Medical Terminology Simplified

Pharmacology • CHAPTER 7 313

PHARMACOLOGY

The following table lists common drug categories used to treat urinary disorders, as well as their therapeutic actions.

Drug Category Action

antibiotics

ăn-tĭ-bī-ŎT-ĭks

antispasmodics

ăn-tĭ-spăz-MŌT- ĭks

diuretics

dī-ū-RĔT-ĭks

potassium supplements

pō-TĂS-ē-ŭm

Kill bacteria that commonly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Most antibiotics come in pill or liquid form. Some may be administered as an injection or in-

travenously if the patient has a severe kidney infection.

Suppress spasms of the ureter, bladder, and urethra by relaxing the smooth muscles lining

their walls, thus allowing normal emptying of the bladder

Block reabsorption of sodium by the kidneys, thereby increasing the amount of salt and

water excreted in the urine

Diuretics promote a reduction of fluid retained in body tissues and also prevent edema.

Replace potassium loss due to diuretic drugs

Diuretics increase sodium excretion and also potassium excretion.

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t