Medical Terminology Simplified

Drug Classifications • APPENDIX D 609

Drug Classification Description

antipsychotics

antiseptics

antispasmodics

antithyroids

antituberculars

antitussives

antivirals

astringents

B

beta blockers

bone resorption

inhibitors

bronchodilators

C

calcium channel blockers

contraceptives

birth control patch

injectable

oral

Treat psychosis, paranoia, and schizophrenia by altering chemicals in the brain, including

the limbic system (group of brain structures), which controls emotions

Topically applied agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria, preventing

infection in cuts, scratches, and surgical incisions

Act on the autonomic nervous system to reduce spasms in the bladder or gastrointestinal

(GI) tract

Treat hyperthyroidism by impeding the formation of T 3 and T 4 hormone

Treat tuberculosis

Several antituberculars are used in combination to produce effective treatment.

Relieve or suppress coughing by blocking the cough reflex in the medulla of the brain

Prevent replication of viruses within host cells

Antivirals treat HIV infection and AIDS.

Shrink the blood vessels locally, dry up secretions from seeping lesions, and lessen skin

sensitivity

Decrease heart rate and dilate arteries by blocking beta receptors

Beta blockers treat angina pectoris, arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Inhibit breakdown of bone

Bone resorption inhibitors treat osteoporosis.

Stimulate bronchial muscles to relax, thereby expanding air passages and resulting in

increased air flow to the lungs

Selectively block movement of calcium (required for blood vessel contraction) into

myocardial cells and arterial walls, causing heart rate and blood pressure to decrease

Calcium channel blockers treat angina pectoris, arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension.

Prevent conception or ovulation; also called birth control

Delivers two synthetic hormones, progestin and estrogen, through a transdermal patch,

impeding pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation) and

thickening the cervical mucus

The patch is applied directly to the skin (buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, or upper outer arm)

and has an effectiveness rate of 95%.

Delivers a synthetic drug similar to progesterone (medroxyprogesterone acetate) through

an injection administered four times per year that prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs

(ovulation) and thickens the cervical mucus

When used as directed, an injectable contraceptive (Depo-Provera) may prevent pregnancy

more than 99% of the time.

Inhibits ovulation and pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), causing changes

in cervical mucus that render it unfavorable to penetration by sperm and altering the

nature of the endometrium; also called birth control pills

Oral contraceptives (OCs) contain mixtures of estrogen and progestin in various levels. When

used as directed, OCs are nearly 100% effective.

Continued

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