medication

/ˈmɛdəˌkeɪʃən/

/mɛdɪˈkɛɪʃən/

Other forms: medications

If your doctor prescribes something for you to take, it's medication. Medication is another way to say "medicine" or "drug." Your poison ivy rash might be so bad that you need to take medication to stop the itching.

People need medication for all sorts of illnesses and disorders throughout their lives, from headache medication to medication for cancer treatment. In the fifteenth century, the word meant "medical treatment of a disease or wound," from the Latin medicationem, "healing or cure," with its root in medicus, which means both "healing" and "physician."

Definitions of medication

1. noun

   (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease
   synonyms: medicament, medicinal drug, medicine

   types:

   Zovirax, acyclovir

   an oral antiviral drug (trade name Zovirax) used to treat genital herpes; does not cure the disease but relieves the symptoms

   Fosamax, alendronate

   a tablet (trade name Fosamax) prescribed to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women after menopause

   Zyloprim, allopurinol

   a drug (trade name Zyloprim) used to treat gout and other conditions in which there is an excessive buildup of uric acid

   Inocor, amrinone

   a drug (trade name Inocor) used intravenously in heart failure; increases strength of contraction of myocardium

   analgesic, anodyne, pain pill, painkiller

   a medicine used to relieve pain

   angiogenesis inhibitor

   a drug that is designed to prevent the growth of blood vessels that nourish tumors

   antiarrhythmic, antiarrhythmic drug, antiarrhythmic medication

   a drug used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm

   antibacterial, antibacterial drug, bactericide

   any drug that destroys bacteria or inhibits their growth

   anticholinergic, anticholinergic drug

   a substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine

   anticholinesterase

   a medicine that inhibits cholinesterase by combining with it and so has a cholinergic effect

   anticoagulant, anticoagulant medication, decoagulant

   medicine that prevents or retards the clotting of blood

   anticonvulsant, anticonvulsant drug, antiepileptic, antiepileptic drug

   a drug used to treat or prevent convulsions (as in epilepsy)

   antidepressant, antidepressant drug

   any of a class of drugs used to treat depression; often have undesirable side effects

   antidiabetic, antidiabetic drug

   a drug used to treat diabetes mellitus

   antidiarrheal, antidiarrheal drug

   a drug used to control or stop diarrhea

   antidiuretic, antidiuretic drug

   a drug that limits the formation of urine

   antiemetic, antiemetic drug

   a drug that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting

   antihistamine

   a medicine used to treat allergies and hypersensitive reactions and colds; works by counteracting the effects of histamine on a receptor site

   antihypertensive, antihypertensive drug

   a drug that reduces high blood pressure

   anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory drug

   a medicine intended to reduce inflammation

   antiprotozoal, antiprotozoal drug

   a medicinal drug used to fight diseases (like malaria) that are caused by protozoa

   antipyretic, febrifuge

   any medicine that lowers body temperature to prevent or alleviate fever

   antiseptic

   a substance that destroys microorganisms that carry disease without harming body tissues

   antispasmodic, antispasmodic agent, spasmolytic

   a drug used to relieve or prevent spasms (especially of the smooth muscles)

   antitussive

   any medicine used to suppress or relieve coughing

   antiviral, antiviral agent, antiviral drug

   any drug that destroys viruses

   APC

   a drug combination found in some over-the-counter headache remedies (aspirin and phenacetin and caffeine)

   astringent, astringent drug, styptic

   a drug that causes contraction of body tissues and canals

   atomic cocktail

   an oral dose of radioactive substance used in treatment and diagnosis of cancer

   Imuran, azathioprine

   an immunosuppressive drug (trade name Imuran) used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ

   blocker, blocking agent

   a class of drugs that inhibit (block) some biological process

   bronchodilator

   a drug that relaxes and dilates the bronchial passageways and improves the passages of air into the lungs

   calcium blocker, calcium-channel blocker

   any of a class of drugs that block the flow of the electrolyte calcium (either in nerve cell conduction or smooth muscle contraction of the heart); has been used in the treatment of angina or arrhythmia or hypertension or migraine

   carminative

   medication that prevents the formation of gas in the alimentary tract or eases its passing

