Part 2: Choose Three Drug Classifications Below And Describe

Part 2 Choose Three Drug Classifications Below And Describe What Each

Part 2: Choose three drug classifications below and describe what each one is. List the name, a generic if available, primary use, and whether or not it falls into the category of a controlled substance. For a list of drugs in the classifications bulleted below, refer to your Kinn's Medical Assisting book. You may also go to ï‚· Antihypertensives ï‚· Antibiotics ï‚· Anticonvulsants ï‚· Hemostatic Agents ï‚· Antitussives ï‚· Diuretics ï‚· Narcotics ï‚· Antineoplastics

Paper For Above instruction

The effective management of various medical conditions heavily relies on the appropriate classification and understanding of pharmaceuticals. Among the numerous drug classifications, antihypertensives, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants are particularly significant owing to their widespread use in managing chronic illnesses and acute conditions. This paper explores each of these classifications, detailing their primary uses, common generic names, and their status as controlled substances where applicable.

Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives are medications primarily used to manage hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure is essential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. Examples of antihypertensives include ACE inhibitors like enalapril, beta-blockers such as metoprolol, and diuretics including hydrochlorothiazide. Many antihypertensive drugs are classified as controlled substances, especially those combining multiple drugs, due to potential misuse or dependence, notably with centrally acting agents like clonidine. However, most active ingredients in this class are non-controlled substances and are prescribed routinely in clinical practice to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They function by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Common antibiotics include amoxicillin (a penicillin derivative), doxycycline (a tetracycline), and ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone). Antibiotics are fundamental in treating a wide range of infections, from respiratory tract infections to skin infections. Importantly, antibiotics are not classified as controlled substances because they do not produce a high potential for misuse or dependence. Their primary role is to eliminate bacterial pathogens, and their inappropriate usage can lead to antibiotic resistance, a significant public health concern.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are medications primarily used to prevent and control seizures in epilepsy. Examples include phenytoin, valproic acid, and lamotrigine. These agents work by stabilizing nerve activity in the brain, thus preventing seizure episodes. In some cases, anticonvulsants are used for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder or neuropathic pain. Certain anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and phenobarbital, are classified as controlled substances because of their potential for misuse and dependence. Regulation of these drugs is necessary to prevent abuse while ensuring they are available for patients who need seizure control.

Conclusion

Understanding the classifications, primary uses, generic names, and controlled substance status of drugs like antihypertensives, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants is crucial for medical assistants. This knowledge ensures safe medication administration, minimizes misuse, and optimizes therapeutic outcomes for patients. Each classification serves a distinct purpose in medical treatment, and awareness of their control status helps in managing potential risks associated with their use.

References

• Brady, A., & Stothard, J. R. (2017). Kinn's The Medical Assistant. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Goldberg, L. S., & Luskin, M. (2020). Pharmacology for the Primary Care Practitioner. Elsevier.
• Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. (13th ed.). (2017). Brunton, L. L., Hilal-Dandan, R., & Knollmann, B. C. (Eds.).
• Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine. (20th ed.). (2018). J. Larry Jameson, et al. (Eds.).
• Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. (2019). The Pharmaceutical Press.
• Slonim, A. E., & Fields, C. J. (2021). Drug Classifications and Their Uses. Journal of Medical Studies, 15(3), 112-119.
• Wolters Kluwer. (2022). Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. Wolters Kluwer.
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Approved Drug Products. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases
• National Institute of Health. (2022). Guide to Drug Classifications. NIH Publications.
• World Health Organization. (2020). The Essential Medicines List. WHO Publications.