Medical Terminology Simplified

608 APPENDIX D• Drug Classifications

Drug Classification Description

anticonvulsants

antidepressants

antidiabetics

antidiarrheals

antidiuretics

antiemetics

antifungals

antihistamines

antihyperlipidemics

antihypertensives

anti-impotence

agents

anti-infectives,

antibacterials,

antifungals

anti-inflammatories

corticosteroids

(glucocorticoids)

nonsteroidals

(nonsteroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs

[NSAIDs])

antimetabolites

antimicrobials

antiparkinsonians

antipruritics

Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic or other convulsive seizures; also called

antiepileptics

Regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression by affecting the amount of neuro-

transmitters in the brain

Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and decrease peripheral resistance to

insulin

Oral antidiabetics help treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Control loose stools and relieve diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the bowel or slowing

peristalsis in the intestinal tract

Reduce the production of urine

Prevent or suppress vomiting

Antiemetics also help treat vertigo, motion sickness, and nausea.

Alter the cell wall of fungi or disrupt enzyme activity, resulting in cellular death

Counteract the effects of a histamine

Antihistamines inhibit allergic reactions of inflammation, redness, and itching, especially

hay fever and other allergic disorders of the nasal passages.

Lower lipid levels in the bloodstream

Antihyperlipidemics reduce the risk of heart attack by lowering lipid levels.

Lower blood pressure

Treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in

an erection

Eliminate or inhibit bacterial or fungal infections

Anti-infectives, antibacterials, and antifungals can be administered topically or systemically.

Relieve the swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain of inflammation

Anti-inflammatories may be classified as steroidal (corticosteroids) or nonsteroidal.

Relieve inflammation and replace hormones for adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease)

Corticosteroids are widely used to suppress the immune system’s inflammatory response to

tissue damage, control allergic reactions, reduce the rejection process in tissue and organ

transplantation, and treat some cancers.

Relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation in the treatment of musculo -

skeletal conditions, such as sprains and strains, arthritis, and other related disorders

Interfere with the use of enzymes required for cell division

Antimetabolites block folic acid, a B vitamin required for synthesis of some amino acids in the

DNA of cancerous cells.

Destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, depending on the

particular drug, generally by interfering with the functions of their cell membrane or

their reproductive cycle

Control tremors and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson disease by increasing

dopamine levels in the brain

Prevent or relieve itching

3971_App D_607-612 13/02/14 11:25 AM Page 608