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

noun
(medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease

synonyms: medicament, medicinal drug, medicine

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types:
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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
noun
the act of treating with medicines or remedies

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types:
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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.)

Pronunciation

/ˈmɛdəˌkeɪʃən/

/mɛdɪˈkɛɪʃən/

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medication

/ˈmɛdəˌkeɪʃən/

/mɛdɪˈkɛɪʃən/

/ˈmɛdəˌkeɪʃən/

/mɛdɪˈkɛɪʃən/

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medication

/ˈmɛdəˌkeɪʃən/

/mɛdɪˈkɛɪʃən/

/ˈmɛdəˌkeɪʃən/

/mɛdɪˈkɛɪʃən/

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