Drug Classifications
I. Act on Central Nervous System:
Analgesics; Acetaminophen, Codeine Sulfate,
Fentanyl, Morphine Sulfate
Anesthetics; Enflurane, Halothane, Lidocaine,
Nitrous Oxide
Sedatives & Hypnotics; Flurazepam,
Pentobarbital, Zaleplon
Muscle Relaxants; Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine
Antiepileptic (Anticonvulsants);
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Zonisamide
Antiparkinsonian; Amantadine, Benztropic
Psychotherapeutic (Psychotropic); Bupropion,
Clozapine, Diazepam
Stimulants (Sympathomimetic);
Amphetamines, Phentermine
II. Act on Autonomic Nervous System:
Adrenergics; Albuterol Sulfate, Dobutamine
Sympatholytics(antagonists); Atenolol,
Carvedilol
Cholinergic; Donepezil, Bethanezhol
Anticholinergic; Atropine, Dicyclomine
III. Act on Cardiovascular and Renal Systems:
Inotropic (positive); Digoxin, Milrinone
Antidysrhythmic; Atenolol, Verapamil
Antianginal; Nitroglycerin, Amlodipine
Antihypertensive; Captopril, Prazosin
Diuretic; Mannitol, Furosemide
Electrolytes; Albumin Dextran
Anticoagulants; Warfarin
Relieve pain
Depress consciousness; decrease response to
sensory stimuli
Reduce nervousness, excitability, and
irritability, induce sleep
Relieve muscle spasms
Control and prevent seizures
Decrease symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Treat emotional and mental disorders
Elevate mood, increase enegy and alertness,
decrease appetite
Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
(SNS), many varied uses
Block SNS response; divided into alpha and
beta blockers
Stimulate parasympathetic nervous system
(PSNS)
Block or inhibit action of Acetylcholine (ACH)
in the PSNS, various functions
Increase force of myocardial contraction
Treat cardiac dysrhythmia
Minimize frequency of angina attacks,
increase clients functional capacity, prevent or
delay MI
Reduce high blood pressure
Increase rate of urine formation, therefore
removing sodium and water from the body
Regulation of body water
Prevent, promote, or lyse clots
Reduce cholesterol
IV. Act on Endocrine System:

Treatment of hormone deficiency

Replace thyroid hormone, or treat excessive
secretion of thyroid hormone
Reduce high blood sugar
Inhibit inflammatory response, control fluid
and water retention
Various functions affecting women’s health
Development and maintenance of sex
characteristics

V. Act on Respiratory System:

Reduces effects of histamines

Reduces congestion or swelling of respiratory
tract
Reduces cough
Reduces viscosity of respiratory secretions;
facilitating their removal by coughing
Relax bronchial smooth muscle; improving air
flow
Block inflammation in the lungs
Decrease inflammation of airway
Prevent bronchospasm

VI. Act to decrease Infection or Inflammation:

Destroy or prevent development of

microorganisms
Destroys or prevents replication of viruses
Treat infections caused by Mycobacterium
Treat fungal infections
Destroys or prevents development of the
malaria parasite
Destroys or prevents development of protozoa
Destroys or prevents development of parasitic
worm infections
Inhibits growth and reproduction of
microorganisms without necessarily killing
them
Kills microorganisms
Reduce fevers, inflammation, and pain
 Treat rheumatic conditions of gout and arthritis

VII. Modify Immune System and/or Treat Cancer

Decreases pr prevents an immune response

Toxoids or vaccines that target a specific
microorganism
Used to treat cancer
Enhance or restrict the body’s immune
response to disease
Target human genes to treat or prevent illness

VIII. Affect the Gastrointestinal System:

Treats excessive production of gastric acids

Treats diarrhea
Promotes bowel evacuation by softening stool,
increasing the bulk of feces, or lubricating the
intestinal walls
Treats nausea and vomiting
Organic molecules needed in small amounts to
carry on metabolism
Inorganic compounds needed for many body
structures and functions
Nutritional support to meet the body’s
nutritional needs

IX. Miscellaneous Effects:

Promote hematopoesis and treat anemas

Treat reaction or disorders of the skin
Treat disorders of the eye
Treats disorders of the ear