   Atromid-S, clofibrate

   a drug (trade name Atromid-S) that reduces lipids in the blood serum; used to treat some cardiovascular diseases

   Plavix, clopidogrel bisulfate

   a blood thinner (trade name Plavix) approved for the treatment of mild heart attacks; works by preventing blood platelets from sticking together to form clots that would restrict blood flow

   cold medicine

   medicine intended to relieve the symptoms of the common cold

   counterirritant

   a medicine applied locally to produce superficial inflammation in order to reduce deeper inflammation

   cytotoxic drug

   any drug that has a toxic effect on cells; commonly used in chemotherapy to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells

   decongestant

   a drug that decreases pulmonary congestion

   demulcent

   a medication (in the form of an oil or salve etc.) that soothes inflamed or injured skin

   diaphoretic

   used to produce perspiration

   Antabuse, disulfiram

   a drug (trade name Antabuse) used in the treatment of alcoholism; causes nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested

   dosage, dose

   a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time

   Drixoral

   the trade name for a drug used to treat upper respiratory congestion; it contains an antihistamine and a bronchodilator and a vasoconstrictor

   HAART, drug cocktail, highly active antiretroviral therapy

   a combination of protease inhibitors taken with reverse transcriptase inhibitors; used in treating AIDS and HIV

   expectorant, expectorator

   a medicine promoting expectoration

   fixed-combination drug

   drug containing fixed amounts of two or more ingredients

   Lopid, gemfibrozil

   medication (trade name Lopid) used to lower the levels of triglyceride in the blood

   haematinic, hematinic

   a medicine that increases the hemoglobin content of the blood; used to treat iron-deficiency anemia

   herbal medicine

   a medicine made from plants and used to prevent or treat disease or promote health

   histamine blocker

   a medicine used to treat the gastric effects of histamine in cases of peptic ulcers and gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux; works by blocking the effects of histamine on the receptor site known as H2

   immune suppressant drug, immunosuppressant, immunosuppressive, immunosuppressive drug, immunosuppressor

   a drug that lowers the body's normal immune response

   inhalant, inhalation

   a medication to be taken by inhaling it

   Isuprel, isoproterenol

   drug (trade name Isuprel) used to treat bronchial asthma and to stimulate the heart

   Isordil, isosorbide

   drug (trade name Isordil) used to treat angina pectoris and congestive heart failure

   lipid-lowering medication, lipid-lowering medicine, statin, statin drug

   a medicine that lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase

   Mecholyl, methacholine

   parasympathomimetic drug (trademark Mecholyl) that stimulates secretions and smooth muscle activity

   nux vomica

   a medicine made from the seeds of an Asiatic tree; contains strychnine and brucine; formerly used as a stimulant

   over-the-counter drug, over-the-counter medicine

   a drug that is sold without a prescription

   oxytocic, oxytocic drug

   a drug that induces labor by stimulating contractions of the muscles of the uterus

   camphorated tincture of opium, paregoric

   medicine used to treat diarrhea

   patent medicine

   medicine that is protected by a patent and available without a doctor's prescription

   Cuprimine, penicillamine

   a drug (trade name Cuprimine) used to treat heavy metal poisoning and Wilson's disease and severe arthritis

