7. Gastrointestinal Drugs

These drugs are often used to relieve uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms in the gastrointestinal system, rather than cure that specific disease

Examples:

1. Antacids: Antacids neutralize the hydrochloric acid in the stomach to relieve symptms of peptic ulcer, esophagitis, and epigastric discomfort.

2. Antiulcer drugs: Antiulcer drugs block secretion of acid by cells in the lining of the stomach and are prescribed for patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers.

8. Respiratory Drugs

These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of emphysema, asthma, and respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Bronchodilators are used to open the air passages (bronchial tubes) and can be administered by injection or aerosol (inhalers).

Examples:

1. Amoline (aminophylline)

2. epinephrine

3. Theo-Dur (theophylline)

9. Sedatives

Sedatives are drugs that induce relaxation and calm nervousness. They work by depressing the central nervous system (brain) causing reduced mental activity and weakness.

Hypnotics are sedative drugs that produce sleep. Example: Restoril (temazepam)

Barbiturates are a type of sedative-hypnotics derived from barbituric acid. Example: phenobarbital

9. Stimulants

These drugs act on the brain and are used to speed vital processes (heart and respiration) in cases of shock and collapse. They also increase alertness and inhibit hyperactive behavior in children. High doses can produce restlessness, insomnia, and hypertension. Example: Caffeine is a cerebral stimulant. It is used in drugs to relieve certain types of headache by constricting cerebral blood vessels.