BROAD CLASSIFICATIONS OF

DRUGS 11.​Anticonvulsants: a diverse group of

pharmacological agents used in the
1.​ Analgesics: Drug used to relieve treatment of epileptic seizures
pain. (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, (Carbamazepine, Levetiracetam)
Mefenamic Acid)
12.​Antibiotic: a type of antimicrobial
2.​ Anesthetic: a drug used to induce substance active against bacteria and
anesthesia - in other words, to result is the most important type of
in a temporary loss of sensation or antibacterial agent for fighting
awareness. (Lidocaine, Ketamine, bacterial infections (Meropenem,
Isoflurane) Levofloxacin)

3.​ Anthelmintics or anthelmintics are 13.​Antidiarrhetic/ anti-diarrheal: any

a group of antiparasitic drugs that medication which provides
expel parasitic worms (helminths) symptomatic relief for diarrhea.
and other internal parasites from the (Octreotide, Loperamide)
body by either stunning or killing
them and without causing significant 14.​Antitussive: medicines that suppress
damage to the host. (Albendazole, coughing, also known as cough
Ivermectin) suppressants. (Sinecod)

4.​ Antipyretics: substances that reduce 15.​Anti-asthmatics: Drug which

fever. (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) provides symptomatic relief of
asthmatic attack by relaxing the
5.​ Antidotes: a drug, chelating smooth muscle of the bronchioles.
substance, or a chemical that (Salbutamol)
counteracts (neutralizes) the effects
of another drug or a poison. (Opioid 16.​Androgens: any natural or synthetic
- Naloxone) steroid hormone which regulates the
development and maintenance of
6.​ Anti-infective: Act either to inhibit, male characteristics. (Androgen)
kill or retard the growth of
micro-organism. (Antibiotics - 17.​Antipruritic: also known as anti-itch
Amoxicillin, Levofloxacin) drugs, are medications that inhibit
(Antiviral - Valacyclovir) the itching. (Antihistamines like
(Antifungal - Cotrimoxazole) Cetirizine, Azatidine)

7.​ Anti-inflammatory: the property of 18.​Antiseptic: antimicrobial substances

a substance or treatment that reduces which inhibit the growth of
inflammation or swelling. microorganisms. (chlorhexidine,
(Naproxen, Diclofenac) povidone-iodine, chloroxylenol,
isopropyl alcohol, hexachlorophene,
8.​ Anti-coagulant: commonly referred benzalkonium chloride, and
to as blood thinners, are chemical hydrogen peroxide.
substances that prevent or reduce
coagulation of blood, prolonging the 19.​Antifungal/ antimycotic: a
clotting time. (Heparin, warfarin, pharmaceutical fungicide or
Apixaban) fungistatic used to treat and prevent
growth of fungal infection.
9.​ Antihistamine: a drug or other (Miconazole, Nystatin)
compound that inhibits the
physiological effects of histamine, 20.​Antispasmodic: a pharmaceutical
used especially in the treatment of drug or other agent that suppresses
allergies. (Diphenhydramine, muscle spasms (Otilonium Bromide-
Cetirizine) Spasmomen, Hyoscine N -
Butylbromide)
10.​Antacids: a substance which
neutralizes stomach acidity and is 21.​Antiemetic: a drug that is effective
used to relieve heartburn, indigestion against vomiting and nausea.
or an upset stomach. (Aluminum (Metoclopramide, Ondansetron)
Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide)
22.​Anti-tubercular: used in treatment 35.​Hypoglycemic: that lowers blood
of Tuberculosis (TB) (Isoniazid) sugar level. (Insulin Glulisine,
Insulin Glargine)
23.​Antirheumatic: used to treat
rheumatism. (Methotrexate) 36.​Inotropes: Drugs that strengthen
cardiac contraction. (Dobutamine,
24.​Astringent: an astringent agent Milrinone)
applied to the skin to reduce bleeding
from minor abrasions or to reduce 37.​Mydriatics: Mydriatics are a type of
discharges. medicine that make the pupil of the
eye dilate (open up)
25.​Bronchodilators: a substance that
dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, 38.​Myotics: a drug that causes
decreasing resistance in the constriction of the pupil of the eye
respiratory airway and increasing
airflow to the lungs. 39.​Sedatives: are a category of drugs
that slow brain activity. Lowering
26.​Coagulants: An agent that produces body activity. (Midazolam, Fentanyl,
coagulation (Coagulation is a Propofol)
complex process by which blood
forms clots). (Vitamin K, 40.​Vasodilators: a group of medicines
Tranexamic Acid) that dilate (open) blood vessels,
which allows blood to flow more
27.​Carminatives: also known as easily. (Hydralazine, Nifedipine)
carminative, is an herb or preparation
intended to either prevent formation 41.​Vasoconstriction/Vasopressors:
of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or causing the constriction of blood
facilitate the expulsion of said gas, vessels, which increases blood
thereby combating flatulence. pressure. (Vasopressin,
Norepinephrine
28.​Corticosteroids: are used to provide
relief for inflamed areas of the body.
They lessen swelling, redness,
itching, and allergic reactions.
(Prednisone, Seretide)

29.​Diuretic: a diuretic is any substance

that promotes diuresis, the increased
production of urine. (Furosemide)

30.​Emetics: a medicine or other

substance which causes vomiting.
Used for overdosing (Ipecac)

31.​Oxytocic: Drug that stimulates

uterine contractures. (Oxytocin,
Prostaglandin)

32.​Expectorants: a medication that

helps bring up mucus and other
material from the lungs, bronchi, and
trachea. (Guaifenesin Robitussin)

33.​Emollient: are moisturizing

treatments applied directly to the
skin to soothe and hydrate it.

34.​Antihypertensive or Hypotensive:
Any substance capable of lowering
blood pressure. (Metoprolol,
Losartan, Amlodipine)