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Search Home Nutrition & Food Cold, Flu & Infections Pain & Arthritis Health Centers Skin & Hair Digestive Health Weight & Obesity Prescription Drugs ACE inhibitors ACE converts angiotensin I to the vasoactive angiotensin II in your body. Angiotensin II is a potent pressor agent (it increases blood pressure). An ACE inhibitor is a drug that blocks or decreases the rate of the conversion process and is used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. Acne Medications Mild acne is treated with creams and solutions, while moderate and severe acne is usually treated by a combination of topical medicines and antibiotic pills, or prescription drugs. ADHD medications Drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While many may have a stimulating effect in most people, they have a calming affect in ADHD patients. These include methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, among others. Alpha Blockers Medicines that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure or peripheral vascular disease. Alzheimer's Medications Medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease to relieve symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. Aminosalicylates Drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to keep the disease in remission. Analgesics Drugs that capable of reducing the perception of pain without producing anesthesia or loss of consciousness. Most also reduce inflammation. There are many types that may be available over-the-counter or by prescription. They do not eliminate pain, but mask it by increasing the body's pain threshold. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Drugs that widen blood vessels by preventing a substance called angiotensin II from entering angiotensin II receptors. Angiotensin II is one of several substances in the body that cause blood vessels to tighten and regulates blood pressure. Anti-Anxiety Medications An agent used to lessen the symptoms of anxiety at doses which do not cause excessive sedation. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs An agent used to reduce inflammation by acting on body mechanisms instead of directly opposing the action of the inflammatory agent. They can also be useful in reducing the pain of certain types of headaches or numerous other pain conditions. Antibiotics A specific type of antibacterial, an antibiotic is a substance derived from a bacterium or a mold that is used to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. They have no effect on viruses. They are used to treat infections and are given before some medical procedures to prevent infections in some patients. Anticoagulants Medications that decrease the ability of the blood to clot. While clotting is a necessary and life-sustaining function, anticoagulants reduce the risk of a blood clot forming and blocking blood flow through a major blood vessel. Anticonvulsant Medications Drugs used to prevent or control the severity of seizures in various types of epilepsy. They may also be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and some personality disorders. Antidepressants Antidepressants primarily used to prevent or treat depression, anxiety and obsessional problems. They work by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. Antidiarrheals These agents are used to treat or prevent diarrhea. Antidyskinetics A class of medications used to alleviate symptoms associated with some neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis). They work by improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, allowing for more normal body movements. Antiemetics They are used in the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting. Antifungal Agents Drugs used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Antihistamine Drugs A group of drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. They are designed to reduce various cold and allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itching, runny nose). Antihypertensives They are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Antiplatelets Drugs that block the formation of blood clots by decreasing the ability of the body's natural blood-clotters (platelets) to bind together (aggregate). Antipsychotics Antipsychotics primarily used to treat psychoses, such as schizophrenia, mania and delusional disorder. They may control such symptoms as delusions and hallucinations and may have some mood-stabilizing effects. Antivirals A class of drugs used to treat viral infections. They may act by destroying or weakening the virus. Asthma Medications Medications that generally relieve the symptoms caused by asthma, but do not cure the condition itself. Benzodiazepines Drugs that slow down the central nervous system. They are used to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. They can be habit-forming when taken in high doses or for long periods. Beta Blockers Medications that reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a certain type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort) or congestive heart failure. Birth Control Pills Pills that control a female patient's menstrual cycle. Although they are most commonly used to prevent pregnancy, they may also be prescribed for other conditions. Bronchodilators A group of drugs used to widen the lung's airways (bronchi). Calcium Channel Blockers Calcium Channel Antagonists that block the movement of calcium ions into heart cells and blood vessels. This increases the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. Cholesterol Lowering Medications They are used in the treatment of high cholesterol. They include statins, bile acid resins, nicotinic acid (niacin) and fibrates. Corticosteroids Group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to hormones produced by the body. Corticosteroids are used to treat many numerous conditions. COX-2 inhibitors Medications similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but that should not cause stomach upset. They only block COX-2 (which causes inflammation) not COX-1 (which protects the stomach lining). Potentially serious side effects may occur. Decongestants Over-the-counter medications that shrink swollen nasal tissues to relieve symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion. Diet Pills Substances to aid in weight loss that may be available over-the-counter or by prescription. They are not usually recommended for weight management in people with diabetes as they often do not work or have potentially dangerous side effects. Diuretics Pills that cause the kidneys to flush water and other substances (e.g., sodium) from the body through urine. DMARDs Category of drugs used in many autoimmune diseases to slow down disease progression, including rheumatoid arthritis. Dopamine Blockers & Depletors Medicines that prevent the body from using (blockers) or producing (depletors) the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are used to treat neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Huntington's disease. Dopamine Precursors Medications that enter the brain and are converted to dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth, coordinated movement and other motor and cognitive functions. They may be used to treat Parkinson's disease. Dopamine Stimulators Drugs that mimic the effect of dopamine (a neurotransmitter), which may lead to relief of symptoms from Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Fever Reducers Medicines that reduce fever. They may belong to a variety of drug classes, including analgesics (pain relievers) and anti-inflammatories. Fibrates Drugs used in the treatment of high blood lipids. Fibrates reduce triglyceride production and increase the rate that triglycerides are removed from the blood. They can lower triglycerides and increase HDL, but are less effective at lowering LDL. H2 Blockers A specific class...