Medical Terminology Simplified

610 APPENDIX D• Drug Classifications

Drug Classification Description

cycloplegics

cytotoxics

D

decongestants

diuretics

E

emetics

estrogen hormone

expectorants

F, G

fibrinolytics

gold compound drugs

gonadotropins

growth hormone

replacements

H

H 2 blockers

hemostatics

hypnotics

I

inotropics, cardiotonics

insulins

Paralyze the ciliary muscles, resulting in pupil dilation

Cycloplegics dilate the pupils to facilitate certain eye examinations and surgical procedures.

Disrupt nucleic acid and protein synthesis, causing immunosuppression and cancer cell

death

Cytotoxics treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and

systemic vasculitis. They also help prevent rejection in transplant recipients.

Decrease congestion of mucous membranes of the sinuses and nose

Decongestants are used for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common

cold, hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis.

Act on the kidney to promote the excretion of sodium and water

Diuretics treat edema and hypertension.

Induce vomiting, especially in cases of poisoning

Used in estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) during menopause to correct estrogen defi-

ciency and as chemotherapy for some types of cancer, including tumors of the prostate

Liquefy respiratory secretions so that they are more easily expelled during coughing

episodes

Trigger the body to produce plasmin, an enzyme that dissolves clots

Fibrinolytics treat acute pulmonary embolism and, occasionally, deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Treat rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting activity within the immune system to prevent

further disease progression

Gold compound drugs actually contain gold.

Raise sperm count in infertility cases

Increase skeletal growth in children and growth hormone deficiencies in adults

Block histamine-2 (H 2 ) receptors in the stomach to decrease the release of hydrochloric

acid

H 2 blockers treat peptic ulcers.

Prevent or control bleeding

Hemostatics treat blood disorders and certain bleeding problems associated with surgery.

Depress the central nervous system (CNS) to induce or maintain sleep

Increase the efficiency of heart muscle contractions

Inotropics treat cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac failure.

Lower glucose (sugar) level in the blood

Insulins are synthetic forms of the insulin hormone used to treat diabetes and administered by

injection.

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