Dictionary

Pharmacology

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

CPZAn abbreviation for Compazine (prochlorperazine); ISMP advises writing the full drug name.

cromolynA mast cell stabilizer: a drug that stops certain immune cells from releasing histamine, used to prevent allergy symptoms.

current medicationA medicine a person is taking now, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal products.

cyanocobalaminA form of vitamin B12 given by injection, nasal spray or mouth to treat or prevent B12 deficiency.

cyclobenzaprineA drug that relaxes muscles in spasm, taken by mouth for a short time.

cyclophosphamideA chemotherapy drug, given by mouth or IV, used for many cancers and for some severe autoimmune diseases.

cyclosporineAn immunosuppressant drug that calms the immune system, used mainly to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.

cytarabineA chemotherapy drug that blocks DNA building, given by IV, SUBQ or into the spinal fluid for leukemia and lymphoma.