Medical Terminology Simplified

612 APPENDIX D• Drug Classifications

Drug Classification Description

spermicides

statins

T

thrombolytics

thyroid supplements

topical anesthetics

tranquilizers

U

uricosurics

uterine stimulants

V

vasoconstrictors

vasodilators

vitamin B 12

vertigo and motion

sickness agents

W, X, Y, Z

wax emulsifiers

Chemically destroy sperm

Spermicidals consist of jellies, creams, and foams and do not require a prescription. They are

commonly used within the woman’s vagina for contraceptive purposes.

Lower cholesterol in the blood and reduce its production in the liver by blocking the

enzyme that produces it

Dissolve blood clots by destroying their fibrin strands

Thrombolytics are used to break apart, or lyse, thrombi.

Replace or supplement thyroid hormones

Block sensation of pain by numbing the skin layers and mucous membranes

Topical anesthetics are applied directly in sprays, creams, gargles, suppositories, and other

preparations. They are also used to numb the skin to make the injection of medication more

comfortable.

Calm anxiousness or agitation without decreasing consciousness

Increase urinary excretion of uric acid, reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood

Uricosurics are used to treat gout.

Induce labor at term, control postpartum hemorrhage, and induce therapeutic abortion;

also called oxytocic agents

Oxytocin is a pharmaceutically prepared chemical that is similar to the pituitary hormone

oxytocin. Uterine stimulants are also used to treat infertility in females.

Narrow or constrict the diameter of blood vessels

Vasoconstrictors decrease blood flow and increase blood pressure.

Dilate the diameter of blood vessels

Vasodilators help treat angina pectoris and hypertension.

Treats pernicious anemia

Vitamin B 12 is delivered by nasal spray or intramuscular (IM) injection.

Decrease sensitivity of the inner ear to motion and prevent nerve impulses in the inner ear

from reaching the vomiting center of the brain

Loosen and help remove impacted cerumen (ear wax)

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