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Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. National Library of Medicine
| drug class or drug category | definition/meaning | examples (brand name) | examples (generic name) |
| ACE inhibitors | drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They slow (inhibit) the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). These drugs cause the blood vessels to relax and the blood pressure goes down. Some ACE inhibitors are used to treat congestive heart failure. | Accupril, Altace, Lotensin, Monopril, Prinivil, Univasc, Vasotec, Zestril | quinapril, ramipril, benazepril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, enalapril |
| alkylating agent (antineoplastic) | drugs to treat various types of cancer including brain tumors, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, leukemia. These drugs work by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. | BiCNU, CeeNU, Emcyt, Treanda | carmustine, lomustine, estramustine, bendamustine |
| alpha blockers | Some of these drugs are used to treat the symptoms of enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by relaxing the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, and, in turn, relieving the symptoms of BPH such as the feeling of needing to urinate frequently or urgently, weak stream, and the need to urinate during the middle of the night. Some of these drugs are also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Uroxatral and Flomax are not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. | Cardura, Flomax, Hytrin, Minipress, Uroxatral | doxazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, prazosin, alfuzosin |
| angiotensin II receptor antagonist or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) | drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They inhibit the effects of a hormone called angiotensin, which produces a number of effects in the body such as the constriction of blood vessels. These drugs cause the blood vessels to become wider and the blood pressure goes down. Some of these drugs are also used to treat heart failure and to treat diabetic naphropathy. | Atacand, Avapro, Benicar, Cozaar, Diovan | candesartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, losartan, valsartan |
| antiarrhythmic | drugs to treat abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, and to lessen the symptoms associated with them. It is used to correct irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm by making the heart tissue less sensitive. | Cordarone, Mexitil, Norpace, Rythmol | amiodarone, mexiletine, disopyramide, propafenone |
| antibiotics (antibacterial) | drugs to treat a variety of bacterial infections. These drugs only work against infections caused by bacteria. They treat bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria or killing the bacteria directly. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Antibiotic medications do not work against infections caused by viruses. | Cleocin, Doryx, Keflex, Levaquin, Macrobid | clindamycin, doxycycline, cephalexin, levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin, tetracycline |
| anticoagulants (blood thinner) | drugs to treat blood clots and to prevent new clots from forming. These drugs can keep harmful clots from forming in the heart, veins or arteries. Some of these drugs are used for the prevention or treatment of thrombosis. Thrombi are clots. Clots can block the blood flow to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. Clots can also block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Some of these drugs are also used to prevent blood clotting during and after knee, hip, or abdominal surgeries. | Coumadin, Innohep, Lovenox | warfarin, tinzaparin, enoxaparin, heparin, aspirin 81mg |
| anticonvulsants (antiepileptic) | drugs to help control seizures (convulsions) or to treat partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. These drugs depress abnormal nerve activity in the brain, thereby blocking seizures. Some of these drugs are also used to treat bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches. | Depakote, Dilantin, Keppra, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, Zonegran | divalproex sodium, phenytoin, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, topiramate, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide |
| antidepressants | drugs to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Neurotransmitters are natural chemicals needed for normal brain function. These drugs are put into groups based on which chemicals in the brain they affect. There are different types of antidepressants. | Effexor XR, Lexapro, Prozac, Tofranil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft | venlafaxine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, imipramine, bupropion, sertraline |
| antidiabetic | drugs to treat diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. The most common form of diabetes is the type 2 diabetes. Patients need to test their blood sugar level so that it does not drop too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia). A combination of diet, exercise, and medication helps people with diabetes control their level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. | Actos, Amaryl, Avandia, Glucophage, Humalog, Humulin, Lantus | pioglitazone, glimepiride, rosiglitazone, metformin, insulin lispro, insulin human, insulin glargine |
| antifungal | drugs to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, nails, and mouth. Also, to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Some of these drugs also treat vaginal yeast infections. Clearing such infections will get rid of symptoms such as itching, cracking, burning, scaly skin, and discolored nails. These medications work by stopping the growth of fungi. | Diflucan, Gris-PEG, Lamisil, Mycostatin, Terazol | fluconazole, griseofulvin, terbinafine, nystatin, terconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole |
| antihistamine | drugs to block the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine acts upon two sites in the body, H1 and H2 sites. H1 sites are located in the respiratory (lung) system. H2 sites are located in the gastrointestinal system. H1 blockers combat the histamine released during an allergy reaction by blocking the action of the histamine on the tissue (allergy reaction such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat, itchy nose). H2 blockers inhibit the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production. H2 blockers are used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | Allegra, Claritin, Patanol, Zaditor, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac | fexofenadine, loratadine, olopatadine, ketotifen, famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine |
| antihistaminic decongestant | drugs that treat nasal and sinus congestion, stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy watery eyes due to hay fever and other types of allergy. | Allegra-D, Astelin, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D | fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine, azelastine, loratadine/pseudoephedrine, cetirizine/pseudoephedrine |
| antihyperlipidemic | drugs to lower total high cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglyceride levels in the blood, and also to raise the good cholesterol (HDL). Hyperlipidemia means high lipid (fat) levels in the blood. Lowering blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride helps decrease the chances of getting heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. | Advicor, Simcor, Vytorin | lovastatin/niacin, niacin/simvastatin, simvastatin/ezetimibe |
| antimigraine (triptans) | drugs to relieve migraine headache attacks with or without aura in adults. Migraines are painful headaches that are often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or odors. The pain is typically a pulsating pain and it can start on one side of the head and move to the other side or be on both sides. The pain may become worse when you move. | Amerge, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, Zomig | naratriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan |
| antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) or muscarinic receptor antagonist | drugs used for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. Urinary incontinence has to do with leaks or wetting accidents. Urinary urgency has to do with the strong need to urinate right away. Urinary frequency has to do with the need to urinate often. These drugs work by relaxing the bladder muscles to prevent urgent, frequent, or uncontrolled urination. | Detrol, Enablex, Oxytrol, Sanctura, Vesicare | tolterodine, darifenacin, oxybutynin, trospium, solifenacin |
| antineoplastic | drugs to treat several types of cancer such as carcinoma, myelocytic leukemia, skin cancer, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer. Matulane is used to treat Stage III and IV Hodgkin's disease. These drugs slow the growth of cancer cells. | Ellence, Hexalen, Hydrea, Matulane, Temodar | epirubicin, altretamine, hydroxyurea, procarbazine, temozolomide |
| antiplatelet or platelet aggregation inhibitor | drugs that block the formation of blood clots by preventing the clumping of platelets. Platelets are particles circulating in the blood. Platelets initiate the formation of blood clots by clumping together, a process called platelet aggregation. The formation of blood clots leads to heart attacks or strokes. These drugs prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack, unstable angina), recent stroke, or blood circulation disease. The drug Pletal is used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication. There are three types of antiplatelet agents: aspirin 81mg, the thienopyridines, and the glycoprotein inhibitors. | Aggrenox, Persantine, Plavix, Pletal, Ticlid | aspirin/dipyridamole, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, cilostazol, ticlopidine, aspirin (81 mg) |
| antipyretics | drugs to reduce, prevent, or allay fever. Most fever reducers are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and, in turn, they are frequently manufactured as a combined fever and pain medicine. For example, acetaminophen is used for the relief of fever as well as for the relief of aches and pains. | Advil, Aleve, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Motrin, Tylenol | ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, acetaminophen |
| antispasmodic (anticholinergic) | drugs capable of preventing or relieving spasms. These drugs treat overactive bladder (muscle spasms of the bladder and the frequent urge to urinate). Some of these drugs control symptoms associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as irritable bowel syndrome. Some of these drugs, such as hyoscyamine, treat adult and infant colic, irritable bowel syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. These drugs relieve stomach and intestinal spasms and cramping. These drugs work by preventing the sudden tightening of the muscles and relaxing the muscles in many organs. | Bentyl, Ditropan, Levsin, Oxytrol, Sanctura | dicyclomine, oxybutynin, hyoscyamine, trospium |
| antitussive (cough suppressant) | these drugs are used to relieve or suppress coughing due to colds, influenza (flu), throat irritation, or bronchial irritation. | Delsym, Tessalon | dextromethorphan, benzonatate |
| barbiturate (sedative) | These drugs are used to induce sleep, to treat insomnia, to cause sedation, and to relieve anxiety. The drug phenobarbital is also used to treat and prevent seizures. It is worth noting that the generic drug butalbital is usually manufactured together with other generic ingredients, such as acetaminophen and aspirin, in order to treat tension headaches. | Butisol sodium, Nembutal sodium, Seconal sodium | butabarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital, phenobarbital, butalbital |
| benzodiazepine | some benzodiazepines are used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, and for the relief of symptoms of anxiety. Other benzodiazepines are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and to treat seizures and muscle spasms. Also, some benzodiazepines are used for the treatment of insomnia. | Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Valium, Xanax | lorazepam, clonazepam, temazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, alprazolam |
