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 ®