Drug classes explained
What a leukotriene blocker or an SGLT2 inhibitor actually does, in plain words. Each class shows what it treats, how it works, what to watch for, and the name ending that gives it away.
77 classes
Heart and blood pressure
- ACE inhibitors-prilHigh blood pressure, heart failure
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)-sartanHigh blood pressure, heart failure
- ARB + neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)Heart failure
- Beta blockers-ololHigh blood pressure, fast heart rate, chest pain
- Calcium channel blockers-dipineHigh blood pressure, chest pain
- Alpha blockers-osinEnlarged prostate (BPH); some lower blood pressure
- Thiazide diuretics-thiazideHigh blood pressure, mild swelling
- Loop diureticsFluid buildup (edema), heart failure
- Potassium-sparing diureticsHeart failure, blood pressure, fluid
- NitratesChest pain (angina)
- Cardiac glycosidesHeart failure, atrial fibrillation
- AntiarrhythmicsIrregular heart rhythms
Cholesterol and blood thinners
- Statins-statinHigh cholesterol; lower heart attack and stroke risk
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitorsHigh cholesterol, often with a statin
- FibratesHigh triglycerides
- Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin)Prevent and treat blood clots
- Factor Xa inhibitors-xabanPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- Direct thrombin inhibitors-gatranPrevent clots and strokes (blood thinner)
- Heparins-parinPrevent and treat clots, often in the hospital
- Antiplatelets-grelPrevent heart attack and stroke; after stents
Diabetes and thyroid
- BiguanidesType 2 diabetes (usually the first drug)
- Sulfonylureasgli- or gly-Type 2 diabetes
- DPP-4 inhibitors-gliptinType 2 diabetes
- SGLT2 inhibitors-gliflozinType 2 diabetes; also heart failure and kidney disease
- GLP-1 agonists-glutideType 2 diabetes; some for weight loss
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)-glitazoneType 2 diabetes
- InsulinType 1 and type 2 diabetes
- GlucagonRescue for severe low blood sugar
- Thyroid hormonesLow thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Lungs, allergy and cough
- Beta-2 agonists-terolAsthma and COPD: open the airways
- Anticholinergic inhalers-tropiumCOPD; keep airways open
- Inhaled corticosteroidsDaily asthma control (not for an attack)
- Leukotriene blockers-lukastAsthma and allergies (daily pill)
- Antihistamines-tadineAllergies, itching, hives
- DecongestantsStuffy nose
- ExpectorantsChest congestion
- Cough suppressants (antitussives)Dry cough
Stomach and bowels
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)-prazoleHeartburn (GERD), ulcers
- H2 blockers-tidineHeartburn, ulcers
- AntacidsQuick heartburn relief
- Ulcer protectantsUlcers
- Anti-nausea drugs (antiemetics)-setronNausea and vomiting
- Laxatives and stool softenersConstipation
- AntidiarrhealsDiarrhea
- AntispasmodicsStomach and bowel cramps (IBS)
Pain, muscles and bones
- NSAIDsPain, fever, swelling
- AcetaminophenPain, fever
- Opioid analgesicsModerate to severe pain
- Skeletal muscle relaxantsMuscle spasms
- Corticosteroids-sone or -oloneInflammation: asthma flares, allergies, rashes, arthritis
- Bisphosphonates-dronateOsteoporosis (bone loss)
- Triptans-triptanMigraine attacks
- Local anesthetics-caineNumbing skin or tissue
Brain and mood
- SSRIsDepression, anxiety
- SNRIsDepression, anxiety, nerve pain
- Tricyclic antidepressants-triptylineNerve pain, migraine prevention; older depression drugs
- Atypical antidepressantsDepression; some for quitting smoking or sleep
- Benzodiazepines-azepam or -azolamAnxiety, panic, seizures, alcohol withdrawal
- Sleep aids ("Z-drugs")Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
- Barbiturates-barbitalSeizures; tension headaches (butalbital)
- AnticonvulsantsSeizures; some for nerve pain, migraine or mood
- Mood stabilizersBipolar disorder
- Atypical antipsychoticsSchizophrenia, bipolar disorder
- CNS stimulantsADHD, narcolepsy
Infections
- Penicillins-cillinBacterial infections like strep throat and ear infections
- Cephalosporinscef- or ceph-Skin, ear, throat and urinary infections
- Macrolides-thromycinRespiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
- Tetracyclines-cyclineAcne, Lyme disease, respiratory infections
- Fluoroquinolones-floxacinUrinary, respiratory and other infections
- LincosamidesSkin, dental and other infections
- Nitroimidazoles (metronidazole)Certain bacterial and parasite infections
- Urinary antibioticsUrinary tract infections
- Tuberculosis (TB) drugsTuberculosis
- Antifungals-conazoleYeast and other fungal infections
- Antivirals-virFlu, herpes (cold sores, shingles), HIV and others
Other
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Learn the classes for the PTCE
Gutta's Medications lessons teach brand and generic names, drug stems and classes, with practice questions after each lesson.
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