   Metrazol, pentamethylenetetrazol, pentylenetetrazol

   a drug used as a circulatory and respiratory stimulant; larger doses cause convulsions in shock therapy; Metrazol is a trademark

   pharmaceutic, pharmaceutical

   drug or medicine that is prepared or dispensed in pharmacies and used in medical treatment

   placebo

   an innocuous or inert medication; given as a pacifier or to the control group in experiments on the efficacy of a drug

   powder

   any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder

   ethical drug, prescription, prescription drug, prescription medicine

   a drug that is available only with written instructions from a doctor or dentist to a pharmacist

   probenecid

   a uricosuric drug that reduces the level of uric acid in the blood; used to treat gout

   aperient, cathartic, physic, purgative

   a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels

   curative, cure, remedy, therapeutic

   a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain

   rubefacient

   a medicine for external application that produces redness of the skin

   depressant, downer, sedative, sedative drug

   a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person

   soothing syrup

   medicine in the form of a syrup that has a calming effect

   specific

   a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease

   Carafate, sucralfate

   medicine consisting of a tablet (trade name Carafate) used to treat peptic ulcers; said to bind to the ulcer site and coat it

   sudatory, sudorific

   a medicine that causes or increases sweating

   suppository

   a small plug of medication designed for insertion into the rectum or vagina where it melts

   tincture

   (pharmacology) a medicine consisting of an extract in an alcohol solution

   restorative, tonic

   a medicine that strengthens and invigorates

   tyrosine kinase inhibitor

   a drug used in cases of chronic myeloid leukemia

   vermicide

   an agent that kills worms (especially those in the intestines)

   anthelminthic, anthelmintic, helminthic, vermifuge

   a medication capable of causing the evacuation of parasitic intestinal worms

   ACE inhibitor, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

   an antihypertensive drug that blocks the formation of angiotensin II in the kidney, leading to relaxation of the arteries; promotes the excretion of salt and water by inhibiting the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme; also used to treat congestive heart failure

   Anacin III, Datril, Panadol, Phenaphen, Tempra, Tylenol, acetaminophen

   an analgesic for mild pain but not for inflammation; also used as an antipyretic; (Datril, Tylenol, Panadol, Phenaphen, Tempra, and Anacin III are trademarks of brands of acetaminophen tablets)

   acetanilid, acetanilide, phenylacetamide

   a white crystalline compound used as an analgesic and also as an antipyretic

   acetophenetidin, acetphenetidin, phenacetin

   a white crystalline compound used as an analgesic and also as an antipyretic

   acoustic

   a remedy for hearing loss or deafness

   Actifed

   trade name for a drug containing an antihistamine and a decongestant; used to treat upper respiratory conditions and minor allergies

   active placebo

   a placebo used in experimental tests of a drug that has noticeable side effects

   Proventil, Ventolin, albuterol

   a bronchodilator (trade names Ventolin or Proventil) used for asthma and emphysema and other lung conditions; available in oral or inhalant forms; side effects are tachycardia and shakiness

   aloes, bitter aloes

   a purgative made from the leaves of aloe

   alpha blocker, alpha-adrenergic blocker, alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, alpha-blocker

   any of various drugs that block alpha-adrenergic receptors; used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia; relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder

   alum

   a double sulphate of aluminum and potassium that is used as an astringent (among other things)

   aminophylline

   a theophylline derivative that is used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of bronchial asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis

   amidopyrine, aminopyrine

   a white crystalline substance used as an analgesic and antipyretic

   Cordarone, amiodarone

   an antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Cordarone) that has potentially fatal side effects and is used to control serious heart rhythm problems only when safer agents have been ineffective

   antibiotic, antibiotic drug

   a chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that can kill microorganisms and cure bacterial infections

   antidote, counterpoison

   a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison

   antimalarial, antimalarial drug

   a medicinal drug used to prevent or treat malaria

   antineoplastic, antineoplastic drug, cancer drug

   any of several drugs that control or kill neoplastic cells; used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells; all have unpleasant side effects that may include nausea and vomiting and hair loss and suppression of bone marrow function