| beta agonist | drugs used for the relief of shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and wheezing caused by asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. These drugs are used for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. These drugs can be fast-acting medications such as albuterol or long-acting medications such as formoterol. The long-acting medications are used for the long-term administration in the maintenance treatment of asthma and for the long-term administration in the maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. | Brovana, Foradil, Proventil, Serevent, Xopenex | arformoterol, formoterol, albuterol, salmeterol, levalbuterol |
| beta blockers | drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Some beta-blockers are used to treat and prevent chest pain (angina), and are also used after a heart attack to prevent another heart attack from occurring. Some of these drugs are indicated for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. Some of these drugs are also indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Controlling high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. | Betimol, Betoptic, Inderal, Tenormin, Toprol XL | timolol, betaxolol, propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol succinate |
| bile acid sequestrant or bile acid binding resins or bile acid binders | drugs to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood, especially LDL levels. Bile acid is a natural body substance that the liver makes by using cholesterol. This medication works by causing more bile acid to pass out of the body. The liver will then make more bile acid, taking more cholesterol out of the body and lowering the cholesterol levels. | Colestid, Questran, WelChol | colestipol, cholestyramine, colesevelam |
| bisphosphonates | drugs to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women. These drugs reduce bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of fractures. Some of these drugs, such as Didronel, may be used after hip replacement surgery or in spinal cord injury. | Actonel, Boniva, Didronel, Fosamax, Reclast | risedronate, ibandronate, etidronate, alendronate, zoledronic acid |
| blood thinner (anticoagulant) | drugs to treat blood clots and to prevent new clots from forming. These drugs can keep harmful clots from forming in the heart, veins or arteries. Some of these drugs are used for the prevention or treatment of thrombosis. Thrombi are clots. Clots can block the blood flow to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. Clots can also block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Some of these drugs are also used to prevent blood clotting during and after knee, hip, or abdominal surgeries. | Coumadin, Innohep, Lovenox | warfarin, tinzaparin, enoxaparin, heparin, aspirin 81mg |
| bone resorption inhibitors | drugs to treat and prevent osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women. Some of these drugs, such as Zometa, are used to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy and to treat patients with multiple myeloma and patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. These drugs inhibit the osteoclastic resorption of bone, that is, they inhibit bone resorption by the osteoclasts. | Fortical, Fosamax, Miacalcin, Reclast, Zometa | calcitonin salmon, alendronate, zoledronic acid |
| bronchodilator | drugs used for the relief of shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and wheezing caused by asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. These drugs are used for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. These drugs can be fast-acting medications such as albuterol or long-acting medications such as formoterol. The long-acting medications are used for the long-term administration in the maintenance treatment of asthma and for the long-term administration in the maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. | Brovana, Foradil, Proventil, Serevent, Xopenex | arformoterol, formoterol, albuterol, salmeterol, levalbuterol |
| calcium channel blockers (CCB) | drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), and to treat and prevent chest pain (angina). These drugs block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and the arteries. The drug Nimotop is used to improve neurological outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Reducing high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. | Cardizem, Nimotop, Norvasc, Procardia, Verelan | diltiazem, nimodipine, amlodipine, nifedipine, verapamil |
| carbonic anhydrase inhibitors | drugs to treat glaucoma. They treat increased pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma and also treat a condition called ocular hypertension. The drug Diamox is used to treat glaucoma, but it is also used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of high-altitude sickness, and to treat edema (excess water retention). | Azopt, Diamox, Trusopt | brinzolamide, acetazolamide, dorzolamide, methazolamide |
| central nervous system (CNS) stimulant | drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These medicines are used as part of a total treatment program that includes social, educational, and psychological treatment. Some of these drugs are also used to treat narcolepsy. | Adderall XR, Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin, Vyvanse | amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine |
| corticosteroids | drugs to relieve the stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, irritation, and discomfort of hay fever and other allergies. These drugs also treat some lung diseases such as asthma. Some of these drugs also relieve the inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling caused by certain skin problems, ear problems, eye problems, and rectal problems. Common uses of corticosteroids: nasal, ophthalmic, oral tablets, oral inhalation, rectal, and topical. | Flonase, Flovent, FML, Medrol, Temovate | fluticasone, fluorometholone, methylprednisolone, clobetasol, hydrocortisone, prednisone |
| decongestants | drugs to relieve nasal congestion (stuffy nose) due to colds, allergies or sinusitis. Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling. Be careful when using some nasal spray decongestants. If you use them for a prolonged period (longer than 4-5 days), you may experience a rebound effect, where nasal congestion symptoms return. Rebound congestion results from the overuse of nasal decongestants that contain a topical vasoconstrictor. For that reason, nasal decongestants are best for short-lived colds and not for persistent allergies. In contrast, oral decongestants will not lead to rebound congestion and their effect lasts longer than nasal decongestants. Decongestants are also included in eye drops to relieve redness and itchy and watering eyes (e.g., Albalon). | Afrin, AK-Con, Albalon, Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Sudafed | oxymetazoline, naphazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine |
| diuretics (water pill) | drugs that treat high blood pressure and edema. These drugs cause the kidney to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. Some of these drugs reduce the swelling and fluid retention, and also treat low potassium levels. There are three types of diuretics: thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing. | Aldactone, Demadex, Lasix, Lozol, Maxzide, Microzide | spironolactone, torsemide, furosemide, indapamide, triamterene/HCTZ, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), chlorthalidone |
| expectorant | drugs to loosen phlegm (mucus) in the lungs so that patients can cough up the mucus. Also, drinking plenty of water helps to loosen mucus or phlegm because water is a natural expectorant. | Mucinex | guaifenesin |
| fibrates (fibric acid derivatives) | this medicine is a lipid lowering agent used along with diet and exercise to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels and to increase the good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the blood. Lowering the bad cholesterol and triglycerides helps decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks. | Antara, Lipofen, Lopid, Tricor, Triglide, Trilipix | fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid |
| glitazones | these drugs are used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally or properly produce insulin). These drugs work by helping to restore the body's proper response to insulin, a natural substance that helps control blood sugar levels. These drugs are also called thiazolidinediones. Effectively controlling high blood sugar levels helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence). | Actos, Avandia | pioglitazone, rosiglitazone |
| H1 blockers or H1 receptor antagonists | drugs to relieve and prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, and other types of allergy. These drugs help stop allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. They block the action of the histamine on the tissue. Histamine is a natural substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms, such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, watery eyes, red eyes, and itchy throat. These drugs are used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies. | Allegra, Astepro, Clarinex, Patanol, Zaditor, Zyrtec | fexofenadine, azelastine, desloratadine, olopatadine, ketotifen, cetirizine |
| H2 blockers or H2 receptor antagonists | drugs that prevent and relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. These drugs also treat stomach or intestinal ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These drugs inhibit the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing stomach acid production. Histamine is a natural substance that stimulates stomach cells to produce acid. | Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac | famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine |
| HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) | drugs to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. These drugs lower total blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol levels. The LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary heart disease. Also, these drugs help raise the HDL cholesterol known as the good cholesterol. These drugs are also called statins. | Crestor, Lescol XL, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor | rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin |
| immunosuppressants | drugs to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ such as kidney, heart, or liver. These drugs also treat inflammatory and immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis (eczema). | Amevive, CellCept, Elidel, Imuran, Neoral, Prograf, Protopic | alefacept, mycophenolate, pimecrolimus, azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus |
| leukotriene receptor antagonist or leukotriene blockers (inhibitors) | drugs to block the effects of a substance called leukotriene, which is released in the body triggering symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis, such as chest tightness, wheezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes. These drugs are used for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children. Some of these drugs help control symptoms of asthma in adults and children and for the relief of symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies. Blocking leukotrienes improves asthma and seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. | Accolate, Singulair, Zyflo CR | zafirlukast, montelukast, zileuton |
| mast cell stabilizers | these are non-steroidal medications to treat allergic eyes, conjunctivitis, nasal allergy, allergic rhinitis, asthma, or lung inflammation. These drugs prevent the mast cells from releasing the substances that cause allergic reactions or lung inflammation. For example, histamine is released from mast cells and causes allergic symptoms. | Alamast, Alocril, Alomide, Crolom, Intal, NasalCrom | pemirolast, nedocromil, lodoxamide, cromolyn |
| monoclonal antibody | monoclonal antibodies are produced in the laboratory from a single clone of cells and are used to treat several types of cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. Synagis is to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children. Tysabri is to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Xolair is to treat persistent allergic asthma caused by year-round allergens in the air. Zenapax is to prevent rejection of kidney transplants. | Avastin, Herceptin, Remicade, Rituxan, Synagis, Tysabri, Xolair, Zenapax | bevacizumab, trastuzumab, infliximab, rituximab, palivizumab, natalizumab, omalizumab, daclizumab |
| muscle relaxant | drugs to relax certain muscles in the body and relieve the stiffness, pain, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, spasms, or other injury to the muscles. Some of these drugs treat muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal injury. The drug Zanaflex is a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity. | Flexeril, Lioresal, Robaxin, Skelaxin, Soma, Zanaflex | cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, methocarbamol, metaxalone, carisoprodol, tizanidine |
