Drug Classes
What are Antibiotics?
A chemical substance with the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
What is a PPI (Patient Package Insert)?
A drug information sheet or pamphlet inserted by the drug manufacturer with the drug stock.
What is Depression?
A condition characterized by anxiety, hopelessness, intense sadness, and problems with eating and sleeping.
What is LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)?
The "bad cholesterol" that floats around and attaches itself to the lining of the blood vessels, clogging them.
What are Triglycerides?
Three lipids combined; a neutral fat stored in animal adipose tissue that releases free fatty acids into the blood.
What are Antihistamines?
Common term for drugs that block the H1 receptors, used to treat and lessen the symptoms of allergies.
What is Pharmacodynamics?
The actions of a drug and how it works to exert its therapeutic effect.
What is Progesterone?
The hormone that prepares the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum.
What are Antihypertensive Agents?
A class of drugs that work against high blood pressure.
What are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
An antidepressant drug that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin, with little effect on norepinephrine and fewer side effects than other antidepressant drugs.
What are Benzodiazepines?
This class of drugs acts as a sedative, hypnotic, anti-anxiety medication, and anticonvulsant, and many share the suffix -pam.
What is Toxicology?
The study of the adverse effects of drugs, their dangerous side effects and interactions.
What is GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)?
A GI disease characterized by radiating burning or pain in the chest and an acid taste due to backflow of stomach contents.
What are Calcium Channel Blockers?
This class of drugs blocks calcium from entering the cells of the blood vessels to keep them from gaining rigidity.
What are Cephalosporin antibiotics?
Antibiotic drugs developed to act like penicillin against bacteria.
What are Corticosteroids?
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex often used to reduce inflammation and pain.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
The study of individualized drug doses based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs from the body.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone and marked by increased metabolic rate.
What are Beta-Adrenergic Blockers (or Beta-blockers)?
This class of drugs slows the fight or flight response and makes the heart beat slower by blocking the hormone epinephrine; many share the suffix -olol.
What are Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs?
These are first-line therapy for schizophrenia and other psychoses that address specific neurotransmitters.
What are NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)?
A class of drugs that provide pain, swelling, and fever reduction.
What is Pharmacokinetics?
The study of individualized drug doses based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs from the body.
What is ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
A disorder that manifests itself in difficulty focusing or concentrating, over-activity, and difficulty with impulse control.
What are Antihyperlipidemic Drugs?
A class of cardiovascular drugs that fight high cholesterol and triglycerides.
What are Bioequivalent drugs?
A generic drug that delivers approximately the same amount of active ingredient into a healthy volunteer’s blood stream in the same amount of time as the innovator drug.