   Goa powder, araroba, chrysarobin

   a bitter yellow powder used to treat skin diseases

   Bayer, Empirin, St. Joseph, acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin

   the acetylated derivative of salicylic acid; used as an analgesic anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Bayer, Empirin, and St. Joseph) usually taken in tablet form; used as an antipyretic; slows clotting of the blood by poisoning platelets

   aspirin powder, headache powder

   a powdered form of aspirin

   Lipitor, atorvastatin

   an oral drug (trade name Lipitor) that is effective in lowering triglycerides; potent in reducing LDL cholesterol because higher doses can be given

   atropine

   a poisonous crystalline alkaloid extracted from the nightshade family; used as an antispasmodic and to dilate the eye pupil; also administered in large amounts as an antidote for organophosphate nerve agents or organophosphate insecticides

   Zithromax, azithromycin

   a systemic antibacterial medicine (trade name Zithromax) that is prescribed to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body

   baby powder

   powder used to prevent a baby's diaper from chafing

   beta blocker, beta-adrenergic blocker, beta-adrenergic blocking agent, beta-blocking agent

   any of various drugs used in treating hypertension or arrhythmia; decreases force and rate of heart contractions by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system

   booster, booster dose, booster shot, recall dose

   an additional dose that makes sure the first dose was effective

   bracer, pick-me-up

   a tonic or restorative (especially a drink of liquor)

   Dimetane, brompheniramine maleate

   antihistamine (trade name Dimetane) used to treat hypersensitivity reactions (as rhinitis)

   castor oil

   a purgative extracted from the seed of the castor-oil plant; used in paint and varnish as well as medically

   Baycol, cerivastatin

   an oral drug (trade name Baycol) to reduce blood cholesterol levels

   chloral hydrate

   a colorless crystalline drug used as a sedative; irritates the stomach and can be addictive

   chloramine, chloramine-T

   any of several compounds containing chlorine and nitrogen; used as an antiseptic in wounds

   chlorhexidine

   a long-lasting liquid antiseptic; used by surgeons to wash their hands before performing surgery

   Diuril, chlorothiazide

   a diuretic drug (trade name Diuril) used in the treatment of edema and hypertension

   Chlor-Trimeton, Coricidin, chlorpheniramine maleate

   an antihistamine (trade names Coricidin and Chlor-Trimeton)

   Tagamet, cimetidine

   a drug (trade name Tagamet) used to treat peptic ulcers by decreasing the secretion of stomach acid

   Catapres, clonidine

   an antihypertensive (trade name Catapres) that can be administered orally or via transdermal patches

   codeine

   derivative of opium; used as an antitussive (to relieve coughing) and an analgesic (to relieve pain)

   colchicine

   an analgesic drug derived from the saffron plant and used to treat gout

   Cox-2 inhibitor

   an anti-inflammatory drug that fights pain and blocks Cox-2 activity without impeding the activity of Cox-1; increases the risk of heart attacks

   Periactin, cyproheptadine

   an antihistamine (trade name Periactin) used to treat some allergic reactions

   dapsone

   antibacterial drug used to treat leprosy and some kinds of skin diseases

   DDC, ddC, dideoxycytosine, zalcitabine

   an antiviral drug used to combat HIV infection

   DDI, ddI, didanosine, dideoxyinosine

   an antiviral drug used to combat HIV infection

   Dynapen, dicloxacillin

   antibacterial (trade name Dynapen) used to treat staphylococcal infections that are resistant to penicillin

   dicoumarol, dicumarol

   an anticoagulant drug that has now been largely replaced by warfarin

   Cardizem, diltiazem

   a calcium blocker (trade name Cardizem) used in treating hypertension or angina or heart failure

   Dramamine, dimenhydrinate

   antihistamine and antiemetic (trade name Dramamine) used to treat motion sickness

   Dimetapp

   trade name for a drug containing an antihistamine and a decongestant; used to relieve nasal congestion and to treat rhinitis

   Benadryl, diphenhydramine

   antihistamine (trade name Benadryl) used to treat allergic reactions involving the nasal passages (hay fever) and also to treat motion sickness

   Dover's powder

   a medicinal powder made essentially of ipecac and opium; formerly used to relieve pain and induce perspiration