| nitrates | drugs to treat and prevent angina, and to ease the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Angina is the chest pain or discomfort that you get when your heart does not get enough blood and oxygen. Nitrates come in different forms. Depending on the form you are taking, nitrates can be used to prevent an angina attack, limit the number of attacks that you have, or relieve the pain of a current attack. Nitrates are vasodilators, which have effects on both arteries and veins. | Isordil, Monoket, Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Nitromist, Nitrostat | isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin |
| NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) | these drugs are primarily used to treat inflammation, stiffness, pain, and aches. Specific uses of these drugs include the treatment of headaches, toothaches, arthritis, muscular aches, and menstrual cramps. Some of these drugs also reduce fever. | Celebrex, Mobic, Motrin, Naprosyn, Voltaren | celecoxib, meloxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac |
| penicillin | drugs to treat infections caused by bacteria. Taken orally or injected, penicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the body. Several varieties of penicillin exist, and each targets a different infection in a different part of the body. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to antibiotic resistance. | Amoxil, Moxatag, Penicillin VK | amoxicillin, penicillin V potassium, ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin |
| phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor | The drugs (Cialis, Levitra, Viagra) are used to treat sexual function problems such as impotence or erectile dysfunction. These drugs work by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. On the other hand, the drug Revatio is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. | Cialis, Levitra, Revatio, Staxyn, Stendra, Viagra | tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil, sildenafil |
| proton pump inhibitors (PPI) | drugs to treat heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux disease is also known as GERD. These drugs block acid at the source by deactivating acid-producing pumps in the stomach. Some of these drugs treat and maintain healing of erosive esophagitis, and treat conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. | Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix | rabeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole |
| retinoids | these drugs are related to retinol (a form of vitamin A). Most of these drugs are used to treat acne that has not improved with other available treatment. But, the following retinoids are used for different skin problems. The drug Soriatane is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults. The drug Panretin is used to treat skin lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. The drug Renova is used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness, and improving skin color. The drug Vesanoid is used to induce maturation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells in culture. | Accutane, Claravis, Panretin, Renova, Retin-A, Soriatane, Vesanoid | isotretinoin, alitretinoin, tretinoin, acitretin |
| selective 5-HT receptor agonist | drugs to relieve migraine headache attacks with or without aura in adults. Migraines are painful headaches that are often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or odors. The pain is typically a pulsating pain and it can start on one side of the head and move to the other side or be on both sides. The pain may become worse when you move. | Amerge, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, Zomig | naratriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan |
| statin(s) | drugs to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. These drugs lower total blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol levels. The LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary heart disease. Also, these drugs help raise the HDL cholesterol known as the good cholesterol. These drugs are also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. | Crestor, Lescol XL, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor | rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin |
| thiazolidinediones | these drugs are used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally or properly produce insulin). These drugs work by helping to restore the body's proper response to insulin, a natural substance that helps control blood sugar levels. These drugs are also called glitazones. Effectively controlling high blood sugar levels helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence). | Actos, Avandia | pioglitazone, rosiglitazone |
| triptans | drugs to relieve migraine headache attacks with or without aura in adults. Migraines are painful headaches that are often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or odors. The pain is typically a pulsating pain and it can start on one side of the head and move to the other side or be on both sides. The pain may become worse when you move. | Amerge, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, Zomig | naratriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan |
| water pill (diuretics) | drugs that treat high blood pressure and edema. These drugs cause the kidney to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. Some of these drugs reduce the swelling and fluid retention, and also treat low potassium levels. There are three types of diuretics: thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing. | Aldactone, Demadex, Lasix, Lozol, Maxzide, Microzide | spironolactone, torsemide, furosemide, indapamide, triamterene/HCTZ, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), chlorthalidone |
| xanthine derivative (bronchodilator) | This medication improves breathing by opening air passages in the lungs. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung problems. This medication is a bronchodilator structurally classified as a xanthine derivative. | Choledyl SA, Lufyllin, Theo-24 | oxtriphylline, dyphylline, theophylline |
| drug class or drug category | definition/meaning | examples (brand name) | examples (generic name) |
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