Dictionary

Pharmacology

Drugs, drug classes and the words used to give medications safely.

bacitracinAn antibiotic used mostly as an ointment on the skin to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns.

baclofenA muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

barbiturateA type of sedative drug that slows the brain and nervous system, used for some seizures and in anesthesia.

BDTwice a day: a dosing abbreviation from the Latin bis die, used mainly outside the United States.

before mealA timing direction for a medicine or test: give it before eating, often about 30 minutes before a meal.

benazeprilAn ACE inhibitor: a drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking the making of angiotensin II.

benzodiazepineA group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.

benzonatateA cough medicine in soft capsules that numbs the stretch receptors in the lungs.

benztropineAn anticholinergic drug used to treat movement side effects of antipsychotic drugs and symptoms of Parkinson disease.

beta blockerA drug that blocks the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.

betamethasoneA strong, long-acting corticosteroid drug given as an injection or used on the skin.

bethanecholA cholinergic drug taken by mouth that helps the bladder contract and empty.

bioavailabilityThe share of a drug dose that reaches the bloodstream in active form and can work in the body.

biologic response modifierA drug made from living cells or proteins that changes how the immune system responds.

bisacodylA stimulant laxative, taken as a tablet or rectal suppository, that makes the bowel muscles push stool along.

bismuth subsalicylateAn over-the-counter drug for upset stomach and diarrhea that contains bismuth and a salicylate related to aspirin.

bisphosphonateA drug that slows the breakdown of bone.

BIWAn abbreviation for "twice a week" that ISMP advises against; write "2 times weekly."

bleomycinAn antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy drug used for lymphomas, testicular cancer and some skin and head-and-neck cancers.

blockerA drug that stops a receptor or channel in the body from being activated, so the usual effect does not happen.

body surface areaThe total area of the outside of a person's body, in square meters, worked out from height and weight.

bolusA single amount of a drug or fluid given all at once or over a short time.

bradykininA small protein in the body that widens blood vessels, makes them leak fluid and causes pain.

bromocriptineA drug that acts like dopamine, used to lower high prolactin levels and for some other hormone and movement disorders.

bronchodilatorA drug that relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open wider.

budesonideA corticosteroid drug that is inhaled, sprayed in the nose or taken by mouth to reduce inflammation.

bupivacaineA long-acting local anesthetic used to numb an area, block nerves, or give epidural and spinal anesthesia.

buprenorphineAn opioid used to treat opioid use disorder and, in other forms, moderate to severe pain.

bupropionAn antidepressant that is also used to help people stop smoking.

buspironeAn antianxiety drug, taken every day, used for long-lasting anxiety.