   Cardura, doxazosin

   an antihypertensive drug (trade name Cardura) that works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily; it is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia

   draft, draught

   a dose of liquid medicine

   emetic, nauseant, vomit, vomitive

   a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting

   Emetrol

   trade name for an antiemetic drug that has a mint flavor

   Enkaid, encainide

   antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Enkaid) used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias but increases the risk of sudden death in heart attack patients

   Epsom salts

   (used with a singular noun) hydrated magnesium sulfate used as a laxative

   Emeside, Zarontin, ethosuximide

   an anticonvulsant drug (trade names Emeside and Zarontin) used to treat petit mal epilepsy

   face powder

   cosmetic powder for the face

   Pepcid, famotidine

   a histamine blocker (trade name Pepcid) used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis and esophageal reflux

   Fentanyl, Sublimaze

   trade names of a narcotic analgesic that can be inhaled and that acts on the central nervous system and may become addictive; used as a veterinary anesthetic and with other drugs before, during, and after surgery; also used as a nonlethal gas to incapacitate people in hostage situations; also abused as a recreational drug

   Tambocor, flecainide

   oral antiarrhythmic medication (trade name Tambocor) used as a last resort in treating arrhythmias; increases the risk of sudden death in heart attack patients

   Lescol, fluvastatin

   least expensive statin drug (trade name Lescol); usually taken orally at bedtime

   Neurontin, gabapentin

   an anticonvulsant (trade name Neurontin) used to control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy; also used to manage neuralgia caused by shingles

   Glucotrol, glipizide

   an oral antidiabetic drug (trade name Glucotrol) that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas

   Doriden, glutethimide

   sedative (trade name Doriden) used to treat some sleep disorders

   DiaBeta, Micronase, glyburide

   an oral antidiabetic drug (trade names DiaBeta and Micronase) that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas

   gramicidin

   an antibiotic produced by a soil bacterium; used chiefly as an antiseptic in treating local infections produced by Gram-positive bacteria

   Wytensin, guanabenz

   antihypertensive drug (trade name Wytensin) that reduces blood pressure by its effect on the central nervous system

   Lipo-Hepin, Liquaemin, heparin

   a polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibits the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood; it (trade names Lipo-Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis and in heart surgery

   hexachlorophene

   antibacterial substance that is a water-soluble powder used in antiseptic soaps and toothpaste

   hit

   a dose of a narcotic drug

   hydantoin

   any of a group of anticonvulsant drugs used in treating epilepsy

   Apresoline, hydralazine

   an antihypertensive drug (trade name Apresoline) that dilates blood vessels; used (often with a diuretic) to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure

   Dilaudid, hydromorphone, hydromorphone hydrochloride

   a narcotic analgesic (trade name Dilaudid) used to treat moderate to severe pain

   Plaquenil, hydroxychloroquine

   anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Plaquenil) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and malaria and lupus erythematosus

   interferon

   an antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus; inhibits replication of the virus

   iodoform, triiodomethane

   a yellowish crystalline solid with a penetrating odor; sometimes used as an antiseptic dressing

   Atrovent, ipratropium bromide

   an inhaled bronchodilator (trade name Atrovent)

   INH, Nydrazid, isoniazid

   antibacterial drug (trade name Nydrazid) used to treat tuberculosis

   Kaopectate

   trade name for a fixed-combination antidiarrheal drug that use kaolin as the adsorbent and pectin as the emollient

