Glossary of Western Drug Actions
Analgesic: Acting to relieve pain.
Androgenergic: Acting in ways similar to or stimulating the release of male hormones; promoting the development of male characteristics.
Antibiotic: A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, primarily bacteria.
Anticholinergic: Blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine; used to treat various conditions such as gastrointestinal cramps, muscle spasms, asthma, depression, and sleep disorders.
Anticoagulant: Inhibiting the coagulation of blood (blood thinner); primarily used to prevent blood clots.
Anticonvulsant: Inhibiting convulsions; a drug used to prevent or control convulsions and seizures.
Antidiarrheal: Controlling or counteracting diarrhea.
Antiemetic: Preventing or relieving nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal: A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, candidiasis, and cryptococcal meningitis.
Antihypertensive: Reducing or controlling high blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation and many of its signs, such as swelling, tenderness, fever, and pain.
Antimicrobial: A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of microbes and inhibits their pathogenic action. Antibiotics are one type of antimicrobial.
Antineoplastic: Inhibiting the growth and spread of tumors and malignant cells.
Antiparasitic: Acting against parasites, destroying them, or inhibiting their growth and reproduction.
Antipyretic: Used to reduce or prevent fever.
Antitussive: Used to prevent or relieve a cough.
Antiviral: A substance that kills viruses or suppresses their ability to replicate.
Astringent: Causing the tightening and contraction of body tissues, reducing bleeding from minor abrasions, diminishing mucus discharge, and holding in other body fluids.
Bronchodilator: A substance that relaxes the bronchial muscles, widening the bronchial air passageway to improve ventilation to the lungs and facilitate breathing.
Cardiotonic: Having a favorable, tonic effect on the heart, improving the strength of its contraction and overall functions.
Cathartic: A strong laxative, having a purging, cleansing effect through bowel evacuation.
Decongestant: A medication or treatment used to relieve nasal congestion.
Diaphoretic: Inducing profuse perspiration.
Diuretic: Causing increased urine production and flow.
Enzymatic: Related to or produced by an enzyme. As used in this book, primarily digestive enzymes to aid in digestive processes.
Expectorant: A substance that thins, drains, and clears mucus from the lungs, promoting its discharge as phlegm (sputum).
Hemostatic: Acting to reduce bleeding or hemorrhage; arresting the flow of blood within the vessels.
Hypnotic: Acting to induce sleep. Sometimes used in anesthesia, and related to sedatives.
Laxative: Tending to loosen and relax, to stimulate the evacuation of the bowels.
Prokinetic: Stimulating movement or motility, usually referring to gastrointestinal motility; increasing the frequency of contractions in the small intestine.
Sedative: Soothing, promoting calm, inducing sleep, and tranquilizing. Relieving stress, anxiety, and irritability.