Drug Class Definitions

Some Drug Classification Definitions
from the Top 200 drugs

Drug Class Definitions. Knowing what class a drug is in will help you to remember more of the Top 200 drugs. It is equally important to know what each class is used to treat in preparation for the PTCB or ExCPT exams.

The list below covers most (not all) of what's in the Top 200 drugs. Included in the Drug Class descriptions is the generic common suffix if there is one.

A.C.E. Inhibitors - Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Avoiding Angiotensin II may avoid increased blood pressure and vasoconstriction. They usually have the suffix "PRIL"

A.2.R.B. - Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blockers block Angiotensin 2 enzymes from specific receptor sites. Avoiding Angiotensin 2 activity helps prohibit vasoconstriction. They usually have the suffix "ARTAN"

Anti-Biotics - Anti-Biotics inhibit the reproduction of new Bacteria cells. There are several varieties and Drug Class Definitions of Anti-Biotics.

Anti-Convulsants - Anti-Convulsants suppress the rapid firing of neurons in the nervous system (brain). Also known as Anti-epileptic drugs and Anti-Seizure drugs.

Anti-Diabetics / Sulfonylureas - lower glucose levels in the blood. They are only used to treat Type II Diabetes.

Benzodiazepines - Also know as "Benzos". Benzos are used as anti-anxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and hypnotics. They usually have the suffix "PAM".

Beta Blockers (B1) - Also known as Beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Block adrenaline receptors, which are part of the central nervous system and mediate a "Fight or flight" response, which would cause actions in the heart. They usually have the suffix "OLOL".

Calcium Channel Blockers - Calcium channel blockers work by blocking calcium channels in cardiac muscle and blood vessels, thereby slowing down activity in the heart.

Diuretics - Diuretics are primarily used to treat hypertension. They promote evacuation of water from the body, which decreases the load on the cardiovascular system.

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - Also known as Statins, They inhibit the body's cholesterol production and usually have the suffix "STATIN".

NSAID - Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are commonly used as pain killers and Fever Reducers. They are non-narcotic and can be sold OTC.

Opioid - Opioids provide an analgesic effect by decreasing the perception of pain and increase pain tolerance.

Proton Pump Inhibitors - Inhibit the action of the gastric proton pump, thereby reducing gastric acid production. They usually have the suffix "PRAZOLE".

S.S.R.I - Selective Seratonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors increase the body's Seratonin level by inhibiting its re-uptake into the Presynaptic cell. Commonly indicated as an Anti-Depressant.

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