC   - Medications used to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of tumors (neoplasms). They act by interfering with the cell division process.

  • ANTIHISTAMINE   - Drugs that inhibit the physiological effects of histamine, used especially in the treatment of allergies. They work by blocking histamine receptors on target cells.

  • Ref. Code: Rev/071514

Drug Classifications According to Symptom Treated

  • EXPECTORANT   - A medication that helps clear mucus from the airways by increasing the water content of the secretions, making them easier to expel through coughing.

  • ANTIPYRETIC   - Substances that reduce fever. They cause the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature.

  • ANALGESIC   - A member of the group of drugs used to achieve relief from pain (analgesia). This includes paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids.

  • ANTIEMETIC   - A drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Antiemetics are typically used to treat motion sickness and the side effects of opioid analgesics, general anaesthetics, and chemotherapy.

  • ANTACID   - A substance which neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, or stomach upset.

  • ANTIDIARRHEAL   - Medications used to alleviate or stop the symptoms of diarrhea by slowing down bowel movements or decreasing the fluidity of stools.

  • ANTITUSSIVE   - Drugs that suppress coughing, also known as cough suppressants. They act on the brain to inhibit the cough reflex.

  • ANTIDEPRESSANT   - Medications used to treat major depressive disorder and other conditions including anxiety disorders and chronic pain. They aim to correct chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain.

  • ANTIPRURITIC   - Also known as anti-itch drugs, these medications are used to inhibit the itching (pruritus) associated with various skin conditions.

Drug Classifications According to Disease Treated

  • ANTI-DIABETIC   - Any drug which helps a person with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. This encompasses insulin and various oral hypoglycemic agents.

  • ANTI-ULCER   - A class of drugs used to treat ulcers in the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum) by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach or protecting the stomach lining.

  • ANTIHYPERTENSIVE   - A class of drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Treatment aims to prevent complications such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

  • ANTIARRHYTHMIC   - A group of pharmaceuticals used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

  • ANTITHELMINTIC   - Also spelled anthelmintic, these are drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them.

Chemically Classified Drugs

  • ELECTROLYTES   - Minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They are in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. Common electrolytes include sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate, and magnesium.

  • MINERALS   - Inorganic substances required by the body in small amounts for a variety of functions, including the formation of bones and teeth, and as essential components of enzyme systems.

  • SULFONYLUREA   - A class of organic compounds used in agriculture and medicine. In medicine, they are used as antidiabetic drugs to increase insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas.

  • STEROIDS   - A large group of fat-soluble organic compounds, including drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation. They act as hormones or precursors to hormones in the body.

  • Ref. Code: Rev/071514