Drug Names and Classes
- A drug's name begins with a chemical name
- Marketed drugs under patent protection have one nonproprietary or generic name and one proprietary or brand name
- The United States Adopted Names Council (USAN) designates the official nonproprietary names for drugs
Classification Schemes
- There are various systems for classifying drugs: by disorder, body system affected, type of receptor acted on, type of action, etc
Analgesics
- Analgesic drugs create a state in which the pain from a painful medical condition is reduced or not felt
- Common types of analgesics include salicylates, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and opiate type
Anesthetic Agents
- Anesthetics cause an absence of sensation or pain
- Anesthetics are classified as local or general
- Local anesthetics block pain conduction without causing a loss of consciousness
- General anesthetics are administered by inhalation or intravenously by an anesthesiologist and depress the central nervous system to the level of unconsciousness
Anti-infectives
- Anti-infectives treat diseases produced by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasitic worms
Antineoplastics
- Antineoplastics inhibit new growth of cancer cells
- Side effects caused by many antineoplastic agents are often uncomfortable and serious
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must be very careful with all calculations associated with drugs that are used to treat cancer
Cardiovascular Agents
- Cardiovascular agents include antianginals, antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, vasopressors, antihyperlipidemics, thrombolytics, and anticoagulants
Dermatologicals
- The skin is the body's protective barrier and is the largest organ of the body
- Dermatologicals are drugs used to treat diseases or conditions related to the skin
Electrolytic Agents
- Electrolytes are water soluble substances that are contained in our body fluids as salts
- Electrolyte balance is important for healthy body function
Gastrointestinal and Urinary Tract Agents
- Gastrointestinal agents are used to treat disorders of the stomach and/or intestines
- Urinary agents are used to treat conditions affecting the flow of urine
Hematological Agents
- Each stage in the formation of blood clots can be affected by intrinsic clotting factors and drugs
- Hematopoietics are drugs that treat various forms of anemias
- Hemostatic drugs are used to treat or prevent excessive bleeding
Hormones and Modifiers
- Hormones are secreted by glands of the endocrine system
- The pancreas secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are involved in regulating serum glucose.
Immunobiologic Agents and Vaccines
- Immune globulins provide passive immunity
- Vaccines provide active immunity
- Immune globulins provide a shorter period of protection than vaccines
Musculoskeletal Agents
- Musculoskeletal agents are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, osteoporosis, and muscle spams
Neurological Agents
- Several common disorders are affected by abnormalities in neurotransmitter release and/or response and include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Ophthalmic and Otic Agents
- Ophthalmic agents are used to treat conditions such as glaucoma, eye infection, eye pain, and inflammation. They are also used for eye examinations and in preparation for surgery.
- Otic agents are used to treat conditions including accumulation of earwax and infections of the outer ear
Psychotropic Agents
- Psychotropic agents are used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse
Respiratory Agents
- Common respiratory disorders include asthma, allergy, emphysema, croup, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia
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