Therapeutic Actions of Drugs
Generic Substitution
a different brand or an unbranded drug product substituted by the pharmacist for a trade-name drug product prescribed. The drugs are exactly the same chemically and in the same dosage form, but distributed by different drug companies.
Carminative
an agent that reduces flatulence (gas) in the stomach or intestinal tract
Hypnotic
assists patients/residents to fall asleep e.g. Nembutal
Vasoconstrictor
causes blood vessels to narrow or constrict
Chemotherapeutics
chemicals used to treat illness e.g. sulfanilamide for streptococcal infection
Decongestant
constricts blood vessels in the nose and relieves nasal congestion e.g. Sudafed, Afrinol
Miotic
constricts the pupil of the eye
Anticoagulant
depresses (slows) the clotting of blood e.g. Coumadin (given orally) or heparin (injected)
Antibiotic
destroys microorganisms in the body e.g. penicillin, doxycycline, Keflex
Antiseptic
destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms in the environment
Disinfectant
destroys pathogenic organisms e.g. Zephiran ® chloride
Caustic
destroys tissue by local application e.g. silver nitrate
Mydriatic
dilates the pupil of the eye
Antipsychotic
drug given for mental disorders e.g. Thorazine, loxitane, Mellaril
Parenteral
drug or solution given by subcutaneous or intravenous injection
Vasodilator
expands or dilates blood vessels
Antitussive
given to control coughing
Antidepressant
given to relieve depression e.g. Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil
Hypertensive
helps raise blood pressure
Placebo
inactive medication having no physical healing effect. Usually given to satisfy the resident. Also used in drug studies to determine the effectiveness of another drug. May be given orally, by injection, as a suppository, or topically
Emetic
induces vomiting e.g. warm salt water
Cathartic
laxative, purgative, inducing bowel movements e.g. cascara sagrada
Topical medication
medication applied to an area of the skin, as ointments and lotions
Suspension
medication served in a liquid form
Antitoxin
neutralizes bacterial toxins in infections
Antacid
neutralizes the acid in the stomach e.g. Maalox®
Analgesic
reduces pain (does not cure illness). Two types are (a) opiates as codeine, morphine, and Davon and (b) nonopiates as aspirin, Tylenol and Advil
Sedative
relieves anxiety and emotional tensions
Palliative
relieves pain without curing e.g. aspirin, Tylenol
Antispasmodic
relieves smooth muscle spasm e.g. Valium ® (diazepam)
Suppository
semisolid substance for introduction into the rectum, vagina or urethra where it is dissolved and absorbed.
Antiseptic
slows down growth of bacteria, but does not kill all of the bacteria e.g. hydrogen peroxid
Coagulant
stimulates clotting of the blood
Diuretic
stimulates elimination of urine, often used with medications prescribed to reduce hypertension e.g. diazide, Lasix, Diuril
Antihistamine
used in certain allergy cases and to dry out nasal tissues to reduce postnasal drip e.g. Benadryl, Chlortrimeton
Vitamins
used in replacement therapy e.g. vitamin C
Antianemic
used in treatment of anemia e.g. liver extract
Astringent
used to constrict skin and mucous membranes by withdrawing water e.g. alum
Antidote
used to counteract poisons
Expectorant
used to induce coughing, an agent that increases bronchial secretion and facilitates its expulsion (coughing) e.g. Robitussin ®
Diaphoretic
used to induce perspiration
Anticonvulsant
used to prevent or control convulsions e.g. Dilantin, phenobarbital, and intravenous Valium
Laxative
used to relive constipation e.g. Dulcolax, Doxidan, Metamucil
Emollient
used to soften and soothe tissue e.g. cold cream, petroleum jelly
Tonic, or stimulant
used to stimulate body activity e.g. Eldertonic ® or Ritalin ®