   Normodyne, Trandate, labetalol, labetalol hydrochloride

   antihypertensive drug (trade names Trandate and Normodyne) that blocks alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (leading to a decrease in blood pressure)

   laxative

   a mild cathartic

   lenitive

   remedy that eases pain and discomfort

   lethal dose

   the size dose that will cause death

   Lomotil

   trade name of an antidiarrheal

   application, lotion

   liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin

   Mevacor, lovastatin

   an oral drug (trade name Mevacor) to reduce blood cholesterol levels; used when dietary changes have proved inadequate

   lypressin

   an antidiuretic and vasoconstrictor used to treat diabetes insipidus

   magic bullet

   a remedy (drug or therapy or preventive) that cures or prevents a disease

   Maxzide

   trade name for an antihypertensive drug containing hydrochlorothiazide and another diuretic

   mebendazole

   an anthelmintic used to treat hookworm and pinworm and roundworm infestations

   Antivert, meclizine, meclizine hydrochloride

   an antihistamine (trade name Antivert) used to treat or prevent motion sickness

   Mesantoin, mephenytoin

   a toxic anticonvulsant drug (trade name Mesantoin) used in the treatment of epilepsy when less toxic anticonvulsants have been ineffective

   Mebaral, mephobarbital

   a long-acting crystalline barbiturate (trade name Mebaral) used as a sedative and as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy

   Mercurochrome, merbromine

   a mercurial compound applied topically as an antiseptic; Mercurochrome is the trademark

   Purinethol, mercaptopurine

   a drug (trade name Purinethol) that interferes with the metabolism of purine and is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia

   Alupent, metaproterenol

   a bronchodilator (trade name Alupent) used to treat asthma and emphysema and other lung conditions; available in oral or inhalant forms; side effects include tachycardia and shakiness

   Glucophage, metformin

   an antidiabetic drug (trade name Glucophage) prescribed to treat type II diabetes

   methapyrilene

   antihistamine used to treat allergic responses (as rhinitis or dermatitis or pruritus)

   Gemonil, metharbital

   anticonvulsant drug (trade name Gemonil) used in the treatment of epilepsy

   Mandelamine, Urex, methenamine

   antibacterial agent (trade names Mandelamine and Urex) that is contained in many products that are used to treat urinary infections

   amethopterin, methotrexate, methotrexate sodium

   toxic antimetabolite that limits cellular reproduction by acting as an antagonist to folic acid; used to treat certain cancers and psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis

   Aldomet, alpha methyl dopa, methyldopa

   antihypertensive drug (trade name Aldomet) used in the treatment of high blood pressure

   Flagyl, metronidazole

   antiprotozoal medication (trade name Flagyl) used to treat trichomoniasis and giardiasis

   Mexitil, mexiletine

   antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Mexitil) used to treat ventricular arrhythmias

   Argyrol, mild silver protein

   antiseptic consisting of a compound of protein and silver (trade name Argyrol)

   milk of magnesia

   purgative consisting of a milky white liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide; used as a laxative and (in smaller doses) as an antacid

   MAOI, monoamine oxidase inhibitor

   any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate

   morphia, morphine

   an alkaloid narcotic drug extracted from opium; a powerful, habit-forming narcotic used to relieve pain

   NegGram, nalidixic acid

   antibacterial agent used especially to treat genitourinary infections

   nasal decongestant

   a decongestant that provides temporary relief of nasal symptoms of the common cold and rhinitis and upper respiratory infections

   Serzone, nefazodone

   an antidepressant drug (trade name Serzone)

   Neobiotic, fradicin, neomycin

   an antibiotic obtained from an actinomycete and used (as a sulphate under the trade name Neobiotic) as an intestinal antiseptic in surgery

   Neosporin

   trade name for a topical drug containing several antibacterials; used as an ointment for skin irritations and in the form of eyedrops for minor eye infections

   Prostigmin, neostigmine

   a cholinergic drug (trade name Prostigmin) used to treat some ophthalmic conditions and to treat myasthenia gravis

   Procardia, nifedipine

   calcium blocker (trade name Procardia); appears to increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks

   Macrodantin, nitrofurantoin

   derivative of nitrofuran used as an antibacterial medicine (trade name Macrodantin) effective against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; used to treat infections of the urinary tract

   NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

   an anti-inflammatory drug that does not contain steroids

   nontricyclic, nontricyclic antidepressant, nontricyclic antidepressant drug, nontricyclic drug

   a class of antidepressant drugs that are not tricyclic drugs and do not act by inhibiting MAO

   nostrum

   patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable

   balm, ointment, salve, unction, unguent

   semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

   Tandearil, oxyphenbutazone

   an anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Tandearil) used to treat arthritis and bursitis

   Daricon, oxyphencyclimine

   an anticholinergic drug (trade name Daricon) used in treating peptic ulcers

   alleviant, alleviator, palliative

   remedy that alleviates pain without curing

   catholicon, cure-all, nostrum, panacea

   hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists

   Talwin, pentazocine

   analgesic drug (trade name Talwin) that is less addictive than morphine

   Pyridium, phenazopyridine

   analgesic (trade name Pyridium) used to treat urinary tract infections

   pheniramine

   an antihistamine used in preparations to treat allergies and respiratory infections; used to treat rhinitis and skin rashes and pruritus

   Milontin, phensuximide

   anticonvulsant (trade name Milontin) used to treat petit mal

   Butazolidin, bute, phenylbutazone

   anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Butazolidin)

   phenyltoloxamine

   antihistamine included in some preparations used to treat coughing and nasal congestion

   lozenge, pill, tab, tablet

   a dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet

   piperazine

   vermifuge used to treat infestations by roundworms or pinworms

   Pravachol, pravastatin

   an oral drug (trade name Pravachol) administered to reduce blood cholesterol levels; recommended after nonfatal heart attacks

   Minipress, prazosin

   antihypertensive drug (trade name Minipress)

   preventative, preventive, prophylactic

   remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease

   Mysoline, primidone

   an anticonvulsant (trade name Mysoline) used to treat grand mal seizures and essential tremor

   prochlorperazine

   antipsychotic and antiemetic drug used to treat schizophrenia and to combat nausea and vomiting

   Phenergan, promethazine

   antihistamine (trade name Phenergan) used to treat allergies; also an antiemetic used to treat motion sickness

   Darvon, propoxyphene, propoxyphene hydrochloride

   a mildly narcotic analgesic drug (trade name Darvon) related to methadone but less addictive

   PI, protease inhibitor

   an antiviral drug used against HIV; interrupts HIV replication by binding and blocking HIV protease; often used in combination with other drugs

   pyrilamine

   antihistamine used to treat rhinitis and pruritus

   Atabrine, mepacrine, quinacrine, quinacrine hydrochloride

   a drug (trade name Atabrine) used to treat certain worm infestations and once used to treat malaria

   Quinidex, Quinora, quinidine

   cardiac drug (trade names Quinidex and Quinora) used to treat certain heart arrhythmias

   radiopharmaceutical

   pharmaceutical consisting of a radioactive compound used in radiation therapy

   Zantac, ranitidine

   a histamine blocker and antacid (trade name Zantac) used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis and esophageal reflux

   Edronax, reboxetine

   an antidepressant drug that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine

   refill

   a prescription drug that is provided again

   Rau-Sed, Raudixin, Sandril, Serpasil, reserpine

   antihypertensive consisting of an alkaloid extracted from the plant Rauwolfia serpentina (trade names Raudixin or Rau-Sed or Sandril or Serpasil)

   reverse transcriptase inhibitor

   an antiviral drug that inhibits the action of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses such as HIV

   Virazole, ribavirin

   an inhaled antiviral agent (trade name Virazole) that may be used to treat serious virus infections

   Rifadin, Rimactane, rifampin

   an antibacterial drug (trade names Rifadin and Rimactane) used to treat tuberculosis

   Robitussin

   trade name of an expectorant that loosens phlegm and makes it easier to cough up

   sedative-hypnotic, sedative-hypnotic drug

   a sedative that depresses activity of the central nervous system and reduces anxiety and induces sleep

   SSRI, selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor

   an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin is available to act on receptors in the brain

