Definition
Antiacne drugs are medicines that help clear up pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne.
Purpose
Different types of antiacne drugs are used for different purposes. For example, lotions, soaps, gels, and creams containing benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin may be used to clear up mild to moderately severe acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is prescribed only for [...]
Definition
Anti-itch drugs are medicines taken by mouth or by injection to relieve itching.
Purpose
The medicine described here, hydroxyzine, is a type of antihistamine used to relieve itching caused by allergic reactions. An allergic reaction occurs when the body is unusually sensitive to some substance, such as pollen, dust, mold, or certain foods or medicine. The body [...]
Definition
Anti-insomnia drugs are medicines that help people fall asleep or stay asleep.
Purpose
Physicians prescribe anti-insomnia drugs for short-term treatment of insomnia-a sleep problem in which people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or wake up too early and can’t go back to sleep. These drugs should be used only for occasional treatment of temporary sleep [...]
Definition
Antacids are medicines that neutralize stomach acid.
Purpose
Antacids are used to relieve acid indigestion, upset stomach, sour stomach, and heartburn. Additional components of some formulations include dimethicone, to reduce gas pains (flatulence) and alginic acid, which, in combination with antacids, may help manage GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Antacids should not be confused with gastric acid inhibitors, [...]
Definition
Anti-hyperuricemic drugs are used to treat hyperuricemia, the state of having too much uric acid in the blood.
Purpose
Anti-hyperuricemic drugs decrease the levels of uric acid in the blood, either by increasing the rate at which uric acid is excreted in the urine, or by preventing the formation of excess uric acid.
Precautions
Before taking any medication, patients [...]
Definition
Analgesics are medicines that relieve pain.
Purpose
Analgesics are those drugs whose primary purpose is pain relief. The primary classes of analgesics are the narcotics, including additional agents that are chemically based on the morphine molecule but have minimal abuse potential; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including the salicylates; and acetaminophen. Other drugs, notably the tricyclic antidepressants and [...]
Definition
Acetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever.
Purpose
Acetaminophen is used to relieve many kinds of minor aches and pains–headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and the aches and pains that often accompany colds.
Description
This drug is available without a prescription. Acetaminophen-or APAP-is sold under various brand names, including Tylenol, Panadol, [...]