ACE Inhibitors
inhibit angiotensin II, potent vasoconstriction of efferent arterioles. Used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Promote the accumulation of acytylcholines, resulting in prolonged cholinergic effects.
Adrenergic
Drug that has the effects of epinephrine
Adrenergic Blocking agents
Inhibits the adrenergic system, preventing stimulation of the adrenergic receptors.
Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists
Block stimulation of mineralcorticoid receptors by aldosterone, thus reducing high blood pressure by preventing sodium reabsorption.
Aminoglycosides
Gentimicin, Tobramycin, and related antibiotics; particularly effective against gram-negative microorganisms; noted for potentially dangerous toxicity.
Analgesics
Narcotic and nonnarcotic; relieve pain without producing loss of consciousness or reflex activity
Androgens
Stimulate the development of masculine characteristics.
Angiotensin ll Receptor Antagonists
Also known as ARB's (a very potent vasoconstrictor), prevents angiotensin ll from binding to receptor sites in vascular smooth muscle, brain, heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands, thus blocking the blood pressure elevating and sodium retaining effects of an
Anesthetics
i.e. Local or General Anesthetics; cause a loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness.
Antacids
Medications which neutralize acids in the stomach and lower excessively high levels of acid that result from eating certain foods.
Antianginals
Used to prevent or treat attacks of angina pectoris; most common is nitroglycerin.
Antianxiety
Used to prevent anxiety symptoms or disorders; also known as minor tranquilizers or anxiolytics, although the term tranquilizer is avoided today to prevent the misperception that the patient is being tranquilized
Antiarrhythmics
Used to correct cardiac arrhythmias (any heart rate or rhythm other than normal sinus rhythm)
Antibiotics
Used to treat infections caused by pathogenic microbes; term is often used interchangeably with antimicrobial agents.
Anticholinergic
Blocks the action of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system. Used to treat intestinal, bladder, and bronchial spasms. Also known as a cholinergic blocking agent, antispasmodics, and parasympathetic agents.
Anticoagulants
DO NOT DISSOLVE EXISTING BLOOD CLOTS! Do prevent enlargement or extension of blood clots.
Anticonvulsants
Suppress abnormal neuronal activity in the CNS, preventing seizures
Antidepressants
drugs that combat depression by affecting the levels or activity of neurotransmitters in the brain
Antidiabetics
Also known as hypoglycemics; include insulin (used to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus) and oral hypoglycemic agents (used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus)
Antidiarrheals
Relieve of control the symptoms of acute or chronic diarrhea
Antiemetics
These medications prevent or arrest vomiting. Also used to treat vertigo, motion sickness and nausea.
Antfungals
Miconazole, used to treat fungal infections.
Antiglaucoma
Used to reduce intraocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma.
Antigout
Used in the treatment of active gout attacks or to prevent future attacks.
Antihistamines
Used to treat allergy symptoms; may also be used to treat motion sickness, insomnia, and other nonallergic reactions.