   Zocor, simvastatin

   an oral lipid-lowering medicine (trade name Zocor) administered to reduce blood cholesterol levels; recommended after heart attacks

   sodium salicylate

   a crystalline salt used as an analgesic and antipyretic

   sulfa, sulfa drug, sulfonamide, sulpha

   antibacterial consisting of any of several synthetic organic compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria that require PABA

   sulfonylurea

   antidiabetic consisting of any of several drugs that reduce the level of glucose in the blood; used to treat diabetes mellitus

   Tenoretic

   trade name for an antihypertensive drug consisting of a fixed combination of atenolol and a diuretic

   Hytrin, terazosin

   antihypertensive drug (trade name Hytrin) used to treat high blood pressure

   carbon dichloride, ethylene tetrachloride, tetrachlorethylene, tetrachloroethylene

   anthelmintic agent used against hookworm and other nematodes

   Achromycin, tetracycline

   an antibiotic (trade name Achromycin) derived from microorganisms of the genus Streptomyces and used broadly to treat infections

   Elixophyllin, Slo-Bid, Theobid, theophylline

   a colorless crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically; used in medicine as a bronchial dilator

   thiabendazole

   an antifungal agent and anthelmintic

   Merthiolate, sodium ethylmercurithiosalicylate, thimerosal

   a light-colored crystalline powder (trade name Merthiolate) used as a surgical antiseptic

   clot buster, thrombolytic, thrombolytic agent

   a kind of pharmaceutical that can break up clots blocking the flow of blood to the heart muscle

   iodine, tincture of iodine

   a tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic

   Tonocard, tocainide

   antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Tonocard) used to treat ventricular arrhythmias when less dangerous drugs have failed

   bath powder, dusting powder, toilet powder

   a fine powder for spreading on the body (as after bathing)

   tricyclic, tricyclic antidepressant, tricyclic antidepressant drug

   an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain

   Depokene, valproic acid

   anticonvulsant (trade name Depokene) used to prevent some kinds of seizures

   Calan, Isoptin, verapamil

   a drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine

   Coumadin, warfarin

   an anticoagulant (trade name Coumadin) use to prevent and treat a thrombus or embolus

   arnica

   used especially in treating bruises

   ephedrine

   white odorless powdered or crystalline alkaloid from plants of the genus Ephedra (especially Ephedra sinica) or made synthetically; used as a bronchodilator to treat bronchitis and asthma

   Pediapred, Prelone, prednisolone

   a glucocorticoid (trade names Pediapred or Prelone) used to treat inflammatory conditions

   Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, prednisone

   a dehydrogenated analogue of cortisol (trade names Orasone or Deltasone or Liquid Pred or Meticorten); used as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of arthritis and as an immunosuppressant

   Decadron, Dexamethasone Intensol, Dexone, Hexadrol, Oradexon, dexamethasone

   a corticosteroid drug (trade names Decadron or Dexamethasone Intensol or Dexone or Hexadrol or Oradexon) used to treat allergies or inflammation

   Aldactone, spironolactone

   a synthetic corticosteroid (trade name Aldactone) used to treat hypertension

   crystal violet, gentian violet

   a green crystal (violet in water) used as a dye or stain or bactericide or fungicide or anthelmintic or burn treatment

   maleate

   a salt or ester of maleic acid; used as a nontricyclic antidepressant drug for psychomotor activation

   neuromuscular blocking agent

   a substance that interferes with the neural transmission between motor neurons and skeletal muscles

   Rochelle powder, Seidlitz powder, Seidlitz powders

   an effervescing salt containing sodium bicarbonate and Rochelle salt and tartaric acid; used as a cathartic

   type of:

   drug

   a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic
2. noun

   the act of treating with medicines or remedies
   types:

   antipyresis

   medication with antipyretics to treat a fever

   administration, giving medication

   the act of administering medication

   drip feed

   the administration of a solution (blood or saline or plasma etc.) one drop at a time

   drugging, sedation

   the administration of a sedative agent or drug

   type of:

   therapy

   (medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.)